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Sports Performance Trainer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Redline Athletics is seeking to hire talented sports performance coaches within the strength and ... One on one training opportunities for additional income. Must have a positive, energetic, likable ...

Athletic Trainer Float

Banner, IL

$21.50 - $29.50/hr

Our team of orthopedic, sports medicine and athletic performance experts is equipped with an ... As an Athletic Trainer you will work with the providers to help design home exercise plans for our ...

Performance Coach - Part-Time

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$21.42 - $32.13/hr

Overview Work with athletes and active individuals to improve performance, strength, endurance, and overall fitness through personalized training programs and sport-specific assessments. This role ...

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Sports Performance Trainer information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$28

$50

How much do sports performance trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports performance trainer in Illinois is $28.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a sports performance trainer do?

A Sports Performance Trainer works with athletes to improve their physical abilities, such as strength, speed, agility, and endurance. They design personalized training programs, focusing on both fitness and injury prevention. These trainers also monitor progress, adjust workouts as needed, and may offer advice on nutrition and recovery strategies. Their goal is to help athletes reach peak performance in their specific sport.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sports performance trainer?

To thrive as a Sports Performance Trainer, you need expertise in exercise science, athletic training principles, and injury prevention, usually supported by a relevant degree and certifications such as CSCS or NASM-PES. Familiarity with performance assessment tools, strength and conditioning equipment, and tracking software is typical in this role. Strong motivational skills, effective communication, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for building athlete trust and customizing training programs. These competencies ensure athletes reach their peak performance safely and efficiently, while minimizing injury risk and supporting team or individual goals.

What are some typical challenges sports performance trainers face when working with athletes at different skill levels?

Sports Performance Trainers often work with athletes ranging from beginners to professionals, each presenting unique challenges. Adapting training programs to suit varying skill levels, physical abilities, and learning styles requires flexibility and strong communication skills. Trainers must also balance pushing athletes to improve while ensuring safety and preventing overtraining or injury. Building trust and effectively motivating athletes are key for maximizing performance gains across diverse groups.

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

AspectSports Performance TrainerPersonal Trainer
CertificationsCSCS, NSCA, NASM-SPSACE, NASM, ISSA
Work EnvironmentSports teams, athletic facilities, training centersGyms, private studios, clients' homes
Employer & IndustrySports organizations, athletic training facilitiesFitness centers, independent practice

Sports Performance Trainers focus on enhancing athletic skills, strength, and speed for athletes, often working with teams or sports-specific facilities. Personal Trainers primarily work with individual clients to improve general fitness, weight loss, or health. While both roles require certifications and involve fitness training, Sports Performance Trainers specialize in athletic performance, making their work environment and client base distinct from Personal Trainers.

How to become a sports performance trainer?

To become a sports performance trainer, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field, along with relevant certifications such as Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or NSCA-CPT. Gaining practical experience through internships or working with athletes is also important, and strong knowledge of training techniques, injury prevention, and nutrition enhances effectiveness in the role.

What is the job description of a sports performance trainer?

A sports performance trainer helps athletes improve their strength, speed, agility, and overall athletic ability through customized training programs. They assess athletes' physical condition, develop training plans, and may use tools like video analysis and fitness testing. Certification in sports science or strength and conditioning is often required, and trainers typically work in gyms, training facilities, or sports teams.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Sports Performance Trainer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Sports Performance Trainer job openings:

Infographic showing various Sports Performance Trainer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,124 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Sports Performance Coach/Trainer Intern

Illinois Bone and Joint Institute LLC

Mount Prospect, IL • On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Full-time, Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 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:

Looking for several interns interested in working 3–4 evenings per week training our hockey athletes.


This could potentially be a dual-location internship between our Mount Prospect and Rosemont locations, providing experience working with athletes across multiple facilities.


Ideal candidates are motivated, reliable, and interested in gaining hands-on experience in sports performance training, coaching, and athlete development.


Job Title: Intern, Personal Trainer/Performance Coach

Job Description


Summary

Under general supervision, performs a variety of tasks to support the growing needs and demands of the Health Performance Institute (HPI). 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
  • 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

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

Certifications/Licensure

  • Working towards NSCA, ACSM, ACE, EXOS, ISSA and/or NASM certification(s) (preferred)
  • CPR/AED certification (preferred)

Experience

  • Not applicable

Technical Skills

  • Basic computer skills
  • Ability to follow instructions using standard office systems

Soft Skills

  • Strong willingness to learn
  • Good communication skills
  • Positive attitude and professionalism
  • Reliability and punctuality
  • Teamwork and collaboration

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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