Diagnose, treat, and help prevent injuries that occur during sporting events, athletic training, and physical activities.
SOC: 29-1229.06
Common Job Titles
Athletic Team Physician
Physician
Sports Medicine Physician
Team Physician
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeEvaluate musculoskeletal injuries and athletic-related conditions integrating diagnostic imaging, laboratory results, and physical examination findings in sports medicine settings.
Advanced
KnowledgeFormulate evidence-based treatment and rehabilitation protocols for athletes across diverse sports disciplines, considering return-to-play timelines and performance optimization.
Advanced
KnowledgeDesign individualized return-to-sport progression plans synthesizing medical clearance criteria, functional testing results, and psychological readiness assessments.
Advanced
KnowledgeSynthesize current research on sports injuries, performance enhancement, and preventive medicine to maintain evidence-based practice and contribute to continuing medical education.
Advanced
KnowledgeAnalyze biomechanical data and motion patterns using motion capture systems and gait analysis to determine injury mechanisms and prevention strategies.
Proficient
Hands-onPerform diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations at the point of care to identify soft tissue injuries, tendinopathies, and joint abnormalities.
Proficient
Hands-onExecute therapeutic injections and joint aspirations including corticosteroid and viscosupplementation procedures under ultrasound guidance.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate diagnostic imaging and physiological monitoring equipment including EKG machines, spirometers, and bone densitometers to assess athlete health and performance capacity.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care with evidence-based sports medicine practices when counseling athletes on injury risks, treatment options, and psychological impacts of injury.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for athlete safety and injury prevention standards collaborating with coaches, athletic trainers, and sports organizations to implement best practices.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret complex medical information and diagnostic findings for athletes, families, coaching staff, and interdisciplinary teams to guide treatment decisions.
Proficient
MindsetBalance competing demands of athletic performance goals with long-term health outcomes when addressing pressure from athletes, teams, and organizations regarding return-to-play decisions.
Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Sports Medicine Physicians (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
315,360
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $66,860. 25th percentile: U.S. $95,080. 50th percentile: U.S. $239,200. 75th percentile: U.S. $239,200. 90th percentile: U.S. $239,200. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$66,860
10% of workers earn the following or more
$239,200+
Workers on average earn
$253,470
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Medicine and Dentistry5.0/5
Biology4.1/5
English Language4.1/5
Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
Administration and Management3.4/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
