Sports Medicine Physicians
O*NET 29-1229.06 · SOC 29-1229
Sports Medicine Physician is a solid career choice. Median pay is $266k a year with +3.4% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 9,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Diagnose and treat musculoskeletal injuries in athletes
- →Perform sideline medical evaluations during sporting events
- →Design return-to-play protocols following sports-related injuries
- →Administer joint injections to relieve pain and inflammation
- →Counsel athletes on injury prevention and safe training practices
Education & How to Get In
Sports Medicine Physician roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.
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Work Environment
Analytical, research labs, offices, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Sports Medicine Physician involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Sports Medicine Physician?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Sports Medicine Physician Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Sports Medicine Physicians is projected to grow 3.4% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·35% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·25% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Sports Medicine Physician make?
The median Sports Medicine Physician earns $266k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Sports Medicine Physician jobs?
Our model puts Sports Medicine Physician at 20 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 35% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 25% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Sports Medicine Physician a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 3.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 9,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Sports Medicine Physician?
Sports Medicine Physician roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.
How long does it take to become a Sports Medicine Physician?
Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Sports Medicine Physician career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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