Sports students together wearing matching University of Wolverhampton uniforms, standing in front of a dramatic cloudy backdrop

Careers in sport and leisure

Which one appeals to you?

Career opportunities in the sports industry aren’t limited to those with athletic prowess; there’s a wide range of positions in the field for non-athletes too. These jobs support the sports industry by providing mental and physical health services, sales and marketing revenue, and sports media content.

All data from: nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk

Business development managers find new customers, and persuade existing ones to buy extra services.

  • Average salary (a year)
  • £25,000 Starter to £60,000 Experienced
  • Typical hours (a week)
  • 38 to 40 a week

You could work evenings attending events or appointments

Football coaches develop the skills and motivation of football players and teams.

  • Average salary (a year)
  • £14,000 Starter to £250,000 Experienced
  • Typical hours (a week)
  • 36 to 38 variable

You could work evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

Physical education (PE) teachers work in schools and colleges, teaching sport and fitness to young people.

  • Average salary (a year)
  • £16,250 Starter to £61,005 Experienced
  • Typical hours (a week)
  • 33 to 35 term time

You could work evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

Sports scientists use knowledge of how the body works to help people improve their health or sporting ability.

  • Average salary (a year)
  • £18,000 Starter to £60,000 Experienced
  • Typical hours (a week)
  • 37 to 39 a week

You could work evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

Leisure centre managers look after the day-to-day running of sports and leisure centres.

  • Average salary (a year)
  • £18,000 Starter to £35,000 Experienced
  • Typical hours (a week)
  • 39 to 41 a week

You could work evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

Health trainers promote healthy living and help people make healthier lifestyle choices.

  • Average salary (a year)
  • £16,750 Starter o £28,500 Experienced
  • Typical hours (a week)
  • 37 to 39 a week

You could work evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

Sports coaches teach sports skills to individuals and teams of all abilities.

  • Average salary (a year)
  • £14,000 Starter to £35,000 Experienced
  • Typical hours (a week)
  • 36 to 38 variable

You could work evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

Sports development officers organise projects and training to encourage people to take part in sport and have a healthier lifestyle.

  • Average salary (a year)
  • £21,000 Starter to £50,000 Experienced
  • Typical hours (a week)
  • 36 to 38 a week

You could work evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

Sports physiotherapists diagnose and treat sports injuries.

  • Average salary (a year)
  • £23,000 Starter to £45,000 Experienced
  • Typical hours (a week)
  • 38 to 40 a week

You could work evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

Fitness instructors organise exercise programmes to improve people's health and fitness.

  • Average salary (a year)
  • £14,000 Starter to £30,000 Experienced
  • Typical hours (a week)
  • 32 to 34 a week

You could work as a contractor / self-employed as customers demand