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Career overview · SOC 27-2022

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.

Also called: Baseball Coach · Basketball Coach · Coach · Cross Country Coach · Football Coach · Gymnastics Coach

Median pay (national)
$45,920
$27,490–$93,980 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
250,940
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+6.4%
~41,800 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for coaches and scouts shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $93,980 versus $27,490 at the bottom 10% — 3.4x. The median of $45,920 leaves roughly 105% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +6.4% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 41,800 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 52 states with released data, Wyoming pays the most for this role (median $60,640, +32% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $26,960 — a 125% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Speaking, Learning Strategies, Monitoring as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Speaking
  • Learning Strategies
  • Monitoring
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning
  • Writing
  • Mathematics
  • Science

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • 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.
  • Monitor the academic eligibility of student athletes.
  • Counsel student athletes on academic, athletic, and personal issues.
  • Coordinate travel arrangements and travel with team to away contests.
  • Evaluate athletes' skills and review performance records to determine their fitness and potential in a particular area of athletics.
  • Monitor athletes' use of equipment to ensure safe and proper use.
  • Keep abreast of changing rules, techniques, technologies, and philosophies relevant to their sport.

Tools & technology

  • C++
  • Facebook
  • Bloomz
  • Edmodo
  • Edpuzzle
  • Edulastic
  • Evernote
  • Flipgrid
  • Google Classroom
  • Google Drive
  • Google Meet
  • Graphics creation software
  • GroupMe
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Motion analysis software
  • Nearpod

Knowledge areas

  • Education and Training
  • English Language
  • Administration and Management
  • Psychology
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Communications and Media
  • Personnel and Human Resources
  • Public Safety and Security