Sports Neuropsychologist

Also called: Concussion Specialist

Tests and tracks athletes' brain function to diagnose concussions and decide when it's safe to play again.

A day in the life

They give baseline brain tests before seasons, then retest athletes after hits to the head. They interpret results and advise doctors and coaches. Pro leagues require independent concussion experts at games.

Pay over a career

Starting
$80k
Typical
$125k
High
$190k

Estimate based on psychologists.

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD or PsyD in clinical psychology with neuropsychology training plus licensure.

Ways in: Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.

Majors to look at: Psychology, Neuroscience, Kinesiology.

Outlook

Growing faster than average. Growing concern about concussions increases demand.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. Computer tests and AI screen for concussion; clinical judgment on when it's safe to play stays human.

Start now, in high school

Classes: AP Psychology, AP Biology, AP Statistics.

Official data: O*NET occupation 19-3039.

More Sports Medicine & Athletic Training careers

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.