Coaches and Scouts
SOC code 27-2022 · O*NET-SOC 27-2022.00 · Considerable preparation needed
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Coaches and Scouts pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$47,320
a year
Hourly
—
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$60,160
— per hour
Middle 50%
$35,330 – $64,710
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$28,790 – $98,860
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
248,950
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $28,790
- —/hr
- 25th percentile
- $35,330
- —/hr
- Median percentile
- $47,320
- —/hr
- 75th percentile
- $64,710
- —/hr
- 90th percentile
- $98,860
- —/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+6%
Growing faster than average
306,500
jobs in 2024
326,000
projected for 2034
About 19,500 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What do 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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 49% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree49%
- Master's Degree19%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree17%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)9%
Common questions
How much does a coaches and scouts earn?
The national median is $47,320 a year. The full range runs from $28,790 at the 10th percentile to $98,860 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a coaches and scouts without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Is coaches and scouts in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 6% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Speaking4.4/5
- Learning Strategies4.1/5
- Monitoring4.1/5
- Reading Comprehension4.0/5
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Critical Thinking4.0/5
- Active Learning3.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Education and Training3.8/5
- English Language3.7/5
- Administration and Management3.6/5
- Psychology3.6/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
- Communications and Media3.3/5
- Personnel and Human Resources3.2/5
- Public Safety and Security3.1/5
Transferable strengths: Instructing, Social Perceptiveness, Judgment and Decision Making.