ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Sports Psychologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AMDA

Performance & Sport Psychology Faculty

New York, NY · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

Terminal degree in the field of Performance Psychology, Sport Psychology or related Psychology field. * Extensive experience in higher education, plus a Master's degree in Performance Psychology ...

USC Gould School of Law

Therapy Trainee

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$24.07 - $39.94/hr

2026 - 2027 Clinical Sport Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship Position The University of Southern California Counseling & Mental Health and USC Athletics is pleased to announce a Postdoctoral ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsSports and Recreation JobsSports JobsSports Specialist JobsSports Psychologist Jobs

Sports Psychologist information

See salary details

$11K

$92.8K

$398.5K

How much do sports psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for sports 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 is a sports psychologist?

A sports psychologist is a trained professional who helps athletes and teams improve their mental well-being and enhance their performance through psychological techniques. They work with individuals and groups to address issues such as motivation, anxiety, focus, and team dynamics. Sports psychologists may also assist with injury recovery, coping strategies, and building confidence, using methods like goal-setting, visualization, and relaxation techniques. Their expertise helps athletes reach their full potential both on and off the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sports psychologist?

To thrive as a Sports Psychologist, you need a deep understanding of psychological principles, human behavior, and performance enhancement techniques, typically supported by a master's or doctoral degree in psychology and relevant licensure or certification. Familiarity with assessment tools, biofeedback systems, and data analysis software is commonly required. Exceptional communication, motivational, and problem-solving skills help build trust and rapport with athletes and teams. These competencies are vital for supporting mental well-being, optimizing performance, and fostering resilience in high-pressure sports environments.

How do sports psychologists typically collaborate with coaches and athletes to enhance team performance?

Sports psychologists often work closely with both coaches and athletes to develop mental strategies that improve focus, resilience, and team cohesion. Collaboration may include conducting group workshops on goal-setting or stress management, as well as individual sessions to address specific performance issues. Regular communication with coaches helps ensure that psychological techniques are integrated into training programs and that everyone is aligned on performance objectives. This collaborative approach fosters a supportive environment where both athletes and coaching staff can proactively address mental barriers and optimize overall team performance.

What is the difference between Sports Psychologist vs Athletic Trainer?

AspectSports PsychologistAthletic Trainer
CredentialsDoctorate in Psychology (PhD or PsyD), licensure, specialized sports psychology certificationBachelor's or Master's in Athletic Training, certification (ATC)
Work EnvironmentClinics, sports teams, private practice, sports organizationsHospitals, sports facilities, schools, sports teams
Industry UsageFocuses on mental health, motivation, performance anxietyFocuses on injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation
Common Search/ComparisonSports Psychologist vs Athletic Trainer

While both roles support athletes, a Sports Psychologist specializes in mental health and performance enhancement through psychological techniques, whereas an Athletic Trainer primarily manages physical injuries and rehabilitation. Understanding these differences helps athletes and organizations choose the right professional for their needs.

Is becoming a sports psychologist worth it?

Becoming a sports psychologist involves completing a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, gaining specialized training in sports performance, and obtaining certification or licensure. The profession offers opportunities to work with athletes at various levels, often requiring strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of sports science. Job outlook is positive, but competition can be high, and salaries vary based on experience and location.

Is there a demand for sports psychologists?

Sports psychologists are in increasing demand as athletes and teams seek mental skills training to improve performance and manage stress. The profession is expected to grow as awareness of mental health benefits in sports continues to expand, often requiring specialized certifications and knowledge of sports environments.

What jobs can you do with a sports psychologist degree?

A sports psychologist degree prepares individuals for roles such as sports psychologist, mental performance consultant, or athletic counselor, working with athletes, teams, or coaches to improve mental resilience and focus. Graduates often work in sports organizations, fitness centers, or private practice, and may need certification or licensing depending on the region. Skills in counseling, performance analysis, and understanding of sports science are essential for these roles.
More about Sports Psychologist jobs

What cities are hiring for Sports Psychologist jobs?

Cities with the most Sports Psychologist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Sports Psychologist jobs?

The most popular types of Sports Psychologist jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Sports Psychologist jobs?

The top employers for Sports Psychologist jobs are:

What states have the most Sports Psychologist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Sports Psychologist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Sports Psychologist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Sports Psychologist jobs are:

Sports Psychologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Psychologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,813 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Director of Athletics Mental Health & Performance

Davidson College

Davidson, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description


Job Description: Director of Athletics Mental Health & Performance
Position Title: Director of Athletics Mental Health & Performance
Department: Athletics Department
Reports To: Senior Associate Athletic Director of Sports Performance
Position Summary:
The Director of Athletics Mental Health & Performance will oversee Athletics Mental Health & Performance, providing strategic leadership, education, administrative management, clinical engagement, management of outside contractors and technology apps, and development of a comprehensive strategy to support and maintain a culture of wellness and performance at Davidson. This role includes conducting relevant training, offering consultation and educational outreach to scholar-athletes, coaches, and athletics department staff, supporting counseling and crisis services, and triaging potential clinical cases for referral to Davidson College's Student Health & Well-Being Center. The Director will collaborate with various stakeholders, including coaches, administrators, scholar-athletes, sports performance personnel, and both on- and off-campus counseling services, to ensure comprehensive care and support for the personal, academic, and athletic success of scholar-athletes. Additionally, the Director will be instrumental in developing and implementing policies and procedures tailored to the needs of scholar-athletes, coaches and staff.
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Leadership & Administration
  • Provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the Mental Health and Performance division.
  • Creates a plan to develop future staff, interns, trainees and consultants.
  • Develops departmental policies, procedures, strategic initiatives, and annual goals.
  • Manages departmental budget, resources, and operational planning.
  • Leads program assessment, outcome evaluation, and quality improvement efforts.
  • Serves as the primary advisor to Athletics leadership regarding scholar-athlete mental health and performance initiatives.
  • Maintains partnerships with campus and community stakeholders to enhance support services for scholar-athletes.

Sports Psychology, Education & Programming
  • Facilitates performance sessions (both 1-on-1 and team) and workshops for scholar-athletes, coaches, athletics staff, and campus partners.
  • Designs and implements educational programming focused on sports psychology, mental health, mental performance, resilience, leadership development, life skills, and overall well-being.
  • Supports initiatives through Student Health and Well-Being that address anxiety, depression, adjustment concerns, eating disorders, burnout, trauma, substance misuse, and other challenges commonly experienced by scholar-athletes.
  • Coordinates clinical referrals for specialized care of scholar-athletes to Student Health & Well-Being.
  • Maintains timely, accurate, and confidential documentation in accordance with professional standards and applicable laws.

Crisis Management
  • Supports crisis intervention and emergency response efforts involving scholar-athlete mental health concerns in conjunction with Student Health & Well-Being.
  • Consults with athletics leadership and healthcare providers regarding risk assessment and management within reason and what is allowed by confidentiality boundaries.
  • Develops and maintains crisis response protocols and emergency procedures.

Compliance & Collaboration
  • Ensures departmental compliance with NCAA legislation, NCAA Mental Health Best Practices, Atlantic 10 Conference, Pioneer Football League, and Southern Conference policies, college regulations, state law, and professional ethical standards.
  • Participates in college, conference, and national committees focused on scholar-athlete health and wellness.
  • Remains informed regarding emerging NCAA, conference, and intercollegiate athletics mental health initiatives.
  • Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders including as a contributing member of the Student Health & Well-Being C.A.R.E. Team

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in sports psychology or a terminal degree in another appropriate human services field.
  • Licensed in the State of North Carolina in a relevant field or licensed in another state and eligible for North Carolina licensure.
  • Minimum of 3-4 years of experience working with scholar-athletes in an athletic setting.
  • Experience providing performance enhancement strategies as well as supporting counseling, mental health services and crisis intervention.
  • Ability to work with a diverse student population and adapt to various backgrounds and cultures.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology or Counseling Education, with specialized training in sports psychology.
  • Strong understanding of the unique pressures and challenges faced by collegiate athletes.
  • Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  • Proficiency in assessment and therapeutic intervention techniques.
  • Knowledge of NCAA regulations and compliance issues related to mental health services.
  • Experience in short-term counseling and interest in working with diverse and/or underrepresented college student populations.
  • Expertise in outreach programming and consultation skills.
  • Knowledge of current research in sports psychology, counseling, and college student development.
  • Experience working with a scholar-athlete population in a Division I athletics department.
  • Knowledge and experience in managing professional boundaries and ethics.

Due to the nature/scope of Athletics and Athletics events, position may require work during evenings, weekends, and holidays, as well as the ability to stand / walk for extended periods of time and occasional travel.
As a staff member of Davidson Athletics, the selected candidate will be a person of integrity and character who knows / complies with NCAA, Conference, and institutional rules as they apply to the Davidson Athletics program. This person must also have a high cultural competence and ability to work across a wide range of people, backgrounds and experiences.
Information about how to submit an application can be found at https://employment.davidson.edu
About Us
Davidson is a highly selective, nationally ranked, residential liberal arts college located in Davidson, North Carolina, near Charlotte. We seek to hire talented faculty and staff who are committed to achieving excellence within an inclusive community where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are valued.

Apply