Instructor, Program Leader, Skiing Instructor, Swimming Instructor, Teacher, Tennis Instructor
Interest in manipulating and assembling supplies and sports and game equipment; and in monitoring recreational and sports activities to ensure safety and provide emergency and first aid assistance when required
Interest in instructing groups and individuals in arts, crafts and similar activities; in leading groups and individuals in recreational and leisure programs, and in attending clients with special needs by conducting therapeutic recreational and athletic activities
Interest in co-ordinating information to plan recreational, athletic, fitness and sports programs
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
People who teach the general public or recreational athletes are usually called instructors, and those who teach competitive athletes are called coaches. In some sports, however, there is no distinction between instructor and coach. For information about coaching, see the Coach occupational profile.
Sports instructors teach participants individually or in groups the basic stances, movements, techniques, rules, regulations and safety precautions in a sport. Their duties vary greatly depending on the type of sport and the skill level of the participants. In general, however, sports instructors:
Sports instructors also may:
Depending on the sport, sports instructors may work indoors in community facilities or clubs (for example, gymnastics or swimming instructors) or outdoors (for example, ski instructors). Some work both indoors and outdoors, teaching and demonstrating techniques indoors and supervising participant practice outdoors.
Some sports instructors work full time, but most work part time, seasonally or mainly on weekends and evenings. The number of hours they work sometimes depends on the reputation and ability of the instructor, ranging from 2 to 20 or more hours a week. In some sports, instructors may be required to lift items that weigh up to or over 20 kilograms.
Sports instructors need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy having clear rules and organized methods, dealing with people and designing new programs.
Sports instructors must be proficient in relevant sport skills. Many have reached competitive levels in their sport. It is recommended that all instructors be trained in first aid and have current CPR training. A background in physical education and teaching experience are definite assets.
Some sports require instructors to have reached a high level of proficiency in the sport, and be certified through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). For more information, see the Coach occupational profile.
Sports associations usually have a certification process for those wanting to teach. For example:
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Below-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.
Sports instructors are employed by:
Most sports instructors work part time. Some jobs are seasonal.
Sports instructors can become coaches, trainers or athletic managers. Swimming instructors may become lifeguards. Some sports instructors also own or manage sports franchise locations (for example, martial arts schools). For more information, see the Recreation Facility Operator occupational profile.
Sports instructors are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5254: Program leaders and instructors in recreation and sport and fitness. In Alberta, 75% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Over 11,900 Albertans are employed in the Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 179 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As sports instructors form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for sports instructors.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Some sports instructors are volunteers. Those who are paid may charge by the class or by the hour. Fees and wages vary depending on the sport.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $10.25 | $32.00 | $18.12 | $16.00 |
| Overall | $12.50 | $42.00 | $20.97 | $18.00 |
| Top | $15.50 | $75.00 | $28.60 | $24.85 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Alberta Sport Connection website: www.albertasport.ca
Tennis Professionals Association (TPA) website: www.tpacanada.com
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Mar 25, 2016. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.