1

Sport Performance Psychology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Masters degree in Sport Psychology (preferred major area of study), Human Performance, or related field from an accredited college/university. * 2+ years of experience providing Cognitive Performance ...

Primary Location Rapid City, SD USA Department MHOSH Sports Med/Anc Services Scheduled Weekly Hours ... Develop a mental performance program as well as skills training materials. * Deliver programs to ...

Performance Psychology LPC

Rapid City, SD · On-site

$72K - $90K/yr

Primary Location Rapid City, SD USA Department MHOSH Sports Med/Anc Services Scheduled Weekly Hours ... Develop a mental performance program as well as skills training materials. * Deliver programs to ...

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in the field of Sport Psychology or ... Performance Consultant (CMPC) or American Board of Sport Psychology (ABSP) (Desired). * Have ...

Performance Psychology LPC

Rapid City, SD · On-site

$72K - $90K/yr

Primary Location Rapid City, SD USA Department MHOSH Sports Med/Anc Services Scheduled Weekly Hours ... Develop a mental performance program as well as skills training materials. * Deliver programs to ...

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in the field of Sports Psychology or Kinesiology with a specialized emphasis in sport and/or performance psychology. * Memberships within a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Sport Performance Psychology information

What is the highest paying sports psychologist job?

The highest paying sports psychologist roles are typically in private practice or consulting for professional athletes, teams, or organizations, often requiring advanced degrees and certification. Salaries can exceed $100,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and a strong reputation in the sports industry.

What does a sports performance psychologist do?

A sports performance psychologist helps athletes improve mental skills such as focus, confidence, and stress management to enhance their athletic performance. They use techniques like visualization, goal setting, and mental training, often working with clients in a clinical or sports setting and holding relevant certifications. Their goal is to optimize psychological readiness and resilience for competition and training.

What is sport performance psychology?

Sport performance psychology is a field that focuses on helping athletes and teams enhance their mental skills to improve performance in sports and exercise settings. Professionals in this area use techniques such as goal setting, visualization, self-talk, and anxiety management to help athletes overcome mental barriers, build confidence, and maintain focus under pressure. They may work with individuals or teams at all levels, from youth and amateur athletes to elite professionals. Sport performance psychologists also address issues like motivation, injury recovery, and team dynamics.

What is the difference between Sport Performance Psychology vs Sports Psychologist?

AspectSport Performance PsychologySports Psychologist
CredentialsOften requires certifications in sports psychology or related fieldsRequires a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and state licensure
Work EnvironmentWorks with athletes, coaches, and teams to enhance performanceWorks with athletes, individuals, and teams on mental health and performance issues
Industry UsageCommonly used in athletic and sports settings for performance enhancementUsed in clinical, sports, and mental health contexts within sports industry

Sport Performance Psychology focuses on optimizing athletic performance through mental skills training, while Sports Psychologists often address both performance and mental health concerns. The roles overlap in working with athletes but differ mainly in scope and credentials.

What can you do with a sports and performance psychology degree?

A sports and performance psychology degree prepares individuals for careers as sports psychologists, performance consultants, or mental skills coaches, working with athletes, teams, or organizations to enhance mental resilience, focus, and motivation. Graduates often work in athletic settings, clinics, or private practice, and may pursue certifications such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Skills in counseling, research, and understanding human behavior are essential in this field.

What are some common challenges sport performance psychologists face when working with athletes, and how are these typically addressed?

Sport performance psychologists often encounter challenges such as building trust with athletes, addressing mental barriers like performance anxiety, and integrating psychological strategies within existing coaching structures. To overcome these, psychologists prioritize establishing rapport, use evidence-based interventions like cognitive-behavioral techniques, and collaborate closely with coaches and support staff to ensure psychological training is seamlessly incorporated into the athlete's overall program. Regular communication and a tailored approach help ensure athletes receive the support they need to optimize both their mental well-being and performance.

Do NFL teams hire psychologists?

Yes, NFL teams often hire sports psychologists or mental performance consultants to help players improve focus, manage stress, and enhance overall performance. These professionals typically work closely with athletes during the season and may hold relevant certifications or advanced degrees in psychology or sports psychology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sport Performance Psychologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sport Performance Psychologist, you need a strong background in psychology, counseling, and sports science, usually supported by a master's or doctoral degree and relevant licensure or certification. Familiarity with assessment tools, biofeedback systems, and performance enhancement techniques is typical in this field. Excellent interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to build trust with athletes help practitioners address mental barriers and optimize performance. These competencies enable professionals to effectively support athletes' mental well-being, resilience, and competitive edge.
More about Sport Performance Psychology jobs
What cities are hiring for Sport Performance Psychology jobs? Cities with the most Sport Performance Psychology job openings:
What states have the most Sport Performance Psychology jobs? States with the most job openings for Sport Performance Psychology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Sport Performance Psychology job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.
Part-time Faculty, MA and BA Sport and Performance Psychology

Part-time Faculty, MA and BA Sport and Performance Psychology

National University System

San Diego, CA • Hybrid

$26.63 - $28.89/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Compensation Range:

Hourly: $26.63 - $28.89

National University - San Diego, California

Part-time Faculty: MA and BA Sport and Performance Psychology

Location: Hybrid - San Diego, CA

National University is a veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible higher education to adult learners. Today, we educate a diverse student body from across the U.S. and around the globe, with more than 230,000 alumni worldwide. Our eight schools and two colleges offer more than 200 accredited and licensed graduate and undergraduate programs. National University holds accreditation through the Western Senior College and Universities Commission (WSCUC).

Position Summary

The Department of Psychology, in the JFK School of Psychology and Social Sciences at the National University, invites applications for part-time faculty in Sport and Performance Psychology. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of or potential for excellence in teaching in their field and a commitment to serving the university's diverse adult student body. The successful candidate will have the potential for a commitment to serving the university's diverse adult student body. This position primarily works closely with the Academic Program Director and other faculty within the program and contributes to ensuring program quality, student engagement, and success.

Essential Job Duties:

  • Provide substantive, timely feedback to students on various assessment activities.
  • Maintain a positive, safe, inclusive student-centric learning environment.
  • Complete required tasks on deadlines (e.g., final grades, assessment, grading rubrics, input for grade appeals, etc.)
  • Maintain appropriate professional training and/or scholarly activities, when applicable.
  • Provide feedback to the course lead regarding the course content.
  • Identify at-risk students and collaborate with student services.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

  • Master's Degree or higher in Sport/Performance Psychology, Sport Science, or related disciplines from a regionally accredited university.
  • At least three (2) years of teaching or training experience in the field.
  • Proficiency in common internet tools, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Must reside and be eligible to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Terminal degree (PhD) in a related field (i.e. Psychology, Sport Science) from a regionally accredited university is strongly preferred.
  • CMPC (or approaching certification).
  • 3-5 years of teaching/supervisory or training experience in the field post certification.
  • License to practice in California as an MFT, LPCC, LCSW, or Psychologist (if supervising dual degree students).
  • College-level or field teaching experience is strongly preferred.

For full consideration, interested candidates should provide the following.

  • A cover letter.
  • A curriculum vita.
  • Statement of teaching experience online and/or onsite for a diverse student body

#LI-Hybrid

Candidate receiving offers will be offered a salary/pay rate commensurate with experience that vary based on a candidate's qualifications, skills, and competencies. Absent exceptional circumstances, candidates will be offered a salary within this range for this position. Base pay is one component of National University's total rewards package, as we are dedicated to supporting the needs of the "whole you" with our holistic approach to employee benefits by offering comprehensive well-being benefits for you and your family. For full details about our benefit plan offerings, please visit benefits.nu.edu. For part-time positions, please click here.

National University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant per applicable federal, state and local laws. At NU, a mix of highly talented, innovative, and creative people come together to make the impact of a lifetime for each of our student learners. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment, education, and admission at National University.