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Athlete Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

i9 Sports

Sport Instructor Athlete Development

Cary, NC · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Impact the lives of young athletes * Online training opportunities Company Overview Founded in ... Lead practice sessions focusing on fundamentals, skill development, and fun * Teach & demonstrate ...

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$29K

$53.4K

$81K

How much do athlete development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for athlete development in the United States is $53,418.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Athlete Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Athlete Development, you need a strong background in sports science, coaching, and performance analysis, often supported by relevant degrees and certifications such as CSCS or NASM. Familiarity with athlete management systems, video analysis tools, and training technology is typically required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and motivational skills help build trust and foster growth in athletes. These abilities ensure the effective development of athletic talent and holistic support for athletes’ performance and well-being.

How does an Athlete Development professional typically collaborate with coaches and support staff to enhance athlete performance?

Athlete Development professionals work closely with coaches, sports psychologists, nutritionists, and medical teams to create comprehensive plans tailored to each athlete's needs. They coordinate regular check-ins, assessments, and feedback sessions to monitor progress and address challenges. Collaboration ensures that all aspects of an athlete's physical, mental, and emotional development are supported, leading to well-rounded performance improvements. This multidisciplinary teamwork is essential for fostering a positive environment and helping athletes reach their full potential.

What is athlete development?

Athlete development refers to the process of nurturing and enhancing the skills, abilities, and overall well-being of athletes throughout different stages of their careers. This involves physical training, mental conditioning, skill acquisition, and personal growth, often guided by coaches, trainers, and support staff. The goal is to help athletes reach their full potential while maintaining long-term health and success in their chosen sport.

What is the difference between Athlete Development vs Sports Coach?

AspectAthlete DevelopmentSports Coach
CredentialsCertifications in sports science, strength & conditioning, or athletic trainingCoaching certifications, such as NSCAA, USCC, or sport-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, gyms, sports academies, or schoolsSports fields, gyms, or indoor arenas
Employer & IndustrySports academies, universities, youth programsSchool teams, professional teams, community sports programs
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on athlete performance enhancement and training programsFocus on team strategy, game tactics, and direct coaching

While both roles aim to improve athletic performance, Athlete Development focuses on training programs, physical conditioning, and long-term athlete growth. Sports Coaches primarily direct team strategies, game tactics, and on-field instruction. The two roles often collaborate but serve different aspects of athletic success.

More about Athlete Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Athlete Development jobs? Cities with the most Athlete Development job openings:
What states have the most Athlete Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Athlete Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Athlete Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Athlete Development jobs are:
Athlete Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Athlete Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,418 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Athlete Development Intern

Athlete Development Intern

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Internship

Posted yesterday

University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

263rd of 532 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Job Title
Athlete Development Intern
Requisition Number
DU14747
Department Name
12F00:UKAA - Support Services
Work Location
Lexington, KY
Salary Range
15.00 hr
Type of Position
Student
Position Time Status
Part-Time
Required Education
Current undergraduate student.
Required Related Experience
None
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
To be able to lift 10 lbs
Shift
Days
Job Summary
This position provides direct support for the Student-Athlete Development unit. Specific duties may include, but are not limited to: Manage The Kentucky Road social media accounts and develop engagement strategies to effectively tell the stories of The Kentucky Road (via Instagram and LinkedIn), utilize Canva to build graphics and PowerPoint slides (in alignment with UK Athletics branding) that highlight events, student-athletes, alumni, employer partners, and TKR events and resources, provide support for The Kentucky Road website, designing and maintaining webpages, delivering stakeholder-focused content for alumni, prospective student-athletes, and employer partners, and support all events (in-person, virtual, etc) that the Unit provides/hosts
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
This position provides direct support for the Student-Athlete Development unit. Specific duties may include, but are not limited to: Manage The Kentucky Road social media accounts and develop engagement strategies to effectively tell the stories of The Kentucky Road (via Instagram and LinkedIn), utilize Canva to build graphics and PowerPoint slides (in alignment with UK Athletics branding) that highlight events, student-athletes, alumni, employer partners, and TKR events and resources, provide support for The Kentucky Road website, designing and maintaining webpages, delivering stakeholder-focused content for alumni, prospective student-athletes, and employer partners, and support all events (in-person, virtual, etc) that the Unit provides/hosts
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No
Preferred Education/Experience
Deadline to Apply
06/12/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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About University of Kentucky

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865

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