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Sports Psychologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our performance team includes physicians, sports PA/NPs, dietitians, physical therapists, and sports psychologists all in the same building. We will be providing wrap-around care that supports both ...

Our performance team includes physicians, sports PA/NPs, dietitians, physical therapists, and sports psychologists all in the same building. We will be providing wrap-around care that supports both ...

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Sports Psychologist information

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$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:

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.

Sports Dietitian

Novant Health

Wilmington, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Novant Health rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 465 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

379th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

What We Offer
Sports Dietitian/ Sports Nutrition Specialist
Join a collaborative sports performance team dedicated to helping student-athletes compete, recover, and thrive through evidence-based nutrition care. Our performance team includes physicians, sports PA/NPs, dietitians, physical therapists, and sports psychologists all in the same building. We will be providing wrap-around care that supports both elite performance and the long-term health of UNCW athletes.
We are seeking a Full-Time Registered Dietitian with a passion for sports nutrition, athlete development, and interdisciplinary care.
What You'll Do
  • Provide individualized sports nutrition counseling for student-athletes
  • Develop fueling, hydration, recovery, and body composition strategies to support training and competition demands
  • Deliver team nutrition education sessions and performance-focused programming
  • Support athletes with weight management, nutrient deficiencies, and special dietary needs
  • Collaborate with coaches, athletic trainers, physicians, and performance staff to optimize athlete health and recovery
  • Provide medical nutrition therapy for RED-S, disordered eating, Female Athlete Triad, bone stress and other injury recovery
  • Evaluate supplements and educate athletes on safe, evidence-based use
  • Assist with travel nutrition planning, dining hall guidance, grocery tours, and practical life-skills education

Qualifications
Required
  • Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) credential
  • Licensed or eligible for licensure in applicable state
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Sports Nutrition, or related field
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills

Preferred
  • Experience working with collegiate or competitive athletes
  • Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) or interest in obtaining certification
  • Experience with body composition assessment and performance nutrition programming

Schedule & Environment
  • Full-Time position (40 hours per week)
  • Some evening, and weekend responsibilities may be required based on athletic schedules
  • Collaborative interdisciplinary environment with athletics and sports medicine staff

Why Join Our Team
  • Opportunity to directly impact student-athlete performance and well-being
  • Supportive and collaborative team culture
  • Ability to help shape and grow sports nutrition programming
  • Professional development and specialization opportunities within performance nutrition

Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package offered, including health insurance, retirement options, paid time off, and continuing education support.
What We're Looking For
  • Education: 4 Year / Bachelors Degree, required. Bachelors in dietetics, nutrition, foods and nutrition.
    • Graduate Degree, preferred.
  • Experience: Minimum of one year of experience as a Registered Clinical Dietitian, preferred.
  • Licensure/Certification: Registered Dietitian status by the commission on Dietetic Registration, required.
    • Licensed Dietitian in appropriate state, required.
  • Additional Skills (required): Ability to successfully complete generic and department-specific skills validation and competency testing. Knowledge, ability and skills to support patient education and patient engagement in self-care management to accommodate cultural diversity, age specific or behavior needs among the patients being served.
  • Additional Skills (preferred): Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to relay information to diverse audiences for one-on-one consultations, small and large group presentations; dynamic presence for media interviews, health fairs and other invited presentations/appearances.

Why Choose Novant Health?
At Novant Health, we believe remarkable care starts with compassion for our patients, our communities, and each other. We value belonging, courage, personal growth, and teamwork, creating a space where everyone is respected, supported, and safe to show up as their full selves.
Job Opening ID
166455

What Novant Health employees say

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About Novant Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Novant Health is a not-for-profit integrated system of 16 medical centers and more than 1,900 physicians in over 800 locations, as well as numerous outpatient surgery centers, medical plazas, rehabilitation programs, diagnostic imaging centers and community health outreach programs. Novant Health's more than 36,000 team members and physician partners care for patients and communities in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Winston-Salem, NC, US

Year founded

1997