53200 – Athletes

Lead statement

Athletes participate in competitive sports events on an amateur or professional basis. They play team sports such as hockey, baseball, football and lacrosse; or compete in individual sports such as skiing, figure skating, boxing or track and field; or in games such as poker or chess.

Main duties

• Attend scheduled practice and training sessions
• Participate in local, regional, provincial, national or international competitions and sporting events
• Train under the direction of a coach or trainer to qualify for competition
• Assess performance after an event to identify strengths and weaknesses.

Employment requirements

• Demonstrated ability in a particular sport, or type of game, is required.
• Extensive training under the supervision of a coach is required.
• Certification with a particular sports federation may be required.
• A background combining athletic training and college or university studies is strongly recommended.

Example job titles

athlete · amateur athlete · track athlete · professional athlete · boxer · stock car racer · chuckwagon driver · harness racing driver · harness race driver · sulky driver · automobile racer · race car driver · stampede racer · golf player · golfer · jockey · baseball player · billiard player · football player · footballer · hockey player · soccer player · tennis player · wrestler · skater · figure skater · demolition driver · skier · professional sportsman/woman · sprinter · short-distance runner · prize fighter · professional boxer · rodeo performer · chuckwagon racer - stampede · stampede performer · cyclist · handball player · fencer · swimmer

Wages (per hour)

Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.