Also called: Sports Biomechanist, Movement Scientist
Studies the physics of how athletes move to improve technique and prevent injury.
Using motion-capture cameras and force plates, they analyze a pitcher's arm, a sprinter's start, or a golfer's swing in slow motion. They turn data into coaching tips. Shoe companies, labs, and teams hire them.
Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Master's or PhD in biomechanics, kinesiology, or engineering.
Ways in: Graduate school. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Mechanical Engineering, Physics.
Growing faster than average. Growing with tech in sports.
Medium risk for 10 years. AI motion capture from ordinary video now does much of the tracking; designing studies and interpreting results stay human.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Calculus, Anatomy or biology.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-1099.
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.