Athletes and Sports Competitors vs. Coaches and Scouts: Who Earns More?
Athletes and Sports Competitors out-earn Coaches and Scouts by $19K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Athletes and Sports Competitors land at $66,710 and Coaches and Scouts at $47,320. The education gap is real: athletes and sports competitor programs typically require bachelor's degree, while coaches and scout programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Athletes and Sports Competitors is New Jersey ($253,870); for Coaches and Scouts it's New Jersey ($76,700).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Athletes and Sports Competitors median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Athletes and Sports Competitors or Coaches and Scouts?
Athletes and Sports Competitors earn more nationally. The median is $66,710 for Athletes and Sports Competitors versus $47,320 for Coaches and Scouts, a difference of $19K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Athletes and Sports Competitors or Coaches and Scouts?
Coaches and Scouts has the better 10-year outlook at 6.4% projected growth, compared to 5.5% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Athletes and Sports Competitors or Coaches and Scouts?
Athletes and Sports Competitors typically requires bachelor's degree. Coaches and Scouts requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Athletes and Sports Competitors get paid the most?
New Jersey is the top-paying state for Athletes and Sports Competitors at $253,870/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Athletes and Sports Competitors vs. Coaches and Scouts pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New Jersey, Athletes and Sports Competitors earn $253,870 vs. $76,700 for Coaches and Scouts. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.