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Coaches and Scouts

Coaches and scouts teach sports fundamentals to groups or individuals, primarily preparing them for competition. They demonstrate techniques, evaluate athlete performance, and work to improve skills and identify talent. Coaches work at schools, colleges, professional teams, sports clubs, and recreation centers.

$47,320median pay, U.S., per year
$35,330–$64,710middle half earn
249Kemployed in the U.S.
Bachelor’s degreetypical education · 70% hold a bachelor’s or higher
LowAI exposure · AI tools touch only a small share of this work.
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A day in the work

A coach typically holds practice sessions several times per week, leading drills and conditioning work. During a day, a coach might demonstrate techniques, observe athlete performance, provide feedback, and plan upcoming practices or competitions. Scouts attend games and events to evaluate potential recruits, taking detailed notes on athlete abilities. Outside scheduled activities, coaches review game footage, adjust training plans, and communicate with athletes about progress.

Who this work suits

Social
72Enterprising
69Realistic
54Conventional
41Artistic
24Investigative
19

Holland code SER. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

Coaches and scouts who thrive in this work enjoy social interaction and building relationships with athletes. You tend to be competitive, strategic, and comfortable taking charge—driven to develop talent and win, while managing team dynamics and organizational goals.

What it takes

Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.

Skills that matter most

InstructingSpeakingLearning StrategiesMonitoringReading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingSocial Perceptiveness

Knowledge areas

Education and TrainingEnglish LanguageAdministration and ManagementPsychologyCustomer and Personal ServiceCommunications and Media

Who is hiring

169open roles like this on employer career sites
23employers hiring
63posted in the last 7 days
CA · FL · NYwhere most openings are

Openings right now

Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.

Pay by state

Certifications people in this field hold

Training

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Job titles in this occupation

Related occupations

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against coaches and scouts and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 27-2022.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.