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Competitive Cheer Coach Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Lake Forest

Youth Cheerleading Coach

Lake Forest, IL

$20/hr

Description We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Youth Cheerleading Coach to lead our cheer ... Qualifications Previous cheerleading experience (competitive or recreational) is required.

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Competitive Cheer Coach information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$21

$33

How much do competitive cheer coach jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for competitive cheer coach in Illinois is $21.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $23.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a competitive cheer coach do?

A Competitive Cheer Coach trains and leads cheerleading teams to participate in cheer competitions. Their responsibilities include teaching routines, stunts, and tumbling skills, ensuring athlete safety, and fostering teamwork and discipline. They also develop practice schedules, organize team logistics for competitions, and provide mentorship to team members. Competitive Cheer Coaches play a crucial role in helping athletes improve their skills and achieve success in a highly dynamic and demanding sport.

What are some common challenges competitive cheer coaches face when working with teams, and how can they be addressed?

Competitive Cheer Coaches often encounter challenges such as balancing athlete skill levels, maintaining team motivation during intense training periods, and ensuring safety during complex stunts. To address these, coaches frequently customize practice plans to accommodate varied abilities, foster a positive and encouraging environment, and strictly enforce safety protocols with regular technique reviews. Open communication with athletes and collaboration with assistant coaches and support staff also play crucial roles in overcoming these challenges and promoting a cohesive, successful team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a competitive cheer coach, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Competitive Cheer Coach, you need expertise in cheerleading techniques, safety protocols, and choreography, usually supported by coaching certifications and prior experience. Familiarity with scoring systems, video analysis tools, and first aid/CPR credentials are typically required. Strong leadership, motivational skills, and effective communication help foster teamwork and athlete development. These skills and qualities ensure athletes’ safety, team cohesion, and competitive success in a demanding sport.

What is the difference between Competitive Cheer Coach vs Cheerleading Instructor?

AspectCompetitive Cheer CoachCheerleading Instructor
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Cheerleading coaching certificationsCPR, First Aid, Cheerleading certifications
Work EnvironmentCompetitive teams, gyms, competitionsSchools, community centers, gyms
Employer & IndustrySports clubs, cheer gyms, schoolsSchools, recreational programs, gyms

Both roles require similar certifications and often work in gyms or schools. However, Competitive Cheer Coaches focus on training teams for competitions, while Cheerleading Instructors typically teach cheerleading skills to a broader age range in educational or community settings.

Competitive Cheer Coach jobs near you
Infographic showing various Competitive Cheer Coach job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,232 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

JV Head Competitive Cheer Coach (Winter 2026-2027)

Lake Forest School Districts 67 & 115

Lake Forest, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Lake Forest High School is seeking a JV Head Competitive Cheer Coach (Winter 2026-2027) 
Description: The Head JV Competitive Cheer Coach (Winter Season) will assist the Head Coach to organize, coordinate, and promote quality coaching under the direction of the Varsity Head Coach while carrying out the LFHS Mission and philosophy of the Athletic Department. The Coach will provide effective instruction and assist with program management, demonstrate leadership that will ensure a positive learning environment for student-athletes, and will stress the importance of educational based athletics as a top priority. The Coach will supervise and oversee the girls participating in the cheer program at LFHS. The Head JV Cheer Coach will demonstrate a high degree of ethics, professionalism, and be a positive role model for all student-athletes.


Qualifications:

  • All coaches in an IHSA sport must hold a current Illinois Teaching Certificate registered in Lake County, ASEP certificate (American Sport Education Program) or have completed an approved National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) coaching certification program.
  • Coaches must maintain current AED/CPR certification and meets all IHSA coaching certification annual requirements.

Essential Functions:

  • Demonstrates excellence in creating, supporting, and managing meaningful experiences for student-athletes
  • Maintains the ability to make rational, sound decisions under stressful conditions
  • Interacts and communicates effectively, professionally, and transparently with a variety of audiences (parents, staff, and students)
  • Communicates and enforces clear expectations for athlete conduct and accountability
  • Ensures active supervision of student-athletes during all team events and transit - to proactively manage a safe and respectful environment
  • Operates strictly within school policies and implements regulations developed by the district
  • Abides by the LFHS Athletic Code of Conduct at all times

Salary and Benefits:

  • Per 2023-2028 LFEA CBA. No additional benefits associated with this position


Application Procedure: Interested candidates must apply online. Click here to access the online application.
For additional information, please contact the Athletic Director, Mr. Tim Burkhalter at tburkhalter@lfschools.net.
To learn more about Lake Forest High School, visit our website at www.lakeforestschools.org.
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