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Sports Performance Coach Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AEG

Mental Performance Coach

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K/yr

Stay current with sport psychology and mental performance research to inform program design and ... Institute of Coaching Professional Association (ICPA) Candidates with these non-CMPC certifications ...

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$5

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$47

How much do sports performance coach jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports performance coach in California is $27.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $32.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sports performance coach?

A Sports Performance Coach is a professional who helps athletes improve their physical abilities, mental focus, and overall performance in their sport. They design and implement training programs tailored to each athlete’s goals, often focusing on strength, speed, agility, and injury prevention. These coaches may also work with teams or individuals on nutrition, recovery strategies, and mental skills to optimize performance. Sports Performance Coaches typically collaborate with other professionals, such as athletic trainers and physical therapists, to ensure comprehensive support for athletes.

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

To thrive as a Sports Performance Coach, you need a strong background in exercise science, biomechanics, and program design, often supported by a degree in kinesiology and certifications like CSCS. Familiarity with performance tracking software, wearable fitness technology, and strength and conditioning equipment is typically required. Excellent communication, motivational skills, and the ability to build rapport with athletes help coaches foster trust and maximize results. These skills ensure athletes achieve peak performance safely and effectively while maintaining motivation and focus.

What are some common challenges sports performance coaches face when working with diverse athletes, and how can they overcome them?

Sports Performance Coaches often work with athletes from various backgrounds, sports, and skill levels, which can present challenges in communication, motivation, and program customization. Successfully navigating these differences requires strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a commitment to ongoing education. Coaches can overcome these challenges by building trusting relationships, actively listening to athletes' needs, and staying up to date with the latest training methodologies, ensuring programs are tailored to each athlete's unique goals and abilities.

What is the difference between Sports Performance Coach vs Personal Trainer?

AspectSports Performance CoachPersonal Trainer
CertificationsCSCS, NSCA, NASM PES or CESACE, NASM, ISSA, NASM CPT
Work EnvironmentSports teams, athletic facilities, training centersGyms, fitness centers, private clients
Industry UsageSports teams, collegiate and professional athleticsGeneral fitness, weight loss, health improvement
FocusEnhancing athletic performance, injury preventionImproving overall fitness, weight management

The main difference between a Sports Performance Coach and a Personal Trainer lies in their focus and work environment. Sports Performance Coaches primarily work with athletes to improve athletic skills and prevent injuries, often within sports teams or specialized training centers. Personal Trainers serve a broader client base, focusing on general fitness, weight loss, and health goals in gyms or private settings. Both roles require certifications, but their target populations and objectives differ significantly.

Are sports performance coaches worth it?

Sports performance coaches are valuable for athletes seeking to improve strength, agility, and overall athletic ability through specialized training, often involving assessments, personalized programs, and coaching certifications. Their expertise can help prevent injuries and optimize performance, making them a worthwhile investment for athletes at various levels.

How do you become a sports performance coach?

To become a sports performance coach, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field, along with certifications such as the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or NSCA certification. Gaining experience through internships or working with athletes, developing strong communication and coaching skills, and staying updated on training techniques are also important steps in the career path.

What qualifications do I need to be a sports performance coach?

A sports performance coach typically needs a bachelor's degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field. Certification from organizations such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) or the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is often required or preferred, along with knowledge of training techniques, injury prevention, and athlete development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sports Performance Coach jobs in California?

The most popular types of Sports Performance Coach jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Sports Performance Coach jobs in California?

For Sports Performance Coach jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sports Performance Coach jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Sports Performance Coach jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Sports Performance Coach jobs?

Cities in California with the most Sports Performance Coach job openings:

Sports Performance Coach jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Performance Coach job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,441 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Mental Performance Coach

AEG

San Jose, CA • On-site

$120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Conduct individual and group sessions to develop players' mental skills such as confidence, focus, emotional regulation, and resilience.

  • Collaborate with coaching and performance staff to integrate mental performance strategies into player development plans and team culture initiatives.

  • Attend training sessions, matches, and travel as an embedded team member to support mental performance and facilitate interdepartmental collaboration.

Job description

Position Summary
The Mental Performance Coach is responsible for enhancing the psychological readiness, resilience, and overall mental well-being of individual players, coaches, and staff within a professional football organization.
This role integrates performance psychology, leadership development, and culture-building strategies to help the entire organization perform at its highest level on and off the field.
The Mental Performance Coach will be fully embedded in the team environment - attending training sessions, matches, and travel - and works collaboratively across departments (health and performance, coaching staff, operations etc.) to foster a high-performance environment grounded in communication, composure, accountability, and continuous growth.
Key Responsibilities
Player Mental Performance
  1. Conduct individual and group sessions focusing on confidence building, focus, decision-making under pressure, emotional regulation, and mental resilience.
  2. As part of player individual development plans (IDPs) develop personalized mental performance plans aligned with each player's goals, role, and team expectations.
  3. Support players in navigating challenges such as return to play following injury, performance 'dips', transitions, and career stressors.
  4. Use evidence-based techniques to design and deliver mental skills training in areas such as visualization, mindfulness, game-day preparation, and recovery routines.
  5. Work closely with medical, performance, and coaching staff to ensure mental performance strategies are integrated into holistic IDPs.
  6. Coordinate with licensed mental health professionals to provide referrals and ensure continuity of care.
  7. Maintains player records in line with confidentiality standards and relevant regulatory and professional body requirements.

Team Culture & Performance
  1. Collaborate with the Head Coach and performance team to define and sustain the team's culture, values, and behavioral standards.
  2. Facilitate team workshops on communication, trust-building, accountability, conflict resolution, and team cohesion.
  3. Support leadership development within the player group (captains, veteran leaders, rookies) to strengthen the team's internal leadership structure.
  4. Analyze team dynamics and provide actionable insights to enhance on-field decision-making and collaboration.
  5. Assist in managing team-wide 'stress levels', especially during high-pressure periods such as playoffs, losing streaks, or media scrutiny.

Coaching & Staff Development
  1. Provide coaching, mentorship, and resources to other team staff on effective communication, leadership, and performance psychology principles.
  2. Train staff in mental skills strategies that can be incorporated into their own work with players.
  3. In close collaboration with HR, support staff well-being, burnout prevention, and personal growth to maintain a high-functioning environment across the organization.
  4. Facilitate interdepartmental collaboration and alignment to ensure consistent messaging and support across the team (staff and players).
  5. Attend team training sessions, matches, and travel as an embedded member of the high-performance team.
  6. Communicate regularly with the coaching and performance staff to align mental skills programming with team tactical and physical performance goals (IDPs).

Organizational Support & Strategy
  1. Contribute psychological insights into player recruitment, drafting, onboarding, and transition processes.
  2. Provide regular reports to leadership (while upholding ethical boundaries and confidentiality).
  3. Serve as an ambassador for mental performance within the organization, promoting a supportive and stigma-free environment.

Research, Innovation, & Program Development
  1. Stay current with sport psychology and mental performance research to inform program design and delivery.
  2. Develop assessment tools and metrics to evaluate the impact of mental performance interventions.

Other duties
  1. As assigned.

THE BAY WAY
  1. Acts with humility and puts the team first, prioritizing tasks and decisions based on team and organizational needs.
  2. Collaborates across departments to improve workflows, engaging in healthy conflict resolution and supporting teammates through challenges or mistakes.
  3. Seeks feedback and takes initiative, completing projects independently and asking for help when needed.
  4. Lives out The Bay Way consistently, demonstrating alignment in day-to-day situations and identifying new opportunities that support the club's needs.

REQUIREMENTS
  • Master's or doctoral degree in Sport Science, Sport Psychology, Neuroscience, or related field.
  • A Certified Mental Performance Consultant - CMPC is preferred.
  • The following certifications will be considered (final determination to be made by the Club and the League)
    • International Society of Sports Psychology Registration (ISSP-R)
    • USOPC Mental Health Registry
    • National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) - Certified Mental Toughness Coach
    • Human Performance Institute (HPI) - Certified Corporate Athlete
    • Institute of Coaching Professional Association (ICPA)

Candidates with these non-CMPC certifications will need to provide documentation of league required domain specific training and supervision.
  • Minimum 3 years' experience working with elite athletes either individually or in a team sport setting (collegiate, professional, Olympic, or similar standard in another domain).
  • Experience with individual coaching and group facilitation.
  • Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel with the team.

Preferred Qualifications
  1. Licensed Mental Health Provider or advanced degree in a related field.
  2. Master's or Doctorate in Sport Psychology or Clinical Psychology.

Compensation
The base salary for this role begins at $120,000. Actual starting pay may vary based on a range of factors which can include experience, skills, and scope.
Bay FC is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
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About AEG

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1992

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