Arts, design, media and sports
Coaches and scouts
Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes' strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to improve the athletes' technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching certifications should be reported in the appropriate teaching category.
Median pay
$47,320
Growth to 2035
+6%
faster than average
Openings a year
36,400
Time to qualify*
Minimal
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Coaches and scouts
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Coaches and scouts: 50% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Plan, organize, and conduct practice sessions.
- Provide training direction, encouragement, motivation, and nutritional advice to prepare athletes for games, competitive events, or tours.
- Adjust coaching techniques, based on the strengths and weaknesses of athletes.
- Instruct individuals or groups in sports rules, game strategies, and performance principles, such as specific ways of moving the body, hands, or feet, to achieve desired results.
- Plan strategies and choose team members for individual games or sports seasons.
- Monitor the academic eligibility of student athletes.
- Counsel student athletes on academic, athletic, and personal issues.
- Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of opposing teams to develop game strategies.
Also called: Baseball Coach · Basketball Coach · Coach · Cross Country Coach · Football Coach · Gymnastics Coach · Soccer Coach · Softball Coach
Outlook and AI
Coaches and scouts held 298,800 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 316,900 by 2035 (+6%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
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