Compensation

Compensation: Will I get paid and how much will I get paid? (6 of 6)

Lets be honest, competing is fun, but who doesn’t want to be compensated for all their hard work? At the amateur level, there are very few shows that offer more than trophies or medals. But occasionally there are some who offer gift certificates or small perks such as goody bags or supplements. At the professional level, some organizations offer compensation in the form of cash, clothing, supplements, sponsorships, or trips. But, competitors should also be aware of the “fine print” on professional contracts and winnings. Although you may win a professional show, the organization may choose to distribute the winnings over a period of time, or require you to make certain appearances to receive all of your winnings. This may not be made clear up front. Another big misconception is that the cash payouts are large. In the United States, women’s bodybuilding tends to receive the largest payout, which was approximately $30,000, fitness was $25,000 and figure was $20,000.  Given that there are only 2 shows within the U.S. with large payouts such as these, it is definitely not comparable to the amount of time athletes put in to preparation for the sport. Taking all things into consideration, competitors need to understand that even at the professional level for women, “competing” alone is not a lucrative profession, it is the endorsements, sponsorships, and opportunities gained through competing that are typically the most lucrative.