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Sport Psychologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Provides information about cognitive performance, exercise and sports psychology factors in sports, exercise, and physical activity. * Trains and educates on goal setting, performance profiling ...

Provide information, education, and training about cognitive performance related to exercise and sports psychology factors in sports and physical activity. * Provide education and training on ...

Provides information about cognitive performance, exercise and sports psychology factors in sports, exercise, and physical activity. * Trains and educates on goal setting, performance profiling ...

Provide information, education, and training about cognitive performance related to exercise and sports psychology factors in sports and physical activity. * Provide education and training on ...

Provide information, education, and training about cognitive performance related to exercise and sports psychology factors in sports and physical activity. * Provide education and training on ...

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Sport Psychologist information

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$11K

$92.8K

$398.5K

How much do sport psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for sport psychologist in the United States is $92,813.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $117,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Sport Psychologists face when working with athletes and teams?

Sport Psychologists often encounter challenges such as building trust with athletes, overcoming resistance to psychological interventions, and managing confidentiality within a team environment. They must balance individual athlete needs with team dynamics, while also addressing performance anxiety, motivation, and recovery from setbacks or injuries. Collaborating closely with coaches, medical staff, and family members requires strong communication skills and adaptability to different team cultures and expectations.

What jobs can a sports psychologist do?

A sports psychologist can work with athletes, teams, and coaches to improve mental performance, focus, and motivation. They may work in sports organizations, schools, or private practice, often requiring knowledge of counseling techniques and certification in sports psychology. Their roles include mental skills training, stress management, and injury recovery support.

What is the highest paid Sport Psychologist?

The highest paid sport psychologists typically work with professional athletes or teams at the elite level, earning salaries that can exceed $100,000 annually. Salaries vary based on experience, reputation, location, and the level of clientele, with some top professionals earning significantly more through consulting fees and endorsements.

What Does a Sport Psychologist Do?

As a sport psychologist, you may work with athletes from any sport, functioning as a consultant, therapist, or trainer. Your duties include fostering well being in the emotional, mental, and physical life of athletes, facilitating workshops or counseling that focus on visualization, goal setting, and relaxation, and developing mind strategies to assist an athlete with coping with injuries and setbacks. Other duties include treating and advising athletes who have mental health conditions, helping athletes to study different coping strategies, and using modern research to allow athletes to enhance their physical performance in overall healthy ways.

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

To thrive as a Sport Psychologist, you need a solid background in psychology, counseling, and sport science, typically supported by a master's or doctoral degree and licensure or certification as applicable. Familiarity with psychological assessment tools, biofeedback systems, and specialized software for data analysis is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to motivate and communicate effectively are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for helping athletes enhance performance, manage stress, and maintain mental well-being in competitive environments.

Is there a high demand for sports psychologists?

The demand for sports psychologists is growing as athletes and teams increasingly recognize the importance of mental health and performance. Employment opportunities are available in professional sports, colleges, and private practice, often requiring specialized training and certification. Job growth is expected to be steady, reflecting broader trends in sports and mental health services.

What is the difference between Sport Psychologist vs Athletic Trainer?

AspectSport PsychologistAthletic Trainer
CredentialsDoctoral degree in psychology, licensure, certification (e.g., Certified Mental Performance Consultant)Bachelor's or master's degree in athletic training, certification (e.g., ATC)
Work EnvironmentSports teams, clinics, private practice, mental health settingsSports facilities, hospitals, schools, clinics
Industry UsageFocus on mental skills, motivation, and psychological well-being of athletesInjury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletes

While both roles serve athletes, a Sport Psychologist specializes in mental skills and psychological health, often requiring advanced psychology credentials. An Athletic Trainer focuses on injury management and physical rehabilitation. They work collaboratively but have distinct training and responsibilities within the sports industry.

What degree do most sports psychologists have?

Most sports psychologists hold at least a master's degree in psychology, sports psychology, or a related field. Many also pursue a doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D., to qualify for licensing and advanced practice. Certification from professional organizations can enhance credibility and job prospects.

What is a Sport Psychologist?

A Sport Psychologist is a professional who helps athletes and teams enhance their performance and well-being through mental strategies. They work with individuals to manage anxiety, improve focus, set goals, and recover from setbacks or injuries. Sport Psychologists also collaborate with coaches and support staff to create positive environments and address team dynamics. Their expertise combines knowledge of psychology with sports science to help athletes achieve their full potential.
What cities are hiring for Sport Psychologist jobs? Cities with the most Sport Psychologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sport Psychologist jobs? The most popular types of Sport Psychologist jobs are:
What states have the most Sport Psychologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Sport Psychologist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Sport Psychologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,813 per year, or $44.6 per hour.
Sports Psychologist

Sports Psychologist

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


University Of Notre Dame rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

301st of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Company Description

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

Job Description

The Sport Psychologist serves as a member of the University Counseling Center (UCC) and is an embedded clinician within the Athletics Department. This specialist provides comprehensive clinical and performance-based  services to Division I student-athletes within an interdisciplinary team including Sports Medicine, Strength and Conditioning, Nutrition, and Sports Sciences. 

Clinical Services & Crisis Management

  • Provide culturally competent individual and group psychotherapy to a diverse student-athlete population.
  • Conduct therapeutic assessments to formulate evidence-based treatment plans and determine appropriate levels of care, and maintain timely electronic clinical records.
  • Manage complex clinical decision-making and conduct risk assessments (including suicide interventions and hospitalizations) for students in crisis.
  • Maintains accurate and timely clinical records in the UCC’s electronic record keeping system.
  • Support the broader UCC mission by assisting with clinical services and outreach programming for the general student body as needed.

Sport Psychology Specific Programming

  • Develop, deliver, and evaluate individual and team-based performance interventions (e.g., mental skills training, leadership development, and team cohesion).
  • Design and execute psychoeducational programming (workshops, lectures) on mental health, wellness, and personal growth for athletes, coaches, and staff.
  • Conduct developmental assessments for teams and student-athletes including cognitive-perceptual and personality inventories 
  • Provide consultation to coaching and athletic staff to help them recognize, assist, and refer distressed student-athletes.

Collaboration & Administration

  • Partner with the Program Director for Sport Psychology on strategic planning, policy development, and program evaluation.
  • Support UCC’s APA-Accredited Doctoral Internship Program in Health Service Psychology through the provision of supervision and facilitation of topical seminars. 
  • Serve on relevant UCC, Student Affairs and Athletics Department committees.
  • Regularly collaborates with other areas within the Division of Student Affairs and participates as an integral member of the Student Health and Wellness team, working closely and collaborating with the Center for Student Support and Care, McDonald Center for Student Well-being, and University Health Services.

Professional Standards

  • Deliver all services in strict accordance with the American Psychological Association (APA) ethical code and Indiana state law.
  • Maintain professional development and Indiana licensure requirements through continued education, conferences, and contributions to the field.
Qualifications

Education and Skills

  • Ph.D., Psy. D., or Ed.D. in Clinical or Counseling Psychology from an APA Accredited program.
  • Two years of experience (can include internship) providing mental health counseling and performance enhancement services to athletes, coaches, and staff, preferably in a university or college counseling center setting.
  • Evidence of outstanding skills in clinical assessment, psychotherapy, crisis management, and psycho-education.
  • A solid understanding of boundaries and professional ethics. 
  • The successful candidate will also demonstrate a clear appreciation of and commitment to the University’s Catholic, Holy Cross mission.

Additional Information

Salary: Commensurate with degree and licensure experience

Applications will be accepted through July 27, 2026

RESUME & COVER LETTER ARE REQUIRED to be considered for this position. Please add in the attachments section of your application.

There are two positions that are being hired. One position with a start date of Fall 2026 and one position with a start date of January 2027.

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.


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