Swimming teacher
Also known as: swimming and diving teacher, senior swimming teacher, swimming coach, baby swimming teacher, shaw method swimming teacher, education swimming teacher
About this occupation
Swimming teachers train and advise groups or individuals on swimming. They plan trainings and teach different swimming styles such as front crawl, breaststroke and butterfly. They help to improve their students performance.
A specialisation of sports instructor.
Essential skills and knowledge
- instruct in sport
- execute sports training programme
- work with different target groups
- swim
- swimming pool safety guidelines
- adapt teaching to target group
- give swimming lessons
- personalise sports programme
- plan sports instruction programme
- demonstrate when teaching
- apply risk management in sports
- swimming styles
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Coaches and Scouts (O*NET 27-2022.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Enterprising, Realistic
Top skills: Instructing, Speaking, Learning Strategies, Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening
US median pay: US$47,320 a year (2025), 248,950 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 LanguageVery important (3.7)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.6)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyVery important (3.6)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.3)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.0)
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 Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational 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.
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials
- Athletes and Sports Competitors
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
- Athletic Trainers
- Self-Enrichment Teachers
- Training and Development Specialists
- Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
- Recreation Workers
- Training and Development Managers
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
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.