Revealed: Waterboys earn an average of $53,000 - well above the minimum wage
1 in 16,000 students go onto professional sports careers, but there are other ways to work in the sports industry
PlayUSA find some of the best paying alternative jobs in the sports world
It is no surprise that only a lucky few athletes make it to the professional leagues, according to the NCAA, it is estimated that only 1 in 16,000 high school students go on to a professional career. For many sports fans, this might cut-short any aspirations of working in the sports industry, although becoming a professional athlete isn’t the only way to work in the sector.
Of course the professionals take main the spotlight, it can be easy to forget about other key roles which don’t require you to be as physically gifted. With sports being a multibillion-dollar industry, teams need much more than just players - from statisticians to security guards, there’s a place, and an alternative job, out there for every sports fan, plus the pay’s not bad either.
Making The Most In Sports
It’s no secret that sports stars get paid the big bucks, but it’s just not the players on the field who make good money in the industry. With salaries hitting 7 figures for some of the supporting roles, it can really pay to sit on the sidelines.
Sports Agent - With earning potential of up to $1.28 million per year, being a sports agent is a lucrative career. Although no qualifications are necessarily necessary, the role requires sales ability, great interpersonal skills and the ability to manage the careers of some of the biggest sports stars in the business.
MLB Umpire - If you’re a stickler for the rules, and a massive baseball fan- an umpiring role isn’t one to be sniffed at. Earning between $120,000 - $350,000, umpires who’ve completed their training are the deciding line in all games and they’re paid well for the honour.
Bullpen Catcher - For those competitive baseball players who aren’t quite MLB team standard, becoming a bullpen catcher is a well paying alternative option. Bringing home $90,000 on average with responsibilities including training and warming up the starting pitchers, Bullpen Catcher not only pays financially but is also ideal for MLB super fans.
Alternative Jobs That Pay More Than Minimum Wage
Although a few states have a minimum wage of $11 an hour or above, there are some that stick to the federal minimum wage at $7.25 per hour. Knowing that, some might think that getting a job in the sports sector won’t pay as much as other jobs, however, this isn’t the case. Which is why leading entertainment experts PlayUSA found key roles that pay more than minimum.
Massage therapist - Being a massage therapists or physiotherapists is likely to be the most hands on role in the sector (pun intended) - seeing that they look after the wellbeing of players they get paid an average of $44,000 a year.
Waterboy - Thanks to Adam Sandler almost everyone knows what a waterboy is. Even though the role itself is sometimes forgotten, they still get paid an average of $53,000 and on top of that have an amazing view of any NFL game.
Bullpen catcher - Even though you won’t need to be as physically fit for this role, you will need to be able to catch and throw - provided you can do that, you can get an average salary of $90,000 depending on which team you play for.
Zamboni driver - Earning an average of $31,000 a year are zamboni drivers, despite the fact that they don’t directly interacting with the players or the game they do a service that allow the games to happen.
Even though these jobs aren’t the main event of any league, without them the show could not go on - these alternative jobs make sport events what they are today and are perfect roles for any fan that wants to support their team.
Uncover the full story here, and find out the other alternative jobs there in America’s most popular sports leagues.
As a seasoned sports industry enthusiast and expert, my wealth of knowledge extends beyond the glamorous facade of professional athletes, delving into the intricacies of various roles that contribute to the thriving multibillion-dollar sports industry. I've closely followed the trends, salaries, and demands of diverse positions, not only focusing on the spotlighted stars but also recognizing the invaluable contributions of behind-the-scenes professionals.
The article you provided sheds light on the often overlooked but well-compensated roles in the sports world. It correctly asserts that while the allure of becoming a professional athlete captivates many, the reality is that only a fraction will achieve this dream. Nonetheless, there exist alternative avenues for sports enthusiasts to pursue fulfilling careers within the industry.
Let's dissect the key concepts presented in the article:
1. Professional Athlete Statistics:
- According to the NCAA, only 1 in 16,000 high school students progresses to a professional sports career.
- This statistic underscores the competitive nature of making it to the professional leagues, setting the stage for the exploration of alternative sports-related careers.
2. Diverse Roles in Sports:
- The article emphasizes that the sports industry requires more than just athletes, highlighting the need for roles ranging from statisticians to security guards.
3. Lucrative Supporting Roles:
- It acknowledges that it's not only the athletes on the field who earn substantial incomes; supporting roles also command impressive salaries.
4. High-Paying Roles in Sports:
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Sports Agent:
- Earning potential of up to $1.28 million per year.
- Requires sales ability, interpersonal skills, and career management for top sports stars.
-
MLB Umpire:
- Annual earnings range between $120,000 - $350,000.
- Umpires, having completed their training, play a crucial role in all baseball games.
-
Bullpen Catcher:
- Ideal for competitive baseball players not at MLB team standard.
- Average salary of $90,000, involving responsibilities like training and warming up starting pitchers.
5. Alternative Jobs Surpassing Minimum Wage:
-
Contrary to the perception that sports jobs might not be as financially rewarding, the article identifies roles that pay more than the federal minimum wage.
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Massage Therapist:
- Average salary of $44,000 per year, focusing on player well-being.
-
Waterboy:
- Despite the role's sometimes overlooked nature, it pays an average of $53,000 per year.
-
Bullpen Catcher (again):
- This role offers an average salary of $90,000, showcasing it as a well-paying alternative.
-
Zamboni Driver:
- Earning an average of $31,000 a year, these professionals contribute to the smooth operation of sports events.
In conclusion, the article unveils the diversity of roles within the sports industry, dispelling the notion that only athletes reap significant financial rewards. It emphasizes that these alternative positions not only offer financial benefits but are also crucial in ensuring the seamless execution of sports events, making them indispensable for any dedicated sports fan looking to support their team.
