1

Sports Performance Coach Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Sports Performance Coach information

See Massachusetts salary details

$5

$30

$52

How much do sports performance coach jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports performance coach in Massachusetts is $30.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.18 and $35.43 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 Massachusetts?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Sports Performance Coach job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,566 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Sports Performance Coach - Academy

THE KRAFT GROUP

Foxboro, MA • On-site

$44K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY:
The Sports Performance Coach is responsible for developing and implementing evidence-based training, monitoring, and recovery programs that support the well-being, performance, and long-term development of Academy athletes. The role applies sports science principles to optimize performance, reduce injury risk, and assist in the return-to-participation process for injured players. Additionally, the Sports Performance Coach supports the daily operation of the strength and conditioning facility and collaborates closely with coaching and medical staff to deliver an integrated performance program.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. Develop and implement athlete monitoring, training, recovery, and strength and conditioning programs to enhance performance and reduce injury risk.
  2. Collaborate with the sports medicine staff to modify training programs, execute return-to-participation sessions, and implement individualized training progressions for injured or rehabilitating athletes.
  3. Conduct, analyze, document, and communicate performance assessments, workload monitoring, wellness metrics, and body composition testing.
  4. Interpret athlete monitoring and sports science data and provide evidence-based recommendations.
  5. Design, implement, and evaluate warm-up protocols, gym-based training, and periodized programming aligned with long-term athlete development.
  6. Deliver education on nutrition, recovery, injury prevention, wellness, and off-season programming.
  7. Comply with all MLS medical policies, protocols, Game Operations Manuals, and organizational standards.
  8. Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and continuing education.
  9. Special projects and assignments as business dictates.
  10. Responsible for the maintenance, creation and control of all personally identifiable information or any other information protected by any Confidentiality or Privacy Standards or Company Policies that you have access or knowledge of, including but not limited to any state or federal regulations including HIPAA.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • N/A

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Kinesiology or related field.
  • 2-4 years of experience in sports performance, strength and conditioning, or sports science, preferably within elite youth, collegiate, or professional athletics.
  • Experience interpreting athlete monitoring, workload management, readiness, recovery, and performance data to support training decisions and reduce injury risk.
  • Experience utilizing athlete monitoring and performance technologies, including Catapult GPS, VALD Performance systems, Excel, and Tableau.
  • Knowledge of long-term athlete development (LTAD), periodization, strength training, Olympic lifting techniques, plyometrics, speed and agility development, conditioning, flexibility, recovery strategies, and injury prevention.
  • Working knowledge of sports science principles, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and return-to-participation protocols.
  • Ability to analyze performance data and effectively communicate findings and recommendations to athletes, coaches, sports medicine personnel, and other performance staff.
  • Knowledge of medical terminology and the ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary high-performance environment.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to exercise sound professional judgment and maintain confidentiality.
  • Flexible work schedule with the ability to work evenings, nights, weekend, and holydays if required by team schedule
  • Ability to speak Spanish (preferred)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to handle or feel
  • The employee frequently is required to talk or hear
  • The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, bend at the knees
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • The noise level in the work environment is sometimes loud
  • Will work in all types of weather, including extreme heat and cold

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification required (or must be sitting for exam within 3 months of hiring date).
  • Current CPR/First Aid certification required.
  • SafeSport Certification required.
  • Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) certification preferred.

OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
This company is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
#LI-KG