Sport Psychology Employment and Income Data

An Update

Authors

  • Justine Vosloo Ithaca College
  • Sebastian Harenberg St. Francis Xavier University
  • Alex Yarnell Ithaca College
  • Lia Gorden Ithaca College
  • Lia Blakeslee Ithaca College

Keywords:

employment, hiring, career development, licensure, professional practice, sport psychology

Abstract

The availability of employment opportunities in sport psychology (SP) has been subject to much discussion, with anecdotal observations of increased opportunities within military and professional/collegiate athletics. The last review of the employment trends conducted by Meyers and colleagues (2001) indicated bleak prospects for stable careers in applied SP. Consequently, some argued that applied SP careers are an illusion (Martin, 2020). The purpose of the present study was to update employment and income data by surveying 333 primarily US-based, SP professionals (female n =174, 52.9%; male n = 155, 47.1%; median age = 36-40 years) via an online questionnaire. Three fourths of participants were certified (CMPC). The gross median income ranged between US$75,000-90,000. While, possession of a PhD was the most financially favorable vocational route, 31.7% practiced with a master’s degree. Findings indicate promising trends for sport science trained individuals’ pursuit of applied SP practice employment opportunities.

References

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Published

2023-06-01