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Sport Psychologist Jobs in Buffalo, NY (NOW HIRING)

Sport Psychologist information

See Buffalo, NY salary details

$10.7K

$89.9K

$386K

How much do sport psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for sport psychologist in Buffalo, NY is $89,905.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,400.00 and $113,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Sport Psychologist jobs in Buffalo, NY? The most popular types of Sport Psychologist jobs in Buffalo, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Sport Psychologist jobs in Buffalo, NY? For Sport Psychologist jobs in Buffalo, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Buffalo, NY are hiring for Sport Psychologist jobs? Cities near Buffalo, NY with the most Sport Psychologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Sport Psychologist job openings in Buffalo, NY as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 61% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,905 per year, or $43.2 per hour.
SUPERVISORY YOUTH PROGRAMS SPECIALIST / YOUTH PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

SUPERVISORY YOUTH PROGRAMS SPECIALIST / YOUTH PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

US Department of the Air Force

Niagara Falls, NY

$63.80K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
The primary purpose of this position is: To exercise supervisory and managerial authorities over the Installation Youth Programs. Provide a comprehensive, professional youth program consisting of a balance of well-rounded positive experiences for youth 5-18 years of age. Focus is on Youth Activities, Youth Sports and School-Age Care programs as defined in AFI 34-144.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Professional and Scientific Positions.
BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included or was supplemented by major study in youth development, psychology, youth studies, recreation, physical education, or an equivalent field of study
OR
Combination of education and experience
-- Courses equivalent to a major in youth development, psychology, youth studies, recreation, physical education, or an equivalent field of study, plus appropriate experience or additional course work that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study in one of the related fields referenced above.
AND
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE GS-11 LEVEL:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes professional knowledge of the theories, principles, and techniques and methodology of education and training of child and youth growth and development. This knowledge is necessary to provide oversight and direct involvement in the Youth Activities Program, which maintains and improves the physical, social, and mental wellbeing of young children and youth. Knowledge of learning and recreational activities and services, of participant's interests and needs, and of the methods and management policies, practices and procedures which enable the employee to conduct or adjust program operations and production effectively within available resources. Knowledge of food service regulations, design criteria, and equipment requirements. Knowledge of how to plan and conduct subject matter related staff training and parent information programs. Knowledge of budgetary, financial and resource management practices and procedures which is necessary to meeting program goals and objectives.
OR
EDUCATION:
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. NOTE: You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts.
OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
A combination of progressively higher-level graduate education and experience may be used to satisfy the specialized experience requirement for this position if the computed percentage of the education and experience is at least 100%. NOTE: You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts.
FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE GS-12 LEVEL:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes professional knowledge of the theories, principles, and techniques and methodology of education and training of child and youth growth and development. This knowledge is necessary to provide oversight and direct involvement in the Youth Activities Program, which maintains and improves the physical, social, and mental wellbeing of young children and youth. Knowledge of learning and recreational activities and services, of participant's interests and needs, and of the methods and management policies, practices and procedures which enable the employee to conduct or adjust program operations and production effectively within available resources. Knowledge of food service regulations, design criteria, and equipment requirements. Knowledge of how to plan and conduct subject matter related staff training and parent information programs. Knowledge of budgetary, financial and resource management practices and procedures which is necessary to meeting program goals and objectives.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
  • One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level.
  • One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
GS-11:
  1. Professional knowledge of youth development and school age principles practices, philosophy and techniques, including health and safety requirements and child abuse identification reporting and prevention methods.
  2. Professional knowledge of the significant physical, emotional, social, creative, and cognitive needs of youth and teens typically present at each developmental stage and within different program environments.
  3. Knowledge of Air Force policies and procedures and their implications on youth development.
  4. Knowledge of financial, budget, resource management practices and principles, and analytical and evaluative methods and techniques.
  5. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions and mentor, motivate, and appraise the staff of an organization through subordinate supervisors.
  6. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing to promote and report on the program, train staff, resolve problems, and answer questions related to the developmental processes.
GS-12:
  1. Professional knowledge of youth development, education and recreation principals, concepts and methods and techniques to oversee a diversified Youth Activity Program that is carried out at the Youth Centers, Teen Center, School Age Program, and a host of playing fields, and shared space throughout the installation.
  2. Knowledge of safety and security regulations, practices, and procedures.
  3. Knowledge of budget, financial and resource management practices and program procedures.
  4. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions and mentor, motivate, and appraise the staff of an organization through subordinate supervisors.
  5. Ability to analyze, plan, and adjust work operations of one or more organizational segments to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources.
  6. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.Employment Type: OTHER