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Sport Psychologist Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Sport Psychologist information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$10.9K

$91.6K

$393.2K

How much do sport psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for sport psychologist in Rochester, NY is $91,576.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,600.00 and $115,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

Is it hard to find a job in sport psychology?

Finding a job as a sport psychologist can be competitive due to the specialized nature of the field and the need for relevant education, such as a master's or doctoral degree, along with certification. Opportunities are often available in sports teams, academic settings, or private practice, but building experience and networking are important for employment success.

Is there a high demand for sport psychologists?

The demand for sport psychologists is growing as athletes and teams seek mental skills training to improve performance and well-being. Employment opportunities are available in sports organizations, clinics, and academic settings, with a need for specialized training and certification. Job growth varies by region and level of expertise, but overall, the field is expanding alongside increased awareness of mental health in sports.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sport Psychologist jobs in Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Sport Psychologist jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Sport Psychologist jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Sport Psychologist job openings:

Infographic showing various Sport Psychologist job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,576 per year, or $44 per hour.

Physician Assistant - Interventional Pain and Spine

Rochester Regional Health

Rochester, NY • On-site

$100 - $150/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Rochester Regional Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 221 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

SUMMARY

As a Physician Assistant, your superior interpersonal and empathetic skills, as well as your comprehension of diagnostic procedures greatly assists you in providing medical services to ambulatory patients. APPs within neurosciences are paired with 1-2 physicians to ensure continuity of care and practice patterns. Opportunity to obtain privileging for in-office procedures and injections although not required. Established team of APPs to provide collegial support and cross coverage. No call requirements.

STATUS: Full Time LOCATION: Unity Spine Center DEPARTMENT: Spine and Pain Management SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday; Days Highlights/Benefits:
  • Competitive salary and full benefits packages
  • Malpractice with tail coverage
  • CME Funding ($1750 annually)
  • Generous vacation, in addition 5 paid days for CME
  • Retirement and defined pension plan
  • Flexible clinic schedule
  • Full triage and procedure clinical support
  • Neuroscience Institute working collegially with APPs in neurosurgery, neurology, neuropsychology, pain psychology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neuroendovascular surgery, interventional pain and spine
  • Additionally, the Rochester/Western NY area offers a low cost of living, nationally recognized schools and higher education. The area offers a multitude of cultural, recreational, shopping, professional/collegiate sports venues and activities for the outdoor enthusiast.
ATTRIBUTES
  • Experience with pain pumps and procedures, or a strong interest in gaining experience with these, is preferred
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills
  • Compassionate, kind and patient focused
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Diagnosis. Establish and/or follow plan of care for interventional spine and pain patients. Assess and diagnose acute conditions and minor injuries; perform physicals and implement treatment plan; monitor response for acute and chronic medical conditions; select and order appropriate diagnostic and health maintenance procedures
  • Treatment. Prescribe medication, perform minor procedures and coordinate treatment; provide health education and guidance regarding treatment; communicate with, and counsel family members; recommend community resources and refer patients to collaborating physician or specialist
  • Administrative Assistance. Perform administrative responsibilities such as updating patient charts, billing codes and completing required documents from outside agencies
EDUCATION
  • BS: Physician Assistant (Required)
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

M - Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; Requires frequent walking, standing or squatting.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
  • PA-C - Certified Physician Assistant - National Committee on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
PAY RANGE

$100,000.00 - $150,000.00

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