Also known as: Athletic Coach, Athletic Instructor, Athletic Scout, Athletics Teacher
You arrive at the university's athletic center before dawn, the gym lights already blazing. Your backpack thuds onto the floor as you head to the court. Today's practice plan for the men's basketball team is outlined on the whiteboard: defensive rotations and fast break drills. You greet the assistant coach, Sarah, discussing player energy levels from yesterday. You grab your whistle and stopwatch, ready to run through the first set of plays. The smell of fresh court polish mixes with the athletes’ first beads of sweat.
Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.
O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.
+6.1%
US average: +3.5%
36,400
per year (US)
298,800
in 2025 → 316,900 (2035)
Bachelor's degree
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.
Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)
This field is experiencing expansion with increasing job opportunities and career advancement potential. Market demand is rising, with new positions being created.
Career ladder
Often before this role
Where it can lead
$47,320
Median annual wage, BLS 2025
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum educational requirement for this position
Based on job level & field
Drama
Bachelor • Creative Arts • 4 years
Creative Business
Bachelor • Creative Arts • 4 years
Communication
Bachelor • Communication & Media • 4 years
Media & Communications
Bachelor • Communication & Media • 4 years
Communication and Multimedia Design
Bachelor • Communication & Media • 4 years
Broadcast Journalism
Bachelor • Communication & Media • 4 years