Salaries for Practitioners of Sports Medicine

By Bpnnie Walker, allied health world contributing writer
Published: February, 8 2011

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How much money do rehabilitative therapists make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a rehabilitative therapist is $39,640 as of May 2008. The highest paid ten percent made more than $60,960 per year. Most rehabilitative therapist jobs are full-time and come with benefits. Salaries in the field vary widely, and an individual’s salary can be affected by factors such as location, type of employer and work setting, level of experience, educational credentials, and level of responsibility.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that job opportunities for physical therapists in general will increase much faster than average in the coming decade. The number of job openings should grow by about thirty percent. Demand for physical therapists sports medicine joint therapy in schools will remain steady, as will demand for physical therapy services in student athletic programs at the elementary and secondary level.

Sports medicine salaries can vary based on location, experience level, educational level, and type of employer. The median annual salary for a physical therapist is close to $73,000. However, experienced physical therapists with good credentials have the potential to earn significantly more. The highest earning top ten percent of physical therapists make more than $104, 350 per year.

Learn more about sports medicine degrees.

How much does a sports psychologist make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the middle fifty percent of sports psychologists who work one-on-one with athletes in a clinical or training setting make between $42,000 and $65,000 per year. Top-earning sports psychologists can make close to $100,000 per year and sometimes more. The highest paying sports psychology positions are very competitive and tend to involve working in private practice or with high-level professional and elite athletes. Earning a doctorate can improve the chances that a sports psychologist will land a high-paying job.

How can I improve my chances of succeeding in a sports medicine career?

If you want to optimize your chances of succeeding in the field of sports medicine, getting hands-on experience is key. Getting exposed to the practice of sports medicine in a variety of settings--a school athletic program, a health club, a clinic, a training facility--will make you more attractive to potential employers and more qualified to perform a wide range of sports medicine jobs. Taking your education seriously is another important step toward career success in sports medicine. The better your grades and the better your credentials, the more sports medicine career opportunities you will find after you graduate and become certified in your specific profession. Take advantage of internships and clinical instruction while you are in school so that you can get as much practical experience as possible.