Career profile · 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.

Median salary
$45,920
per year
Growth outlook
Average
BLS 10-yr
Education
Bachelor's degree
AI exposure
5.2/10
automation risk

Salary distribution (US)

Real salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The p10–p90 spread tells you more than the median alone.

Bottom 10%
$24,350
25th %ile
$30,270
Median
$45,920
75th %ile
$66,150
Top 10%
$95,510

Top skills

Active Listening Instructing Speaking Social Perceptiveness Monitoring Coordination Critical Thinking Time Management Judgment and Decision Making Learning Strategies

Knowledge you'll build

  • Education and Training
  • English Language
  • Psychology
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Personnel and Human Resources
  • Administration and Management

A day in the life

Your day starts with film review—breaking down game footage to identify plays that worked and areas where the team needs improvement. By mid-morning you are drawing up practice plans and meeting with assistant coaches to coordinate drills that target specific weaknesses. The afternoon practice session is the heart of the job: running drills, correcting technique, pushing athletes past their comfort zones, and keeping energy and morale high. After practice you might have a recruiting phone call with a prospective player's family, handle equipment logistics, or sit down with a player who is struggling academically to help them balance sports and school. The wins feel amazing, but the real payoff is watching young athletes develop discipline and confidence that carries far beyond the field.

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