Have you ever wanted to work in college athletics, but were worried about the credentials?

The answer to this question is within this article. Not in the singular sense of having a college education or graduating high school. This short article is going to discuss the “behind the scenes” jobs and exactly what you need in order to be qualified and credited to obtain them. There are a variety of jobs that most people don’t necessarily think of whenever they are considered typical athletic jobs. These could include academic advisor, field and facilities maintenance, strength and conditioning coach, athletic trainer, physical therapist, general doctor, chiropractor, sports psychologist, nutritionist, tutor, chef, and more. These are people that a student athlete is likely to encounter on a weekly basis outside of their actual sport coaches.

Academic Advisors

Academic advisors play a crucial role in helping student-athletes balance the demands of athletics and academics. Most positions require at least a bachelor's degree in education, counseling, student affairs, or a related field, while many universities prefer candidates with a master's degree. Student-athletes may meet with their academic advisor several times each week depending on course schedules, eligibility concerns, and academic support needs. According to national salary data, academic advisors typically earn between $55,000 and $65,000 annually.

Facilties

The playing surfaces and facilities used by student-athletes do not maintain themselves. Groundskeepers and facilities personnel are responsible for ensuring fields, courts, locker rooms, and training areas remain safe and competition-ready. Many positions require a high school diploma, although degrees or certifications in turfgrass management, horticulture, or facilities management can improve opportunities. Athletes often encounter these professionals daily. Salaries generally range from $40,000 to $55,000 per year.

Strength and Conditioning

Strength and conditioning coaches are responsible for designing and implementing training programs that improve athletic performance while reducing injury risk. Most positions require a bachelor's degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field. Competitive collegiate positions typically require certification through organizations such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) with the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential. Because athletes frequently participate in workouts and training sessions, interactions often occur daily. Salaries commonly fall between $55,000 and $75,000, although coaches at major Division I programs may earn significantly more.

Athletic Trainers

Athletic trainers are often among the most frequently seen health professionals in college athletics. They evaluate injuries, oversee rehabilitation, and assist with injury prevention. Athletic trainers must graduate from an accredited athletic training program, earn Board of Certification credentials, and obtain state licensure where required. Student-athletes may interact with athletic trainers every day for treatment, practice coverage, or injury evaluations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a mean annual wage of $61,540 for athletic trainers.

Physical therapists specialize in helping athletes recover mobility, strength, and function following injuries. Entry into the profession requires earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and obtaining state licensure. While injured athletes may work with physical therapists’ multiple times per week, healthy athletes may encounter them less frequently. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a mean annual salary of $100,440 for physical therapists.

Team Physicians

Team physicians serve as the highest level of medical care for athletic departments and oversee athlete health from a medical standpoint. Becoming a physician requires earning either an MD or DO degree, completing residency training, obtaining state licensure, and often completing sports medicine fellowship training. Athletes may interact with team physicians weekly or as medical issues arise. Depending on specialty and experience, physician salaries commonly exceed $200,000 annually.

Chiropractors often assist athletes with spinal health, mobility, and musculoskeletal issues. The profession requires a Doctor of Chiropractic degree along with state licensure. Athletes may see chiropractors weekly, bi-weekly, or only when needed. Average salaries generally range from $75,000 to $100,000 per year.

Mental performance is a critical component of athletic success. Sports psychologists help athletes manage stress, improve focus, overcome performance anxiety, and maintain overall mental well-being. Most sports psychologists hold a doctoral degree in psychology, complete supervised clinical training, and obtain state licensure. Interactions often occur weekly or bi-weekly. Salaries typically range from $80,000 to $120,000 annually.

Nutritionists

Nutritionists and registered dietitians help athletes maximize performance through proper nutrition, hydration, and recovery strategies. Most collegiate positions require a bachelor's degree in nutrition and Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) credentials, while some institutions prefer master's degrees. Student-athletes may meet with nutrition staff weekly or multiple times throughout a semester. Salaries generally range from $60,000 to $80,000 annually.

Tutors

Tutors provide academic assistance to help athletes succeed in the classroom while maintaining eligibility requirements. Requirements vary by institution, but tutors often

possess a bachelor's degree or advanced expertise in the subject they teach. Many student-athletes meet with tutors multiple times each week, particularly during challenging courses. Salaries generally range from $35,000 to $60,000 annually depending on employment status and institution.

Chefs

Many large collegiate athletic programs now employ chefs dedicated to fueling athletic performance. These professionals develop menus, prepare meals, and educate athletes on healthy eating habits. While a culinary degree is often preferred, food safety certifications and professional kitchen experience are highly valued. Athletes encounter team chefs daily through meal services and nutrition programs. Salaries commonly range from $50,000 to $75,000 annually.

References

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Athletic Trainers (29-9091). Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes299091.htm [bls.gov]

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Physical Therapists (29-1123). Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes291123.htm [bls.gov]

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Credential Requirements.

Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Credential Information.

Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC). Athletic Trainer Certification Requirements.