Sports instructor
Also known as: gymnastics teacher, tennis instructor, tennis teacher, ski teacher, water sports instructor, surf instructor
About this occupation
Sports instructors introduce people to a sport and teach them the skills required for the performance of sport. They have a strong grip on one or more sports, which are often adventure sports, and know how to motivate others and share with them the enjoyment of the activity.
Essential skills and knowledge
- organise sporting environment
- plan sports instruction programme
- instruct in sport
- apply risk management in sports
- personalise sports programme
- maintain working relationships
- perform self-assessment
- demonstrate professional attitude to clients
- maintain customer service
- promote balance between rest and activity
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials (O*NET 27-2023.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to maintain standards of play and to ensure that game rules are observed.
- Inspect game sites for compliance with regulations or safety requirements.
- Resolve claims of rule infractions or complaints by participants and assess any necessary penalties, according to regulations.
- Signal participants or other officials to make them aware of infractions or to otherwise regulate play or competition.
- Teach and explain the rules and regulations governing a specific sport.
- Inspect sporting equipment or examine participants to ensure compliance with event and safety regulations.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Conventional, Realistic
Top skills: Speaking, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Judgment and Decision Making, Monitoring, Reading Comprehension
US median pay: US$40,710 a year (2025), 15,780 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Coaches and Scouts
- Athletes and Sports Competitors
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
- Animal Trainers
- Compliance Officers
- Self-Enrichment Teachers
- Bailiffs
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.