Coaches and scouts
SOC Code: 27-2022Also known as:
Athletic Coach, Athletic Instructor, Athletic Scout, Athletics Teacher, Baseball Club Manager
Median Annual Salary
$45,920
+6.4% growth (2024-2034)
42K
Openings/Year
307K
Current Jobs
What Coaches and scouts Do
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.
💰 Salary
$45,920
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+6.4%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
42K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
306,500
Projected Employment (2034)
326,000
Related Careers
Self-enrichment teachers
$45,590 •
+3.7% growth
Athletes and sports competitors
$62,360 •
+5.5% growth
Umpires, referees, and other sports officials
$38,820 •
+5.7% growth
Athletic trainers
$60,250 •
+11.1% growth
Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors
$46,180 •
+11.9% growth
Top Skills Required
Instructing
Speaking
Learning Strategies
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Coaches and scouts
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a coaches and scouts:
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management
17,472 degrees awarded •
655 colleges offer this program
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General
12,633 degrees awarded •
387 colleges offer this program
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching
6,964 degrees awarded •
439 colleges offer this program
Performance and Sport Psychology
270 degrees awarded •
17 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Coaches and scouts
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become coaches and scouts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do coaches and scouts make?
The median annual salary for coaches and scouts is $45,920.
What education do coaches and scouts need?
Most coaches and scouts positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Sport and Fitness Administration/Management, Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General, Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.
Is becoming coaches and scouts a good career choice?
Coaches and scouts is projected to see +6.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 41,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for coaches and scouts?
Top colleges for aspiring coaches and scouts include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Florida, The University of Texas at Austin, University of Georgia.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to coaches and scouts?
Coaches and scouts may also be known as: Athletic Coach, Athletic Instructor, Athletic Scout, Athletics Teacher, Baseball Club Manager, Baseball Coach, Baseball Scout, Basketball Coach, Bowling Teacher, Boxing Coach, Boxing Trainer, Boys Basketball Coach, Cheerleading Coach, Coach, College Basketball Coach, College Coach, College Football Coach, Cross Country Coach, Diving Instructor, Equestrian Trainer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.