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Sports Performance Coach Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Redline Athletics is seeking to hire talented sports performance coaches within the strength and conditioning field part time. Work Monday through Friday evenings starting at 4 p.m. plus two hours on ...

Be the Coach Who Inspires Greatness at the Y. Apply to our Performance Coach position today ... Must have a passion for learning, working with youth/families, and sports in general. * Desire and ...

Be the Coach Who Inspires Greatness at the Y. Apply to our Performance Coach position today ... Must have a passion for learning, working with youth/families, and sports in general. * Desire and ...

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Sports Performance Coach information

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$5

$28

$49

How much do sports performance coach jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports performance coach in Chicago, IL is $28.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $33.41 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Sports Performance Coach jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Sports Performance Coach jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Sports Performance Coach jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Sports Performance Coach jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Sports Performance Coach job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,958 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Sports Performance Coach

Illinois Bone and Joint Institute LLC

Mount Prospect, IL • On-site

$20 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Illinois Bone & Joint Institute rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 893 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Description

Seeking a trainer with evening availability who is passionate about working with athletes 3-4 evenings per week. This role requires the flexibility to provide coverage at our Mount Prospect, Rosemont, and Deerfield High School locations as needed. 


Job Title: Sports Performance Coach

Job Description


Summary

Under general supervision, the Sports Performance Coach/Trainer performs a variety of tasks to support the growing needs and demands of the Health Performance Institute. Provides training programs to Health Performance Institute clients ranging from youth, adolescents, adults, athletes, teams, and elite professionals. 


Responsibilities

  • Producing personalized training programs 
  • Planning and conducting programs of activities for groups and/or individuals. 
  • Maintaining records of participant performance. 
  • Evaluating performance and providing suitable feedback, balancing criticism with positive, and motivating 5. Assessing strengths and weaknesses in a participant's performance and identifying areas for further development. 
  • Demonstrating and communicating activities to clients.  
  • Encouraging participants to gain and develop skills, knowledge, and techniques 
  • Ensuring that participants train and perform to a high standard of health and safety at all times 9. Developing knowledge and understanding of fitness, injury prevention, sports psychology, nutrition, and sports science 
  • Acting as a role model, gaining the respect and trust of co-workers 
  • Liaising with other partners in performance management, such as physical therapists, doctors and athletic trainers 
  • Working to a high legal and ethical standard at all times, particularly in relation to issues such as child safeguarding and health and safety requirements 
  • Fostering relationships with schools and athletic organizations 
  • Maintain a clean and safe work environment
  • Other duties as assigned


Requirements

Requirements

Education

  • Bachelors Degree in either of the following fields: Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Pre-Physical Therapy Studies, Athletic Training, and/or Biology 

Certifications/Licensure

  • NNSCA, ACSM, ACE, and/or NASM certification(s) 
  • CPR/AED certification  

Experience

  • Personal training/sports performance experience  

Technical Skills

  • Ability to physically demonstrate an activity by breaking it down into a sequence
  • Ability to make informed decisions based on current research in: Athletic training, nutrition, fitness and sports psychology

Soft Skills

  • Willingness to work with all ages (youth through adults) in both sports performance and personal training contexts
  • Ability to adapt to the needs and interests of group or individual participants
  • Stand or sit for extended periods of time
  • Stand, walk, run, jump
  • Use hands/fingers, reach with arms
  • Climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crawl, crouch
  • Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

Physical Requirements

  • Stand or sit for extended periods of time
  • Willingness to work with all ages including sports performance and personal training 
  • Ability to physically demonstrate an activity by breaking the task down into a sequence
  • Ability to adapt to the needs and interests of the group or individual participant 
  • Ability to make decisions based upon current developments and science-based research in athletic training, nutrition, fitness, and sports psychology 
  •  While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, run, jump, use hands and fingers to handle and/or feel, arms to reach, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crawl, crouch, or lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, speak, and hear 
  • While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 100 pounds

This description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Duties and responsibilities, experience, qualifications, skills, supervisory relationship, physical/mental demands, and environmental/ working conditions may change as needs evolve.


Base salary offers for this position may vary based on factors such as location, skills and relevant experience. We offer the following benefits to those who are benefit eligible (30+ hours a week):  medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, long and short term disability, 401k program with company match and profit sharing, wellness program, health savings accounts, flexible savings accounts, ID protection plan and accident, critical illness and hospital benefits. In addition, we offer paid holidays and paid time off.  


Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to recruitment and placement, promotion, training, transfer, retention, rate of pay and all other terms and conditions of employment.


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