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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.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
People who teach the 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. They 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 do both. This may depend on the employer or season. For example, swimming instructors may teach at indoor pools in the winter and outdoor pools in the summer. 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.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
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
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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 for this NOC group 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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Sports instructors need:
They should enjoy having clear rules and organized methods, dealing with people, and designing new programs.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 101 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Feb 16, 2024 and Jul 07, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Plan and carry out recreational, fitness and sports activities | 88 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Ensure health and safety regulations are followed | 87 |
| Tasks: Demonstrate and instruct athletic, fitness or sports activities and techniques | 83 |
| Tasks: Monitor recreational, sports or fitness activities to ensure safety and provide emergency or first aid assistance when required | 82 |
| Tasks: Assemble supplies, sports and game equipment | 63 |
| Experience: Experience an asset | 60 |
| Tasks: Lead groups and individuals in recreational or leisure programs | 60 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 60 |
| Tasks: Leading/instructing individuals | 58 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 56 |
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.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
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:
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness
2016 NOC: 5254
85.2% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
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.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
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.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $28.49 | $18.65 | $16.00 |
| Overall | $17.00 | $31.77 | $22.29 | $20.00 |
| Top | $18.00 | $50.00 | $28.13 | $24.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* 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.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $22,517 |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $13,967 |
| Educational Services | $26,892 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $12,312 |
| Public Administration | $45,249 |
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, 2025. 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.
