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Elite Athlete Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Exos

Sports Science Intern - Fall 2026

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Interns will work within multidisciplinary teams and be exposed to athletes at various levels, from youth to elite professionals. Performance Coaching Component: * Learn and refine coaching skills ...

Exos

Sports Science Intern - Fall 2026

Gulf Breeze, FL ยท On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Interns will work within multidisciplinary teams and be exposed to athletes at various levels, from youth to elite professionals. Performance Coaching Component: * Learn and refine coaching skills ...

Exos

Sports Science Intern - Spring 2026

Alpharetta, GA ยท On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Interns will work within multidisciplinary teams and be exposed to athletes at various levels, from youth to elite professionals. Performance Coaching Component: * Learn and refine coaching skills ...

Leland

Professional Athletics Mentor

Ideal candidates have professional or elite athletic experience, prior mentoring experience, and a clear, structured approach to helping athletes build both their physical performance and career ...

Exos

Sports Science Intern - Fall 2026

Gulf Breeze, FL

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Interns will work within multidisciplinary teams and be exposed to athletes at various levels, from youth to elite professionals. Performance Coaching Component: * Learn and refine coaching skills ...

Athletes First

Marketing & Media Attorney

Laguna Hills, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

N/A Salary: $130,000-150,000/year, Exempt About Athletes First Athletes First is the premier sports representation and marketing agency, guiding the careers of elite athletes, coaches, executives ...

Exos

Sports Science Intern - Spring 2026

Alpharetta, GA

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Interns will work within multidisciplinary teams and be exposed to athletes at various levels, from youth to elite professionals. Performance Coaching Component: * Learn and refine coaching skills ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Nutritionist

New Brunswick, NJ ยท On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

At RWJBarnabas Health, in partnership with Rutgers Athletics, our Sports Nutritionists play a vital role in fueling championship performance. Operating within an elite, interdisciplinary sports ...

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Elite Athlete information

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How much do elite athlete jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for elite athlete in the United States is $393,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $400,000.00 and $400,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an elite athlete?

Elite athletes are individuals who compete at the highest levels of their sport, often representing their country or playing for professional teams. They have exceptional physical abilities, advanced skills, and undergo rigorous training and coaching to maintain peak performance. Elite athletes typically participate in international competitions such as the Olympics, World Championships, or professional leagues, and are recognized for their dedication, discipline, and achievements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an elite athlete, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Elite Athlete, you need exceptional physical fitness, sport-specific technical skills, and a history of competitive performance, often supported by advanced coaching and training. Mastery of performance analysis tools, strength and conditioning programs, and familiarity with recovery technologies are typically required. Outstanding discipline, mental resilience, teamwork, and the ability to handle pressure are vital soft skills that set top athletes apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining peak performance, achieving consistent results, and competing successfully at the highest levels.

What are some common challenges elite athletes face in balancing training, competition, and personal life?

Elite athletes often encounter challenges in maintaining a healthy balance between the rigorous demands of training and competition schedules and their personal lives. Long hours of practice, frequent travel, and the pressure to perform at a high level can lead to physical and mental fatigue. Many athletes work closely with coaches, sports psychologists, and support staff to develop strategies for time management, recovery, and mental well-being. Maintaining strong communication with their support networks is key to sustaining both peak performance and personal relationships.

What is the difference between Elite Athlete vs Professional Athlete?

AspectElite AthleteProfessional Athlete
CredentialsHigh-level training, specialized coaching, often with national or international recognitionContracted by teams or organizations, may require specific sports licenses or certifications
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, competitions, and events at national/international levelsTeam facilities, stadiums, and sports venues during competitions and training
Industry UsageUsed across various sports to denote top-tier competitorsCommonly used to describe paid athletes competing professionally

Elite Athletes are top-tier competitors often recognized for exceptional skill and training, sometimes at amateur or semi-professional levels. Professional Athletes are those who earn a living through sports, competing at the highest levels. While all professional athletes are elite, not all elite athletes are necessarily professional if they haven't turned professional or earned income from their sport.

How much do elite athletes make?

Elite athletes' earnings vary widely depending on the sport, level of competition, and endorsement deals. Top professional athletes can earn millions of dollars annually through salaries, sponsorships, and prize money, while others may earn significantly less. Income often depends on performance, marketability, and the sport's popularity.
More about Elite Athlete jobs

What job categories do people searching Elite Athlete jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Elite Athlete jobs are:

Elite Athlete jobs near you
Infographic showing various Elite Athlete job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $393,215 per year, or $189 per hour.

Sports Science Intern - Fall 2026

Exos

Phoenix, AZ โ€ข On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
The Performance Coach Sports Science Internship is a hybrid, immersive program designed to provide students with practical experience in both performance coaching and applied sports science.
This 12-16 week opportunity blends strength and conditioning education with hands-on data collection and athlete performance analysis. Interns will work within multidisciplinary teams and be exposed to athletes at various levels, from youth to elite professionals.
Performance Coaching Component:
  • Learn and refine coaching skills under elite human performance mentors.
  • Shadow and support sessions with diverse athlete populations.
  • Engage in the Exos Methodology through:
    • Weekly educational lectures, practicums, and presentations.
    • Hands-on development of linear and multidirectional movement training.
    • Self-paced learning modules.
  • Opportunity to earn the Exos Performance Specialist Certification (XPS).
  • Exposure to sports nutrition, therapy, and science integration.

Sports Science Component:
  • Assist with athlete assessments (force plates, velocity profiling, motion capture, etc.).
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret biomechanical and physiological data.
  • Help integrate data into training and recovery planning.
  • Collaborate with coaches, therapists, and sports scientists to monitor athlete progress.
  • Support applied research, literature review, and data presentation.
  • Calibrate and maintain assessment technology.

Qualifications:
  • Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in: Sports Science, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or related field.
  • Strong foundation in human performance and sports science concepts.
  • Familiarity with performance testing tools (e.g., force plates, motion capture) is a plus.
  • Basic knowledge of Excel; experience with data software (Python/R) preferred.
  • Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
  • Passionate about athlete development and data-driven performance.

Internship Logistics:
If selected, interns are responsible for:
  • Finding, securing, and funding their own housing, food, and transportation.
  • Funding all travel and relocation costs to their internship location.
  • Confirming course credit eligibility with their school or academic advisor.

Benefits:
  • Mentorship from industry-leading coaches and sport scientists.
  • Exposure to elite-level athletes and sports science technology.
  • Integrated education across movement, mindset, nutrition, and recovery.
  • Opportunity to build a network in the human performance field.
  • Potential pathway to future opportunities at Exos.

WHO WE ARE
For nearly 30 years, Exos has been dedicated to getting people ready for the moments that matter by promoting a holistic approach to health. As an elite coaching company, Exos applies its evidence-based methodology to programming designed to unlock the potential in everyone from corporate employees, to elite athletes, military operators, and beyond.
Simply put, we "get you ready" for the moments that matter - whether that's striving to excel at work, or training for a major athletic event. How do we do it? Our employer solutions include fitness center management, on-site coaching and classes, and the Exos app, as well as immersive team-building experiences, executive coaching, and personal development programming. Our professional athlete training programs propel elite athletes to new heights in the NFL combine and NBA Draft each year, and our practitioner education courses and workshops provide industry professionals ongoing opportunities for development.
We've never been the type to accept the status quo. We're all about studying, learning, innovating, and making waves. And we feel that it's our responsibility to help others because we know there's a better way. That better way is Exos Readiness.
We are an equal opportunity employer
EXOS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace for all. We invite applicants from a wide variety of identities, ideas, perspectives and experiences and encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Exos offers reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities.
Learn more here:
  • EEO is the Law
  • EEO is the Law Supplement

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