Life As a Coach or Scout
Occupation Description 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. Those required to hold teaching degrees should be reported in the appropriate teaching category.
A Day in the Life of a Coach or Scout
- Teach instructional courses and advise students.
- Plan strategies and choose team members for individual games or sports seasons.
- Monitor athletes' use of equipment to ensure safe and proper use.
- Counsel student athletes on academic, athletic, and personal issues.
- File scouting reports that detail player assessments, provide recommendations on athlete recruitment, and identify locations and individuals to be targeted for future recruitment efforts.
- Hire, supervise, and work with extended coaching staff.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Coach or Scout?
Below is a list of the skills most Coaches and Scouts say are important on the job.
Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Other Coach or Scout Job Titles
- Hockey Scout
- Judo Teacher
- High School Football Coach
- Defensive Secondary Coach
- Tennis Coach
Job Outlook for Coaches and Scouts
There were about 276,100 jobs for Coach or Scout in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 12.9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 35,600 new jobs for Coach or Scout by 2026. The BLS estimates 42,100 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Coach or Scout are Utah, Nevada, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Vermont, or Nebraska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Coach or Scout Salary
The average yearly salary of a Coach or Scout ranges between $18,970 and $77,880.

Coaches and Scouts who work in District of Columbia, New York, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
How much do Coaches and Scouts make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $44,030 |
Alaska | $45,740 |
Arizona | $49,600 |
Arkansas | $47,560 |
California | $45,600 |
Colorado | $38,470 |
Connecticut | $41,820 |
Delaware | $40,190 |
District of Columbia | $66,650 |
Florida | $45,710 |
Georgia | $45,510 |
Hawaii | $41,840 |
Idaho | $29,470 |
Illinois | $38,760 |
Indiana | $36,540 |
Iowa | $30,960 |
Kansas | $35,390 |
Kentucky | $38,740 |
Louisiana | $55,210 |
Maine | $27,900 |
Maryland | $43,790 |
Massachusetts | $50,200 |
Michigan | $47,430 |
Minnesota | $45,120 |
Mississippi | $51,120 |
Missouri | $42,130 |
Montana | $27,580 |
Nebraska | $40,870 |
Nevada | $35,870 |
New Hampshire | $39,880 |
New Jersey | $51,290 |
New York | $56,320 |
North Carolina | $46,420 |
North Dakota | $32,230 |
Ohio | $40,110 |
Oklahoma | $42,360 |
Oregon | $41,490 |
Pennsylvania | $41,820 |
Rhode Island | $46,410 |
South Carolina | $50,250 |
South Dakota | $34,370 |
Tennessee | $46,940 |
Texas | $51,800 |
Utah | $37,230 |
Vermont | $36,280 |
Virginia | $42,340 |
Washington | $43,420 |
West Virginia | $48,160 |
Wisconsin | $31,930 |
Wyoming | $43,730 |
What Tools & Technology do Coaches and Scouts Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Coaches and Scouts:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Publisher
- Google Docs
- Scheduling software
- YouTube
- Google Drive
- Statistical software
- Video editing software
- Graphics creation software
- Motion analysis software
- Video analysis software
- C++
- Website creation software
Becoming a Coach or Scout
What education is needed to be a Coach or Scout?

What work experience do I need to become a Coach or Scout?

Who Employs Coaches and Scouts?

Below are examples of industries where Coaches and Scouts work:

References:
Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Michael Ellis via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
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