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Sports Psychology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Marist College

Assistant Professor of Psychology

Poughkeepsie, NY · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Priority will be given to candidates with experience in biopsychology, cognitive neuroscience, industrial-organizational psychology, or sports psychology . The psychology department is interested in ...

Shrinerschildrens

Sports Psychologist

Pasadena, CA

$46.14 - $69.22/hr

The Sports Psychologist assesses, monitors and provides treatment for the psychosocial needs of ... Performs age appropriate assessments and monitors psychology needs of referred patients and ...

Shriners Children's

Sports Psychologist

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$56.50 - $109.46/hr

The Sports Psychologist assesses, monitors and provides treatment for the psychosocial needs of ... Performs age appropriate assessments and monitors psychology needs of referred patients and ...

AMDA

Performance & Sport Psychology Faculty

Manhattan, 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 ...

Premier Sport Psychology

Licensed Athletic Counselor

Edina, MN · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About Premier Sport Psychology Premier Sport Psychology is a contract-based sport and performance psychology practice serving professional athletes, collegiate programs, corporate organizations, and ...

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Sports Psychology information

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$20.5K

$52.6K

$108.5K

How much do sports psychology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for sports psychology in the United States is $52,554.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,500.00 and $58,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is sports psychology?

Sports psychology is a field that combines principles of psychology and sports science to help athletes improve their performance and well-being. It focuses on mental factors like motivation, confidence, focus, and how they influence participation and success in sports. Sports psychologists work with athletes, coaches, and teams to develop coping strategies, enhance concentration, manage anxiety, and recover from injuries. Their goal is to optimize both the mental and emotional aspects of athletic performance.

What are the qualifications to work in sports psychology?

The primary qualifications to work in sports psychology include at least a master's degree in human performance, kinesiology, or a related field, preferably with a specialization in sports psychology. Employers may prefer applicants with a doctorate or sufficient clinical experience. In most states, you also need a license to practice psychology. The requirements for licensing vary by state but typically include gaining clinical experience, passing a written exam, and occasionally passing an oral exam. To excel in sports psychology, you need strong interpersonal, communication, and critical thinking skills, as well as an understanding of sports science and the ability to perform the physical duties of the job.

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

To thrive as a Sports Psychologist, you need a strong background in psychology, research methods, and counseling, typically supported by a master's or doctoral degree in sports psychology or a related field along with relevant licensure. Familiarity with assessment tools, biofeedback systems, and performance-tracking software is commonly required. Excellent communication, empathy, and motivational skills help build trust with athletes and teams. These skills and qualities are vital for effectively enhancing athletic performance, addressing mental health challenges, and fostering resilience in competitive environments.

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

Sports psychologists work closely with both coaches and athletes to address mental barriers, improve communication, and foster a positive team culture. They often conduct workshops, observe practices, and provide one-on-one consultations to help athletes build mental resilience and manage stress. Collaboration may also involve developing customized mental training programs and advising coaches on strategies to motivate and support their athletes. This teamwork ensures that psychological insights are integrated into training and competition routines, ultimately enhancing overall team performance.

What is the difference between Sports Psychology vs Athletic Trainer?

AspectSports PsychologyAthletic Trainer
Required CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Psychology, certification (e.g., Certified Mental Performance Consultant)Bachelor's or Master's in Athletic Training, certification (e.g., ATC)
Work EnvironmentSports teams, clinics, private practice, academic settingsSports facilities, hospitals, schools, clinics
Employer & Industry UsageSports organizations, mental health clinics, universitiesSports teams, healthcare facilities, schools
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, credentials, and work scopeDifferences in training, responsibilities, and career paths

Sports Psychology focuses on mental skills, motivation, and performance enhancement for athletes, often requiring advanced psychology credentials. Athletic Trainers primarily provide injury prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation, with a focus on physical health. Both roles work closely with athletes but serve different needs within sports settings.

Is sports psychology in high demand?

Sports psychology is experiencing growing demand as athletes and teams seek mental performance coaching to improve focus, resilience, and motivation. Professionals in this field often work with sports organizations, requiring relevant certifications and strong interpersonal skills. The job outlook is positive, especially with increased awareness of mental health in sports environments.

What can I do with a sports psychology degree?

A sports psychology degree prepares individuals for careers as sports psychologists, working with athletes to improve mental performance, motivation, and focus. Graduates can also work in coaching, athletic training, or mental health roles within sports organizations, often requiring certification or licensure depending on the region. Skills in counseling, research, and understanding sports environments are essential for these roles.

Where do most sports psychologists work?

Most sports psychologists work in athletic organizations, sports teams, universities, or private practice settings. They often collaborate with athletes, coaches, and trainers to improve mental performance and address psychological challenges related to sports. Many also work in clinics or hospitals specializing in mental health and performance enhancement.
More about Sports Psychology jobs

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Cities with the most Sports Psychology job openings:

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

The most popular types of Sports Psychology jobs are:

What states have the most Sports Psychology jobs?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Sports Psychology jobs are:

Sports Psychology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Psychology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,554 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Assistant/Associate Professor, Exercise Sports Science

Felician College Inc

Lodi, NJ • On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Assistant/ Associate Professor of Exercise sport Science

Felician University is presently offering an exciting opportunity for full-time faculty with expertise in Exercise sport science to join an energetic campus community whose excellence is reflected in its Franciscan mission, diversity, and student success. Successful candidates will be expected to provide the knowledge and skills students need to pursue a career in exercise Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Sports Psychology and/or Kinesiology. S/he will teach courses in strength and conditioning, coaching, motor learning and sports psychology.

Position Type:

Full-Time, 10-Month, Exempt

Department:

School of Arts & Sciences

Date Posted:

July 11, 2022

Required Education:

Earned Ph.D or Ed.D in Exercise Science, Kinesiology or a related field from an accredited institution.

Qualifications:

Current CSCS certification; demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching and research; demonstrated experience in and a working knowledge of Exercise Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Sports Psychology and/or Kinesiology; prior experience with course development in Exercise Sports Science; proven experience in cross-disciplinary research and programs integrating Exercise Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Sports Psychology and/or Kinesiology; well-developed verbal and written communications skills; ability and willingness to support and promote the Franciscan Felician mission and values of the University. If applying an Associate rank, a record of scholarly publications is required.

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