Salary Outlook
The BLS reports the median annual wage for sports coaches was $28,470 in 2011. The best-paid 10 percent in the field made $65,060, while the bottom 10 percent made approximately $17,110. The highest-paid in the profession work in the metropolitan areas of Athens, Ga., and Auburn, Ala.
| Job Salary | Year |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $31,050.00 |
| 2004 | $37,570.00 |
| 2006 | $37,800.00 |
| 2008 | $39,400.00 |
| 2010 | $35,950.00 |
Average Sports Coach Pay vs. All Social Services Jobs
The average sports coach takes home $28,470 a year. That's less than the average recreation and fitness worker makes, although there is some overlap in the two professions. Maintenance repair workers earn nearly $6,600 more per year, and high school teachers earn nearly $26,000 more per year than a sports coach. However, keep in mind that many athletic coaches also moonlight as teachers.
| Job Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| High School Teacher | $54,270.00 |
| School Counselor | $54,130.00 |
| Middle School Teacher | $53,130.00 |
| Maintenance & Repair Worker | $35,030.00 |
| Recreation & Fitness Worker | $31,030.00 |
| Sports Coach | $28,470.00 |
See Complete List of Best Social Services Jobs
Best Paying Cities for Sports Coaches
The highest paid in the sports coach profession work in the metropolitan areas of Athens, GA, Auburn, AL, and Tallahassee, FL. The Fayetteville, AR area also pays well, as does the city of College Station, TX.
Athens, GA
Average Salary: $94,540 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a sports coach working in Athens, GA is $94,540, which is $66,070 more than the average pay in the profession.
Auburn, AL
Average Salary: $91,920 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a sports coach working in Auburn, AL is $91,920, which is $63,450 more than the average pay in the profession.
Tallahassee, FL
Average Salary: $87,060 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a sports coach working in Tallahassee, FL is $87,060, which is $58,590 more than the average pay in the profession.
Fayetteville, AR
Average Salary: $80,210 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a sports coach working in Fayetteville, AR is $80,210, which is $51,740 more than the average pay in the profession.
College Station, TX
Average Salary: $75,540 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a sports coach working in College Station, TX is $75,540, which is $47,070 more than the average pay in the profession.
