What Coaches and Scouts do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Coaches and Scouts this way: "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 core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Plan, organize, and conduct practice sessions"; "Plan strategies and choose team members for individual games or sports seasons"; "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"; "Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of opposing teams to develop game strategies".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree.
Job outlook for Coaches and Scouts
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 298,800 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 316,900 in 2035, an increase of 18,100 jobs (+6.1%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 36,400 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 12.2% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 8.3% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $47,320, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Coaches and Scouts earn the most
Across the 3 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $48,981 in California to $63,633 in New Jersey, a gap of $14,652 (1.30 times). 3 of those 3 states average above the BLS national median of $47,320 and 0 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 30,260, which is 49.2% of the 61,450 counted across them. New York follows with 15,690.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($63,633), New York ($62,747) and California ($48,981) lead the ranking, while California ($48,981) and New York ($62,747) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Coaches and Scouts: pay against the cost of living
We compare 3 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Bergen County, NJ (New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ) at $21,629. The smallest margin is $876 in Los Angeles County, CA.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 3 of the 3 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 45.0% and 73.3% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Coaches and Scouts
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (27-2000) include Producers and Directors and Actors.
Frequently asked questions about Coaches and Scouts
What is the national median wage for Coaches and Scouts?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $47,320. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $48,981 to $63,633.
Which state pays Coaches and Scouts the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $63,633. New York is next at $62,747.
What is the job outlook for Coaches and Scouts?
BLS projects employment to grow by 6.1% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 36,400 openings a year.
What education do Coaches and Scouts need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, according to BLS.
Where can Coaches and Scouts afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Bergen County, NJ leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $21,629 on a median wage of $66,110.