Also called: Pro Runner, Professional Distance Runner
Competes in running, jumping, and throwing events, earning from shoe sponsors and prize money.
A pro runner trains twice a day, does physical therapy, and travels to meets in Europe during the summer circuit. Shoe-company bonuses for fast times and medals make up much of the pay.
BLS athletes and sports competitors median is about $70k, but that is skewed; most pros in this sport earn far less, a few earn far more.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Usually college track athletes.
Ways in: 4-year college. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Kinesiology.
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years). Similar to athletes overall.
Low risk for 10 years. Sensors and AI analyze strides and throws; running, jumping and throwing stay human, with income from sponsors.
Classes: Weight training PE, NCAA-approved core courses, 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.