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: Athletic Coach, Athletic Instructor, Athletic Scout, Athletics Teacher, Baseball Club Manager, Baseball Coach
Median pay
$47,320
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$28,790 – $98,860
People employed
248,950
Holland code
SER
Social · Enterprising · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 2.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 3.Are you OK with hours that change?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
- Dealing with conflict is part of the job
Coaches and Scouts pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (48 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What coaches and scouts do
- 01Plan, organize, and conduct practice sessions.
- 02Provide training direction, encouragement, motivation, and nutritional advice to prepare athletes for games, competitive events, or tours.
- 03Adjust coaching techniques, based on the strengths and weaknesses of athletes.
- 04Instruct 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.
- 05Plan strategies and choose team members for individual games or sports seasons.
- 06Monitor the academic eligibility of student athletes.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Psychology
- Customer and Personal Service
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Achievement Orientation
- Social Orientation
- Self-Control
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from coaches and scouts
- Fitness and Wellness Coordinators88% · group pay
- Training and Development Managers83% · +181%
- Recreation Workers80% · −23%
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors79% · 0%
- Training and Development Specialists79% · +46%
Change into coaches and scouts
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Fitness and Wellness Coordinators81% · $69,770
- Recreation Workers80% · $36,560
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors77% · $47,160
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education74% · $52,100
Majors that lead here
- Physical Education Teaching and Coaching
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General
- Sport and Fitness Administration/Management
- Performance and Sport Psychology
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.