If you love soccer but aren’t on track to be the next Lionel Messi or Sophia Wilson (née Smith), don’t worry - you can still make a great living in the sport! There are plenty of high-paying jobs in the soccer industry that don’t require you to lace up your boots professionally. Whether you’re into business, media, or sports science, opportunities abound.
Let’s break down some of the best-paying careers in soccer and how you can land one.
1. Sports Agent ($50,000–$1,000,000+ per year)
- What they do: Represent players in contract negotiations, endorsements, and career planning.
- Why it pays well: Agents earn a percentage of their clients’ earnings, which can be huge for top-tier players.
- How to get started: A degree in law, business, or sports management is helpful. Gaining experience with a sports agency is key. Then make sure to get your FIFA license to be official. We break down all the steps in our article How to Become a Soccer Agent in the United States.
2. Soccer Club Executive (GM, Sporting Director) ($100,000–$500,000+ per year)
- What they do: Oversee club operations, player acquisitions, and financial planning.
- Why it pays well: Executives shape a club’s success both on and off the field.
- How to get started: Experience in sports management, business administration, or finance is crucial. Internships with clubs or leagues can help open doors. Many teams now have roles for Assistant General Manager, giving you a gateway to GM.
3. Broadcast Analyst/Commentator ($50,000–$400,000+ per year)
- What they do: Provide analysis, play-by-play commentary, and insights during live broadcasts.
- Why it pays well: Networks invest heavily in top analysts to attract viewers.
- How to get started: A background in journalism, media, or a playing career helps. Building a personal brand through podcasting or YouTube can boost your profile.
4. Sponsorship Director+ ($80,000 - $250,000 per year)
- What they do: Oversee sponsorship deals, negotiate partnerships with brands, and develop revenue-generating opportunities for clubs and organizations.
- Why it pays well: Sponsorship is a major revenue stream for teams, leagues, and events, with brands investing millions to associate with soccer properties.
- How to get started: A degree in business, marketing, or sports management is valuable. Experience in corporate partnerships, sales, or brand activation can provide a strong entry point.
5. Head Coach/Assistant Coach ($100,000–$5,000,000 per year)
- What they do: Develop game strategies, train players, and lead teams to success.
- Why it pays well: Elite coaches are in high demand and command top salaries.
- How to get started: Coaching experience, professional playing background, and coaching licenses (e.g., UEFA Pro License) are keys to unlocking these positions.
6. Data Analyst ($60,000–$150,000 per year)
- What they do: Analyze performance metrics, player stats, and tactical trends to provide insights.
- Why it pays well: Clubs rely on data to gain a competitive edge.
- How to get started: A background in statistics, data science, or sports analytics is needed. Learning software like Python and SQL can be beneficial.
7. Physiotherapist/Sports Scientist ($60,000–$200,000 per year)
- What they do: Help players recover from injuries and improve physical performance.
- Why it pays well: Preventing injuries and optimizing performance is a top priority for clubs.
- How to get started: A degree in physiotherapy, kinesiology, or sports science is required. Gaining experience with a professional team is key.
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You don’t have to be on the pitch to make a great living in soccer. From negotiating multi-million dollar contracts to analyzing match data, there are numerous ways to turn your love of the sport into a lucrative career.
If you're serious about breaking into the soccer industry, start by gaining relevant experience, networking with professionals, and keeping up with industry trends.
Entry level to executive jobs like these are available now on JustSoccerJobs.com.