The Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs In Sport

With a market size of $13 billion and 73,682 industry jobs as of this year, it’s only fair to say that the sports industry is one of the biggest in Australia. Watching live sport has been easier than never before and with some of the consequential Aussie sports growing, expanding and introducing new teams to the mix, jobs are on the rise. 

Whether you’re a gifted prodigy that was kicking in the womb or have an eye for attention to detail, here are some of the higher paying gigs in the industry:

1. Professional footballer - $45,000 to $62,500 minimum

Now, we’re keeping it realistic here - not everyone will be earning the high-rolling big bucks straight away. According to the A-League, the minimum salary for players varies depending on their age but you’re looking at around $45,000 to $62,500 per year. Not a bad gig to start with!

2. Professional basketballer - 60,033 minimum

With the minimum salary at $60,033 and an average NBL player's salary around $141,000. While it’s a competitive sport to get into, if you’ve got long legs, you’re already halfway there.

3. Personal trainer - $60,318 per year

A lot of people have preconceived opinions that personal training is a bit of a copout but man, is it hard work. They guide athletes through workouts and strict training regimens. They talk with coaches, teams, nutritionists and develop exercise routines - plus, you don’t need to be fully qualified to start!

4. Head coach - $63,949 per year

Ted Lasso it up by arranging and organising practice, creating game strategies and maintaining budgets. Be coach Bolton that drives the team to success!

5. Nutritionist - $68,377 per year

As a nutritionist, you are helping athletes be at the top of their game. Aside from creating nutrition regimes, they’re also taking their training routine and fitness goals into account. From catering team meals to working one-on-one with the biggest sportspeople, you could be travelling domestically and internationally before you know it! A bachelor’s degree in nutrition science is required.

6. Sports photographer - $69,212 per year

Ever wanted to get close to those history-making moments on the field or court? Take fast-action images, set up equipment and get amongst it to capture the scenes! There is no specific requirement to land this gig but prior training and experience would be aces.

7. Referee - $76,813 per year - Gerard Sutton

If you ever thought of being the most hated person on television during the winter season (cough cough, Gerard Sutton) then why not give refereeing a shot? Just joking obviously - we respect refs, no matter the game. They’re meeting safety regulations, tracking time and assessing penalties - plus, they make some heavy power moves. As long as you’ve got knowledge of the rule book, ya sweet.

8. Sports Marketing Specialist - $77,730 per year

When you think of marketing, sports probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. If you have a degree or higher in marketing, public relations or advertising - this one is for you. From promoting teams or stadiums, these guys perform market research, create strategies and use a variety of TV, radio, newspapers and social media to get people intrigued.

9. AFL player - $85,000 minimum

That’s some decent dosh for a first-year rookie, plus with match fees of $5,000 and above per game? Damn, these blokes chasing a ball around for four quarters are racking it in.

The dosh only gets better from there, so if you’re keen on becoming the next Bailey Smith (aka Australia’s biggest heartthrob) then polish ya boots and get training.

10. Sports Analyst - $103,073 per year

These guys use data to assess the chance of a range of outcomes. You know, when they determine whether it’s a try or no try. They’re helping teams with recruitment, outcomes and whether to place certain players in their teams. If you’ve got an eye for maths, statistics or just… numbers, then you’ll be sweet!

Nowadays, you don’t need to know your left from right to work within the sporting industry. The atmosphere, vibes and adrenaline is enough for you to work in the field!

Sources for on average or minimum pay scales: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

Here at Year13, we team up with some of the legendary employers, universities and colleges to get you on the path to your dream job. Whether that's on the field or off, suss out all the working and study options that are keen to have you on board!