The U.S. Department of Labor reports that athletes and sports competitors had mean annual earnings of $51,370 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned $19,280 or less, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $208,000.

Salaries, prize monies, and commercial endorsements will vary from sport to sport; a lot depends on the popularity of the sport and its ability to attract spectators...

Depending on the setting of the sport (indoors or outdoors) and the rules, athletes compete in many different conditions. Outdoor track-and-field athletes often compete in hot or rainy conditions, but organizing officials can call off the meet at any point, or postpone competition until better weather. Indoor events are less subject to cancellation; however, since it is in the best interests of...

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment for professional athletes will grow about as fast as the average for all careers through 2028. Its extremely difficult to advance to the top levels of sports competition, and many athletes careers are cut short due to injuries.

The outlook for professional athletes will vary depending on the sport, its popularity, and the number of at...