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Sports Instructor Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Join Our Team as a Youth Sports Instructor! Join our team! The City of Kentwood is seeking a Youth Sports Instructor to lead fun, engaging, and skill-building sports programs for children ages 4-13.

Swim Instructor

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Experience as a certified lifeguard, youth sports instructor/coach, camp counselor and/or childcare provider a plus. Certificates and Licenses : We provide training for Lifeguard, CPR/AED and First ...

Swim Instructor

Brighton, MI · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Experience as a certified lifeguard, youth sports instructor/coach, camp counselor and/or childcare provider required. Two or more years as a swimming instructor required. Swimming experience ...

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Sports Instructor information

See Michigan salary details

$8

$18

$33

How much do sports instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports instructor in Michigan is $18.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $20.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are sports instructors?

Sports instructors are professionals who teach individuals or groups how to play specific sports or improve their athletic skills. They develop training programs, demonstrate techniques, and ensure participants follow safety guidelines. Sports instructors often work in schools, sports clubs, fitness centers, or as private coaches. Their goal is to help students enhance their performance, enjoy physical activity, and achieve their fitness or competitive objectives.

What Is a Sports Instructor?

A sports instructor works as a coach for a school or extracurricular organization to teach participants the rules of a given sport. In this position, your job duties are to coach the team, instill a spirit of healthy competition, and give team members pointers on how to improve their playing skills. You can work at various levels of education, even up to the university level. The higher you go, the more extensive and thorough the requirements for your qualifications and experience.

What are some common challenges sports instructors face when working with groups of varying skill levels?

Sports instructors often encounter the challenge of managing groups with participants who have different abilities and learning speeds. Balancing instruction so that beginners feel supported while more advanced members stay engaged requires careful planning and adaptability. Instructors typically use differentiated activities and flexible coaching techniques to ensure everyone progresses and feels included. Strong communication and observation skills are essential to effectively motivate and guide each group member according to their needs.

What is the difference between Sports Instructor vs Fitness Trainer?

AspectSports InstructorFitness Trainer
Required CertificationsSports coaching certifications, CPR/AEDPersonal training certifications, CPR/AED
Work EnvironmentSports clubs, schools, community centersGyms, fitness centers, private studios
Employer & Industry UsageSports organizations, schools, recreational programsHealth clubs, personal training companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Sports Instructors and Fitness Trainers share similar certifications and often work in health and recreation settings. However, Sports Instructors focus on coaching specific sports and athletic skills, while Fitness Trainers design general fitness programs for clients. Both roles require CPR/AED certification and are employed in sports, fitness, and community environments. The main difference lies in their focus: sports-specific coaching versus overall fitness training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sports Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sports Instructor, you need a solid background in physical education, coaching techniques, and a relevant certification or degree in sports science or a related field. Familiarity with training equipment, fitness assessment tools, and first aid certification are typically required. Strong communication, motivational, and leadership skills help build rapport with participants and foster a positive learning environment. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring safe, effective instruction and for inspiring athletes to reach their potential.
What are popular job titles related to Sports Instructor jobs in Michigan? For Sports Instructor jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sports Instructor jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Sports Instructor jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Sports Instructor jobs in MI? For Sports Instructor jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Sports Instructor job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,862 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Sports Instructor - Romulus Athletic Center

The Sports Facilities Companies

Romulus, MI • On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

INSTRUCTOR - Romulus Athletic Center
ROM SFM, LLC
LOCATION: Romulus, MI
DEPARTMENT: SPORTS
REPORTS TO: GENERAL MANAGER
STATUS: PART TIME (NON-EXEMPT)
ABOUT THE COMPANY:
Romulus Athletic Center is a premier sport, recreation and entertainment destination focused on improving the health and economic vitality of Romulus, MI. You will be joining a championship level team focused on fun, fulfillment and service built to enrich the community as well as your career and personal growth.
Romulus Athletic Center is a managed facility by Sports Facilities Management, LLC, a Sports Facilities Companies company. SFC is the nation's leading resource for managing and developing sports, recreation, wellness, and events facilities. We provide a highly collaborative and supportive culture that raises our team members to new levels of career growth. Together, we will carve a path in a hyper-growing industry where you will enjoy the journey and learn from the industry's best while having some fun.
SFC has been awarded national recognition as a Top Workplace and is considered a workplace of choice. Our mission-focused company is highly entrepreneurial, team-oriented with a culture centered on collaboration, accountability, excellence, and service. We are growing rapidly and looking for high performers at every level to grow with us.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Sports Instructors will be responsible for teaching and coaching individuals or groups in a variety of sports activities, ensuring skill development, safety, and an enjoyable learning experience. The Sports Instructor should be energetic, patient, and capable of motivating participants of all skill levels.
The Sports Instructor is responsible for instructing and developing athletes. This role involves designing and implementing training programs, providing instruction and feedback, and fostering a positive and competitive environment for athletes.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
  • Teaching relevant skills, tactics, and techniques to a wide range of athletes, individuals and group
  • Instruct and coach children while they engage in group and individual sports activities
  • Prepare and lead a variety of activities that are age-appropriate
  • Monitoring, evaluating, and enhancing athlete performance and needs
  • Providing suitable feedback via positivity, encouragement, example, and motivation
  • Demonstrating an activity clearly by breaking down the task or technique into a sequence
  • Friendly and courteous with athletes, parents, and venue team members
  • Identifying athlete strengths and areas for development
  • Ensuring a safe environment for all participants to avoid accidents or injuries
  • Prepare and sign all certificates and course record sheets
  • Implementing the lesson plans in an accurate, creative, positive, and efficient fashion
  • Maintain equipment and ensure its proper use
  • Stay updated on current trends and best practices on coach training
  • All additional duties assigned by management

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • At least 2 years of appropriate coaching/teaching sport programs for athletes of various aptitudes
  • Ability to adapt coaching techniques to different skill levels of all age groups
  • Model good behavior for campers as it relates to sportsmanship, manners, and respectfulness
  • Neat in appearance and professional in manner
  • Must have excellent interpersonal, problem solving and communication skills
  • Must be a team player
  • Must have excellent leadership and motivational skills
  • Must be detail-oriented and have outstanding organizational skills
  • Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, predominately after-school and weekends
  • Ability to maintain focus in a high-volume, fast paced environment
  • Must possess current CPR/FIRST AID certifications, or willingness to obtain within a specified period
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Passion for sports and athlete development

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds waist high
  • Must be able to move or lift lightweight equipment
  • Position requires standing and activity for extended periods of time (indoors or outdoors), squatting, stooping, jogging, or bending into awkward positions while performing job functions