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Athletic Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... athletic events as required Travel Required Yes Physical Requirements Sedentary work Outdoor ... development opportunities, and free undergraduate and discounted graduate tuition. Visit our ...

... development, mentoring, and performance feedback to coaching staff • Ensure all coaches meet required certifications, background check requirements, and CPR/first aid training Student-Athlete ...

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Athletic Development information

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$22.5K

$52.8K

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How much do athletic development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for athletic development in the United States is $52,791.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To excel in Athletic Development, you need a solid background in exercise science, kinesiology, or related fields, often supported by a relevant degree and practical coaching experience. Familiarity with performance analysis software, strength and conditioning certifications (such as CSCS), and modern training equipment is vital. Outstanding interpersonal skills, motivational ability, and adaptability help build rapport with athletes and tailor programs to individual needs. These competencies are crucial for maximizing athletic performance, ensuring safety, and fostering long-term growth in athletes.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Athletic Development, and how can they be overcome?

Professionals in Athletic Development often encounter challenges such as balancing the diverse needs of athletes, integrating new training technologies, and staying updated with the latest research in sports science. Managing individual and team progress while preventing injuries requires strong communication skills and adaptability. Collaborating closely with coaches, medical staff, and athletes is key to creating tailored development plans and ensuring optimal performance. Continuous professional development and networking with industry peers can help overcome these challenges and promote career growth.

What can I do with an athletic development management degree?

An athletic development management degree prepares individuals for roles such as athletic development coordinator, sports performance coach, or fitness program manager. Graduates can work in sports teams, fitness facilities, or youth programs, often utilizing skills in training, injury prevention, and program planning, sometimes requiring certifications like NSCA or NASM. Career advancement may involve leadership positions or specialization in sports science or rehabilitation.

What do you do in sports development?

In athletic development, professionals focus on improving athletes' physical performance through training, conditioning, and skill development. They often design personalized programs, monitor progress, and may work with coaches and sports scientists to optimize training routines and prevent injuries.

What is the highest paid job in sports?

In sports, the highest paid roles are typically top-tier professional athletes, such as star quarterbacks in football, basketball players, or top soccer players, who can earn multi-million dollar salaries and endorsement deals. Athletic development professionals generally earn less, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and level of responsibility. Executive roles like team owners or high-level sports executives can also command significant compensation but are less common for individuals pursuing athletic development careers.

What is the difference between Athletic Development vs Strength and Conditioning Coach?

AspectAthletic DevelopmentStrength and Conditioning Coach
CredentialsCertifications like NSCA CSCS, NASM, or USAW; relevant degrees in sports science or kinesiologySimilar certifications; often holds NSCA CSCS or CSCCa certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks with athletes on skill, agility, and overall athleticism, often in training facilities or sports teamsFocuses on improving strength, power, and conditioning, typically in gyms or training centers
Employer & IndustrySports teams, youth programs, athletic training centersColleges, professional sports teams, fitness facilities

While both roles aim to enhance athletic performance, Athletic Development emphasizes overall athletic skills and sport-specific training, whereas Strength and Conditioning Coaches focus primarily on physical strength and conditioning. Both careers require similar certifications and often overlap in work environments, but their core focus areas differ slightly.

What is athletic development?

Athletic development refers to the process of improving an individual's overall physical abilities, skills, and performance for sports or physical activities. It involves structured training programs that focus on strength, speed, agility, endurance, flexibility, and sport-specific skills. Athletic development is essential for athletes of all ages and skill levels to maximize their potential, prevent injuries, and achieve long-term success in their chosen sport.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In athletic development, high-level sports coaches, athletic directors, and sports medicine physicians can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in professional or collegiate sports environments. These roles often require specialized skills, leadership abilities, and a strong network within the sports industry.
More about Athletic Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Athletic Development jobs? Cities with the most Athletic Development job openings:
What states have the most Athletic Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Athletic Development jobs include:
Certified Athletic Trainer/Strength and Conditioning Coach

Certified Athletic Trainer/Strength and Conditioning Coach

ACTIV8

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

$30/hr

Part-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Seeking a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) who also has a passion and background in coaching athletes in a performance or strength and conditioning setting.

This individual will wear multiple hats and drive business within our strategic partnerships. They will work as an ATC for covered sporting events, but the majority of their days will consist of building private training clientele and working with youth sports teams/organizations

Activ8 utilizes both indoor and outdoor space and is set up for a personalized approach. We pride ourselves in offering a customized, holistic, data driven approach when managing our athletes. This could include services ranging from performance, recovery, rehabilitative, and nutritional needs.

This person should be an enthusiastic ATC with the ability to inspire, motivate and grow a clientele. They must enjoy working with clients of all ages and abilities, with the primary focus on elite youth athletes. We are looking for someone who is extremely high-energy, motivating, passionate about health & performance.

We are looking for someone who:

  • wants to be part of a high-level performance team and contribute to programming, outreach and business development

  • is looking for a Sports Performance Center for our current clientele but has a passion for developing and growing a new customer base

  • is willing to integrate within facility, current clientele, and act as a brand ambassador for Activ8

  • is looking for a challenge and has a "think outside the box" mentality in order to create new streams of revenue

  • is passionate about Applied Functional Science and Athletic Development

  • has experience with online program development and a knack for marketing

Requirements:

  • Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC)
  • Certified, preferably NSCA-CSCS

  • Certified First Aid & CPR

  • Strong drive to build and grow ATC services

Preferred

An athletic background with experience playing high school or collegiate sports. Willing to be a part of a team setting where all roles and responsibilities contribute to the overall vision of the brand.

  • Excellent ability to demonstrate and lead private sessions as well as small and large group settings with an emphasis on
  • Strong customer service skills
  • Must be able to work independently and collaboratively
  • Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Proficient computer skills including Microsoft 365 and Office
  • Bridge Athletic experience is a plus

Physical Requirements

  • Candidates applying for this position must be active and be able to carry a load unassisted of 50 pounds
  • The physical requirements of this job require frequent walking, demonstrating, and assisting with exercise movements; bending, stretching, lifting, pushing, pulling and squatting are movements performed daily
  • We are an equal opportunity employer

Education: 

  • BA/BS Kinesiology or Sports Science or related degree. Master's Preferred.
  • Must be Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC)

Company Description

Activ8 is an elite sports performance training and recovery center located in coastal Carlsbad, San Diego. Our programs and coaching systems are designed to develop movement patterns as it relates to sports and to maximize an individual’s athletic potential. Since our founding in 2011, Activ8 has become a leader in athletic performance and recovery in San Diego.
An individual’s health is one of the key components to who we are. Optimal athletic performance cannot be achieved without a strong health foundation. Optimal athletic performance is achieved by understanding, correcting, developing and progressing one’s natural movement patterns. Our methodologies, facility, equipment, services, and expert team of performance technicians with backgrounds in exercise physiology, physical therapy, athletic training, and strength and conditioning ensure safety and optimal performance in one’s personal training program design. Resulting in helping people take control of their health and athletic performance.