Athletic Trainer
Prevent, treat and rehabilitate injuries for athletes and active people.
- $62,520
- Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s
Beauty, Fitness & Personal Care career
Sports Coach
Also called: Head Coach · Assistant Coach · Athletic Coach · Scout
What sports coaches do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a sports coach do?
Coaches and scouts teach amateur and professional athletes the skills they need to succeed, plan practices and strategies, and evaluate talent. The median pay is $47,320 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Varies: certifications to a degree plus experience, and employment is projected to grow +6.1% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$47,320Annual salary · May 2025
- Job growth+6.1%2025–35, faster than average
- Openings per year36,400Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to trainVaries: certifications to a degree plus experienceTypical program length
- U.S. jobs298,800Employment, 2025
What sports coaches do
Coaches develop athletes and teams. They plan practices, teach skills and strategy, analyze performance, manage games, motivate players and support their development as people. Scouts evaluate athletes for colleges and pro teams. Coaches work at schools, colleges, clubs, recreation programs and pro teams.
Requirements vary. Many high school coaches are teachers; others coach part-time. College and pro coaching usually requires a bachelor’s degree and playing or coaching experience. Certifications in safety and coaching are common.
Typical duties
- Plan and run practices
- Teach skills and strategy
- Analyze performance and game film
- Manage games and make decisions
- Motivate and mentor athletes
- Recruit or scout players
- Follow safety and eligibility rules
Work environment and schedule
Coaches work on fields, courts, gyms and pools, often outdoors, with travel for games.
Schedule: Coaching involves afternoons, evenings, weekends and travel during seasons.
A day in the life
- Review practice plan and game film.
- Lead warm-ups and skill drills.
- Run team plays and situations.
- Meet with an athlete about goals.
See a full day in the life of a sports coach →
Sports Coach salary
Half of sports coaches earned more than $47,320 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $28,790 for the lowest 10% to $98,860 for the top 10%.
Full sports coach pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a sports coach
- Play or study your sport
- Volunteer or assist
- Earn certifications
- Get hired
- Advance
Requirements vary. College and pro coaches usually have bachelor’s degrees. High school coaches often must complete coaching, safety and first aid certifications.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a sports coach →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Sport skills and strategy
- Practice planning
- Game management
- Performance analysis
- Recruiting
People skills
- Leadership
- Motivation
- Communication
- Composure
All sports coach skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Share your passion for sports
- Mentor young people
- Competitive excitement
- Part-time options
Cons
- Long seasons and travel
- Pressure to win
- Part-time pay for many roles
- Parent and fan pressure
Certifications and licenses
- NFHS coaching certifications: National Federation of State High School Associations courses.
- First aid, CPR and AED: Required by many programs.
- Concussion training: Required in most states for youth coaches.
- Sport-specific coaching licenses: From national governing bodies.
Career path
- Volunteer or Assistant Coach: Learn coaching basics.
- Head Coach: Lead a team.
- College or Elite Coach: Coach at higher levels.
- Athletic Director: Lead athletic programs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Sports Coach training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as plan an effective practice and give feedback to an athlete, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Personal Trainer
Coach people to get stronger, fitter and healthier.
- $47,160
- 2–6 months for certification
Sports Official
Enforce the rules and keep games fair and safe.
- $40,710
- Weeks to months of training
High School Teacher
Teach teenagers a subject and prepare them for college, careers and life.
- $72,040
- 4 years plus licensing
Compare: Sports Coach vs. Athletic Trainer · Sports Coach vs. Personal Trainer · Sports Coach vs. Sports Official · Sports Coach vs. High School Teacher
Sports Coach FAQ
Do coaches need a degree?
College coaches usually do; many youth coaches don’t.
Is coaching full-time?
Many coaching roles are part-time or seasonal.
What certifications do coaches need?
Often safety, concussion and coaching education.
How much does a sports coach make?
The median annual wage for sports coaches was $47,320 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $28,790 and the highest 10% earned more than $98,860.
How long does it take to become a sports coach?
Most people need about Varies: certifications to a degree plus experience of training. Requirements vary. College and pro coaches usually have bachelor’s degrees. High school coaches often must complete coaching, safety and first aid certifications.
Do you need a degree to be a sports coach?
Not always. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical, and college roles often require one, but many youth and high school coaches need only certifications, background checks and experience.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 27-2022 (Coaches and scouts).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Coaches and scouts (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.