Also called: Race Rider
Rides thoroughbred racehorses in races at tracks for owners and trainers, plus morning workouts, earning a fee per ride and a share of winnings.
Jockeys weigh about 115 pounds, ride several races a day, and work horses in the morning. They're paid a small fee per ride plus about 10% of the horse's winnings. It's dangerous and demanding.
Estimate. Many jockeys earn under $40k; top jockeys earn millions.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. Years as an exercise rider or at jockey school; state license.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Trade school. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Equine Science.
Shrinking. Racing is shrinking in some states.
Low risk for 10 years. Riding racehorses at speed is human, risky work.
Classes: Physical education, Animal science, Health and nutrition.
Official data: O*NET occupation 27-2021.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.