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Boston Career Explorer

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Coaches and Scouts

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.

Also called: Baseball Coach, Basketball Coach, Coach, Cross Country Coach, Football Coach, Gymnastics Coach

Median pay in Greater Boston
$56,220
Jobs in Greater Boston
4,840
Massachusetts 2024–2034
+9.3%
1,190 openings a year
Typical U.S. entry requirement
Bachelor's degree

Greater Boston: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, May 2025. Growth and openings: Massachusetts statewide projection.

Pay range in Greater Boston

Yearly pay in Greater Boston by percentile
10th25thMedian75th90th
$36,360$43,820$56,220$92,180$110,740

10% of workers earn less than the first figure and 10% earn more than the last.

What you’d do

  • Plan, organize, and conduct practice sessions.
  • Provide training direction, encouragement, motivation, and nutritional advice to prepare athletes for games, competitive events, or tours.
  • 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.
  • Plan strategies and choose team members for individual games or sports seasons.
  • Monitor the academic eligibility of student athletes.

AI and this job

AI exposure: how much of this job’s work AI tools can do or help with, based on national research. It is not a forecast of job loss.

Moderate exposure45 of 100

The index averages three national research measures, each shown as a percentile of all jobs:

  • AIOE 50
  • Language-model AIOE 54
  • GPTs-are-GPTs 31

Observed AI use today: Little or none (Anthropic Economic Index)

Coaches and scouts have moderate AI exposure, but observed AI use is little or none so far. AI tools may help with planning practices, studying athlete performance, and building strategy. Motivating athletes, demonstrating technique, and adjusting to each person's needs are hands-on, in-person work.

Likely to change

  • Practice and season planning
  • Reviewing athlete performance and strategy

Still relies on people

  • Motivating and encouraging athletes in person
  • Demonstrating technique and giving live feedback

Written with AI from the data on this page. Check with a career coach before making a decision.

Next steps from here

Related jobs that build on what you already do.

  • Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

    Teaching technique, spotting problems, and adjusting for different levels carry over directly. This move offers fast growth and higher median pay.

    Pay difference
    +$8,970 median
    AI exposure
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    MA growth
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    To get started
    High school diploma or equivalent

  • Physical Therapist Assistants

    Guiding and motivating people through exercises carries over. An associate's degree opens a fast-growing health field with higher pay.

    Pay difference
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    AI exposure
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    MA growth
    +18.5%
    To get started
    Associate's degree

Training near Boston

College and school programs in the Boston metro area that lead to this job, with 2023-24 completions (IPEDS).

23 programs near Boston (plus 8 graduate)

Related occupations

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