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Instructor, Program Leader, Teacher
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $18.18 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $20.07 |
| Top | $25.06 |
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. People who teach competitive athletes are most often 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 focus on 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 their students. In general, however, sports instructors:
Sports instructors may advise participants on equipment and clothing. They also may sell clothing and equipment at clubs or resorts.
Some sports instructors work indoors in community facilities or clubs while others work outdoors. It often depends on the sport. For example, gymnastics instructors work indoors and ski instructors work outdoors. Some work both indoors and outdoors. This may depend on the employer or season (swimming instructors may teach at either indoor or outdoor pools). Other instructors divide their time, teaching and demonstrating techniques indoors and supervising participant practice outdoors.
Some sports instructors work full time. However, most work part time, seasonally, or during weekends and evenings. The number of hours an instructor works can depend on their reputation and ability. It can easily range from 2 to 20 or more hours per week. In some sports, instructors may need to lift heavy items.
Sports instructors need:
They should enjoy having clear rules and organized methods, dealing with people, and designing new programs.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 19 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 17, 2020 and Jan 22, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Plan and carry out recreational, fitness and sports activities | 18 |
|---|---|
| Ensure health and safety regulations are followed | 17 |
| Assist clients/guests with special needs | 17 |
| Demonstrate and instruct athletic, fitness or sports activities and techniques | 17 |
| Monitor recreational, sports or fitness activities to ensure safety and provide emergency or first aid assistance when required | 16 |
| Lead groups and individuals in recreational or leisure programs | 15 |
| Schedule activities, keep logs, maintain records and prepare reports | 15 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 14 |
| Personal Suitability: Reliability | 14 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 14 |
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.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Increasingly, sports instructors need to be highly proficient in the sport they teach. Sports instructors can 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:
Sports instructors work for a diverse array of employers, such as:
Most sports instructors work part time. Some jobs are seasonal.
Sports instructors can become coaches, trainers, or athletic managers. Swimming instructors can become lifeguards. Some sports instructors own or manage sports franchise locations, such as 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 [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the F154: Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation and Sport occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 179 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
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 | $15.00 | $25.00 | $18.18 | $16.50 |
| Overall | $15.00 | $32.50 | $20.07 | $18.00 |
| Top | $15.70 | $43.75 | $25.06 | $22.00 |
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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.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Educational Services | $46,581 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $40,847 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $27,445 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $19,222 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $14,220 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $13,979 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $10,096 |
Alberta Sport Connection website: albertasport.ca
Tennis Professionals Association (TPA) website: www.tpacanada.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. 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.