Coaches and Scouts
O*NET 27-2022.00 · SOC 27-2022
Coach is a solid career choice. Median pay is $47k a year with +6.1% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 36,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Develop game strategies and practice plans for athletes.
- →Evaluate player performance during games and training sessions.
- →Scout potential recruits by watching games and competitions.
- →Instruct athletes on proper techniques and rule compliance.
- →Review game footage to identify opponent weaknesses.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Coach roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Coach involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Coach?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Coach Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Coaches and Scouts is projected to grow 6.1% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·42% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Coach make?
The median Coach earns $47k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Coach jobs?
Our model puts Coach at 25 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 42% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Coach a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 6.1% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 36,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Coach?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Coach roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Coach?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Coach career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes