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

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Sports Performance Research information

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$8

$28

$55

How much do sports performance research jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports performance research in Chicago, IL is $28.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.76 and $32.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is sports performance research?

Sports performance research is the scientific study of factors that influence athletic performance, including physiology, biomechanics, psychology, nutrition, and technology. Researchers in this field aim to understand how athletes can train more effectively, prevent injuries, and optimize their abilities. This research often involves testing new training methods, analyzing movement patterns, and developing strategies to improve both individual and team performance. The findings contribute to advancements in coaching, sports medicine, and athlete development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in sports performance research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Sports Performance Research, you need a solid background in exercise science, physiology, or a related field, often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with data analysis tools, biomechanical measurement systems, and relevant certifications such as CSCS or ACSM are highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting data and collaborating with athletes and coaches. These skills ensure accurate research outcomes, practical application of findings, and ongoing improvement in athletic performance.

What are the main challenges faced when collaborating with coaches and athletes in a sports performance research role?

One of the main challenges in Sports Performance Research is effectively communicating complex data and findings to coaches and athletes, who may not have a scientific background. Building trust and ensuring your research is practical and actionable is essential, as stakeholders often look for immediate, tangible benefits. Additionally, balancing rigorous scientific methodology with the fast-paced, results-driven environment of sports can be demanding. Collaborators may have tight schedules or varying priorities, so being adaptable and proactive in your communication is key to driving impactful results.

What is the difference between Sports Performance Research vs Sports Scientist?

AspectSports Performance ResearchSports Scientist
CredentialsAdvanced degrees in sports science, research certificationsDegree in sports science, exercise physiology, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, sports organizationsClinics, sports teams, fitness centers
Employer & IndustryAcademic institutions, research firms, sports organizationsSports teams, health clinics, fitness industry
Primary FocusConducting research to improve athletic performanceApplying scientific principles to optimize athlete performance

Sports Performance Research primarily focuses on conducting scientific studies to understand and improve athletic performance, often working in research settings. In contrast, Sports Scientists apply scientific knowledge directly to athletes and teams to enhance performance through practical interventions. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in their work environment and primary objectives.

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

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

Infographic showing various Sports Performance Research job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,327 per year, or $28 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 4 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

344th of 898 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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