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Education

Coach or Scout

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports. 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. Some roles are required to hold teaching degrees.

Annual openings

820

Median wage

$47,110

Typical education

This position usually requires a Bachelor’s degree in any field. However, a Bachelor’s degree in a related field is valued.

Growth 2026–2032

+11%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

This position usually requires a Bachelor’s degree in any field. However, a Bachelor’s degree in a related field is valued.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

Requirements differ between areas of focus, but a coaching certification is typically valued.

Experience detail

A minimum of two years of experience in a related field is required.

Employer competency information

  • ● Communication - Listen, speak, write, and signal so others can understand ● Problem Solving & Decision Making - Apply critical-thinking skills to solve problems by generating, evaluating, and implementing solutions ● Strategic Planning & Organizing - Plan and prioritize work to manage time effectively and accomplish assigned tasks ● Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders ● Customer Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction ● Administration & Management - Proficiency with business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenMay vary
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsMay vary

Interests it draws on

  • Arts, Design, and Entertainment
  • Entertainment

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Plan, organize, and conduct practice sessions.
  2. Provide training direction, encouragement, motivation, and nutritional advice to prepare athletes for games, competitive events, or tours.
  3. Adjust coaching techniques, based on the strengths and weaknesses of athletes.
  4. 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.
  5. Monitor the academic eligibility of student athletes.
  6. Counsel student athletes on academic, athletic, and personal issues.
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