CFChooseField
Arts, Design, Media, and Sports

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Coaches and Scouts
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Median pay

$45,920
Median annual pay for Coaches and Scouts.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

6.4%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

41,800
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

306,500
Estimated U.S. employment for Coaches and Scouts in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+19,500
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical education needed to enter Coaches and Scouts.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Speaking
  2. 2Learning Strategies
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Active Listening
  5. 5Critical Thinking
  6. 6Reading Comprehension

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Education and Training
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Administration and Management
  4. 4Psychology
  5. 5Customer and Personal Service
  6. 6Communications and Media

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Expression
  2. 2Oral Comprehension
  3. 3Speech Clarity
  4. 4Speech Recognition
  5. 5Information Ordering
  6. 6Originality

Career interests

  1. 1Social
  2. 2Enterprising
  3. 3Realistic
  4. 4Conventional
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Investigative

Work styles

  1. 1Leadership Orientation
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Achievement Orientation
  4. 4Social Orientation
  5. 5Self-Confidence
  6. 6Cooperation

Work activities

  1. 1Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  2. 2Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  3. 3Coaching and Developing Others
  4. 4Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  5. 5Developing and Building Teams
  6. 6Getting Information

Work context

  1. 1Contact With Others
  2. 2E-Mail
  3. 3Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  4. 4Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  5. 5Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  6. 6Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

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Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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