|| FEATURE
The survey data also gives a snapshot of what is required for a modern coach to make a full-time living in soccer . Getting hired for that first full-time “ good job ” is key . In addition to coaching experience and success , it is clear that a significant playing background is the norm for the majority of career coaches , with over half having played college soccer as their highest level and one quarter having played professionally .
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Academic credentials also count , with 48 % having a master ’ s degree . This is especially true for college coaches as many institutions require an advanced degree for their fulltime coaches . When it comes to coaching education , 20 % hold their United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma and 25 % hold their U . S . Soccer “ A ” License ( Senior or Youth ). The demographics for the career coach also skew predominantly male ( 82 %) and White ( 78 %). There has been only a small increase in the percentage of women and minority career coaches compared to previous compensation surveys . The data reflects it is also a seasoned group , with 72 % over the age of 34 .
See a full statistical snapshot of career coaches on The Training Ground .
Career Coach Compensation Snapshot
• 87 % are full-time , salaried employees ( W-2 ) of their college , club or organization
• 76 % have a contract
• 61 % with a contract have one year ; 8 % have two year ; 6 % have a single season
• 59 % have health insurance ; 54 % have a retirement plan ; 48 % receive United Soccer Coaches membership ; 39 % receive a coaching education stipend or reimbursement ; 25 % receive phone ; 9 % receive meals ; 8 % receive automobile reimbursement
• 35 % of career coaches have a secondary paid coaching position
• The secondary positions include : 31 % as youth head coach ; 12 % as high school coach ; 3 % as college coach ; 12 % as director of coaching ; 11 % coaching camps / clinics
• Combined coaching income for a career coach in the U . S .:
» 20 % at $ 100,000 + » 18 % at $ 75,000- $ 100,000 » 31 % at $ 50,000- $ 75,000 » 14 % at $ 40,000- $ 50,000 » 16 % at less than $ 40,000
What do the stats tell you ?
Education matters . Both coaching and academic education certifications are increasingly required or a significant advantage for full-time coaching positions .
Playing level matters . Professional and / or college playing experience is the norm for career coaches .
Diversity is limited . Females , people of color and other minority groups are significantly underrepresented as career coaches relative to population numbers .
Employment security is limited . When contracts are provided , most are no more than one year .
PART-TIME COACH
Definition : Paid to coach one or more teams , but does not aspire to a full-time coaching career
32 % responding to the survey identify as parttime coaches .
The percentage of part-time coaches is virtually identical to career coaches and they have become the backbone of both high school soccer and the youth clubs of America . They love the game , with almost 76 % having played college , high school or pro soccer as their highest level . They have gone on to other non-soccer careers for their “ day jobs ” but that love of the game has brought them back to commit the time to coach at least one team on a paid basis ( albeit often modestly )
CAREER COACH
Combined coaching income for a career coach in the U . S .
16 % 20 %
14 % 18 %
31 %
$ 100,000 + $ 75,000- $ 100,000
$ 40,000- $ 50,000 $ 40,000
24 | Soccer Journal
$ 50,000- $ 75,000