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Sports Performance Coach Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Background in competitive athletics or sport-specific coaching. Performance Expectations Success in this role will be measured through: * Documented athlete improvement against established benchmarks.

Social Media Intern

Altoona, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

... alongside a growing sports performance facility What you'll receive: Real-world marketing ... expert coaches. Nothing at D1 is random. Every workout, every day follows a strategic 8-week ...

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Sports Performance Coach information

See Iowa salary details

$4

$26

$44

How much do sports performance coach jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports performance coach in Iowa is $26.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $30.48 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 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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Sports Performance Coach jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Sports Performance Coach jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Sports Performance Coach jobs in Iowa? For Sports Performance Coach jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Sports Performance Coach jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Sports Performance Coach job openings:
Infographic showing various Sports Performance Coach job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 54% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,669 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Strength & Conditioning Coach (Ankeny, IA)

ETS Performance LLC

Ankeny, IA • On-site

$12K - $36K/yr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Job description


ETS Sports Performance Specialist

Join ETS Partner Adam Thielen as we open additional ETS Sports Performance locations across the country!


Position Overview:

We are seeking motivated and experienced Strength and Performance Specialists that are searching for a unique opportunity to work and flourish in the private sector of the Sports Performance industry. The ideal candidate would have a strong interest in working with youth, high school, college and professional athletes in an electric atmosphere utilizing proven next level training and business systems that continue to set ETS apart from the competition. In addition to being aligned with ETS Partner and NFL All Pro Adam Thielen among other notable current and past professional athletes, the candidate will immediately be surrounded by one of our elite ETS Sports Performance Facility Directors along with a host of other successful ETS Performance Specialists from across the country. The entire “ETS Family” will be there to assist and support the Performance Specialist to enhance and maximize the development of our athletes at the highest possible level. This opportunity includes a very competitive industry level salary, full benefits along with a financial and personal development growth and promotions plan that can’t be matched.


ETS Training Philosophy:

The ETS training philosophy is to provide every athlete (regardless of age and sport) the opportunity to significantly improve their relative strength, power, linear and lateral speed, ability to biomechanically master the art of deceleration while also significantly improving their overall athleticism and becoming less prone to injury. Our systematic and step by step approach to developing better athletes will dramatically improve performance on the field, court, track, pool or ice.

Each athlete will take part in a progressive ability-appropriate plan of strength, speed, agility and deceleration training that will not only allow them to maximize their skills and athleticism for their sport, but also improve their overall athleticism. It’s crucial for every athlete to develop the basic-fundamental athletic and biomechanical movements, strength techniques and deceleration protocols through a customized plan in order to truly maximize their potential.

We believe the missing link in most programs is the lack of consistent and professional emphasis and attention to detail on the basics of an athlete’s complete athletic development separated from their sport-specific skill work. Our vision is that every athlete will experience an unmatched next level training atmosphere that is equally focused on character development, accountability and competition as it is the next level performance results that every athlete will gain. Our goal is for every athlete to leave each session understanding the physical objective for that session, but also understand the importance of consistency, dedication and commitment to ensure they are maximizing their results.


Position Qualifications:

  • Post graduate experience in the Strength/Conditioning or Performance field.
  • Must be a former competitive athlete and possess an accredited professional certification.
  • Outgoing, motivating and personable with a willingness to learn and continue growing.
  • Sports-minded with a strong desire for continual development of leadership skills.
  • Enjoys working with kids of all ages and ability levels.
  • Patient yet persistent with the task at hand.
  • Exercise Science/athletics or business background.
  • Accountable and dependable - on time and willing to put forth the extra effort.
  • Graduating GPA of a 2.5 or higher.


The ETS Opportunity:

With ETS being in significant growth mode we are looking to develop our Sports Performance Specialists in preparation for a larger role within our company. Mastering of the unique ETS training and business systems will provide each Sports Performance Specialist the opportunity to enter in our “ETS University Pool” of development to run and operate one of our new upcoming ETS locations.

In recap, this unique and one-of-a-kind opportunity offers the following:

  • Competitive fair market base salary, 401k, + incentives.
  • Health, dental, and vision benefits package.
  • Opportunity to enter in our Directors in Training (ETS University) Pool for future growth, promotion and expansion opportunities.
  • Personal growth, continued education, and career development.

Job Types: Part-time

Pay: $1,000/mo - $3,000/mo

Benefits:

  • Employee discount
  • 401k
  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid time off

Schedule:

  • 3-8 hour shift

Experience:

  • Fitness Strength Training: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

  • Ankeny, IA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person