The Average Salary of a Tennis Coach

Coaches notice the fine details including footwork problems.

Tennis coaches help players of different abilities develop tennis strokes and strategies and help with physical development. Tennis coaches can work for a variety of organizations such as schools, tennis clubs, parks or even maintain their own independent business. Tennis coaches' salaries depend on many factors and there is a wide range of what they get paid.

Average Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2008 median annual salary for coaches in general was $28,340. Coaches in elementary schools receive less than those at colleges and universities who have the highest average. Elementary school coaches averaged $22,390 while university coaches averaged $39,550. Payscale.com shows a wider range for head tennis coach positions from the general coaching statistics: $23,929 to $50,852. In addition to salaries, tennis coaches may get bonuses and commissions for generating new clients bringing the total annual income range, inclusive of salary, to $28,591 to $60,408.

Wide Spectrum

The median averages do not reflect the diverse range of salaries tennis coaches make. For example a tennis professional on the tennis tour may retain a coach to travel with him, paying time, travel and accommodations for the coach. Tennis professionals can also rent court time and charge per hour for services. Depending on where the tennis coach lives in the country, hourly rates range from $15 to $75. A coach with a reputation for developing quality players can get higher rates than others in the same region.

Qualifications

Most tennis coaches have at least one of two credentials, a United States Tennis Association certification or the United States Professional Tennis Association certification. Coaches are not required to have college degrees, though coaches applying for high school and post-graduate positions may be required to have a bachelor's degree or higher. Top coaching candidates bring a level of experience both as a player and as a leader. Prior playing experience on the pro tour, college or national junior tours give coaches an edge over those who don't have practical experience to draw upon.

Developing Your Career

Most tennis coaches start by helping their own coaches and teams during summer camps and after-school programs teaching younger players game development. When a player finally decides to become a USTA teaching pro, he must get sponsored by another USTA professional in good standing. There is a written test along with a physical skills demonstration, both of which must be passed before the player can achieve his credential. USPTA teaching professionals don't require sponsorship and must pass a written exam. There are many fine independent tennis coaches working without these credentials who have built a reputation for quality lessons and personal tennis success. As with any career, added credentials open more opportunities.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Coaches
• USTA: Coaching Education
• USPTA: Building your tennis career
• PayScale: Tennis Coach Jobs