Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. Many athletic trainers work in educational settings, such as colleges, universities, elementary schools, and secondary schools. Others work in hospitals, fitness centers, or physicians’ offices, or for professional sports teams. Athletic trainers need at least a bachelor’s degree. Nearly all states require athletic trainers to have a license or certification; requirements vary by state. The median annual wage for athletic trainers was $46,630 in May 2017. Employment of athletic trainers is projected to grow 23 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for athletic trainers is expected to increase as people become more aware of the effects of sports-related injuries, and as the middle-aged and older population remains active.
Coaches teach amateur or professional athletes the skills they need to succeed at their sport. Scouts look for new players and evaluate their skills and likelihood for success at the college, amateur, or professional level. Many coaches also are involved in scouting. Coaches and scouts often work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Full-time coaches usually work more than 40 hours a week for several months during the sports season. Coaches travel frequently to sporting events. Scouts may be required to travel more extensively when searching for talented athletes. Coaches and scouts typically need a bachelor’s degree. They also must have extensive knowledge of the game. Coaches typically gain this knowledge through their own experiences playing the sport at some level. Although previous playing experience may be beneficial, it is typically not required for most scouting jobs. The median annual wage for coaches and scouts was $32,270 in May 2017. Employment of coaches and scouts is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Increasing participation in high school and college sports may boost demand for coaches and scouts.
Exercise physiologists develop fitness and exercise programs that help patients recover from chronic diseases and improve cardiovascular function, body composition, and flexibility. About half of exercise physiologists were self-employed in 2016. Most others worked for hospitals and other healthcare providers. Most exercise physiologists work full time. Exercise physiologists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree. Degree programs include science and health-related courses, such as biology, anatomy, kinesiology, and nutrition, as well as clinical work. The median annual wage for exercise physiologists was $49,090 in May 2017. Employment of exercise physiologists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Demand may rise as hospitals emphasize exercise and preventive care to help patients recover from cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases and improve their overall health.
Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. The median annual wage for fitness trainers and aerobics instructors was $39,210 in May 2017.
Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. The median annual wage for postsecondary recreation and fitness studies teachers was $60,150 in May 2017.
Umpires, referees, and other sports officials preside over competitive athletic or sporting events to help maintain standards of play. They detect infractions and decide penalties according to the rules of the game. Umpires, referees, and other sports officials work indoors and outdoors. They often work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Officials working outdoors are exposed to all types of weather conditions. Educational requirements vary by state and local sports association. Although some states have no formal education requirements, other states require umpires, referees, and other sports officials to have a high school diploma. The median annual wage for umpires, referees, and other sports officials was $26,800 in May 2017. Employment of umpires, referees, and other sports officials is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job prospects are expected to be good at the youth and high school levels.
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