The Average Salary of a Sports Therapist Per Year
A sports therapist typically works as a physical therapist but specializes in working with athletes to prevent and treat injuries. Athletes and sports teams often hire sports therapists to work with them to create exercise regimens that strengthen target areas. Additionally, for athletes who are injured playing sports, a sports therapist works with them to rehabilitate the injured body part so that they can resume their activities as soon as possible.
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Average Salary
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), sports therapists or athletic trainers earn an average salary of $39,640 per year as of May 2009. If the therapist has been trained in physical therapy or has a medical background, the average salary rises to $72,790 per year. The difference is that physical therapists who work in sports typically have a master's degree and they work in conjunction with doctors or in a hospital environment. Athletic trainers are usually required to have a bachelor's degree relating to fitness.
Career Options
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There are a number of options for individuals looking to pursue a career in sports therapy. Many people choose to work for themselves and provide freelance services to student athletes. These individuals offer their services through gyms and sporting good stores. For individuals with an advanced degree, there are sports therapy jobs available in home health care, hospitals and private practice. While working for yourself offers more freedom, the structured environment of the medical industry also comes with an increase in pay and advancement opportunities.
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Skills and Qualifications
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Generally speaking, sports therapists who are working with individuals and teams to create exercise programs and fitness plans should be physically fit themselves. Most people who go into the field of sports therapy come from one of two backgrounds: sports or medicine. Many athletes who intended to play professionally but didn't make the cut move into either sports therapy or sports management. On the other side, individuals studying medicine may be drawn towards sports or physical therapy because of the long-term impact they can have on their patients.
Location
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For individuals who want to maximize their potential earnings as a sports or physical therapist, there are certain areas of the country where the demand for skilled applicants is higher. According to the BLS, Alaska ranks as the U.S. state with the highest average salary for physical therapists. Typically, areas with a number of colleges and strong athletic programs will pay higher rates than areas that are more rural and with less demand for sports or physical therapists.
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References
- Photo Credit football huddle image by sparkia from Fotolia.com
