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Sports Instructor

Sports instructors teach the basics of specific sports, such as skiing, swimming, or baseball. They may teach beginners or intermediate recreational athletes. Or they may help experienced athletes develop their skills further.

Also Known As

Instructor, Program Leader, Teacher

NOC Codes

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

  • 5254: Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation, Sport and Fitness

2006 NOC-S

  • F154: Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation and Sport

2011 NOC

  • 5254: Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness

2016 NOC

  • 5254: Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness

2021 NOC

  • 54100: Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness

2023 OaSIS

  • 54100.01: Program leaders and instructors in recreation and sport
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2020

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:

  • Demonstrate correct techniques, procedures, use of equipment, and exercises to enhance participants’ abilities
  • Teach the basic rules and strategies of the game or sport
  • Demonstrate and teach personal safety skills
  • Assess participants’ levels of ability
  • Ensure the safety of participants
  • Build participants’ confidence in themselves
  • Evaluate participant progress and assign grades where appropriate
  • Organize events in which participants may demonstrate their abilities
  • Maintain sports equipment
  • Provide first aid when required

Sports instructors may advise participants on equipment and clothing. They also may sell clothing and equipment at clubs or resorts.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

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.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation, Sport and Fitness

2006 NOC: 5254

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

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

SOCIAL

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

innovative

Interest in co-ordinating information to plan recreational, athletic, fitness and sports programs

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Sports instructors need:

  • Physical fitness
  • Patience
  • Enthusiasm
  • A responsible attitude
  • Organizational and communication skills
  • The ability to work with and relate to people of all ages
  • Leadership and motivational skills

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness

2016 NOC: 5254

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 144 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Aug 26, 2023 and Dec 04, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Plan and carry out recreational, fitness and sports activities
Tasks: Ensure health and safety regulations are followed
Tasks: Demonstrate and instruct athletic, fitness or sports activities and techniques
Tasks: Monitor recreational, sports or fitness activities to ensure safety and provide emergency or first aid assistance when required
Tasks: Assemble supplies, sports and game equipment
Tasks: Lead groups and individuals in recreational or leisure programs
Tasks: Assist clients/guests with special needs
Tasks: Understand principles of group dynamics
Tasks: Schedule activities, keep logs, maintain records and prepare reports
Tasks: Leading/instructing individuals
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Minimum Education Varies

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.

Related Education

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Certification Not Regulated

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:

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Sports instructors work for a diverse array of employers, such as:

  • Provincial sports associations
  • Community leagues
  • YMCAs and YWCAs
  • Health clubs
  • Resorts
  • Camps
  • Private clubs
  • Parks and recreational facilities, such as public swimming pools
  • Private businesses
  • Continuing education departments of local schools
  • University and college athletic departments

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.

Industry Concentration

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.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness
2021 NOC: 54100
Medium
Demand
14,600
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

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.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

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:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

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
2.7%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
293
New Positions

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.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2020

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 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness

2016 NOC: 5254
Average Wage
$20.15
Per Hour
Average Salary
$19,502.00
Per Year
Average Hours
22.1
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
9.5
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 5254 Wage Profile

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.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $15.00 $28.00 $17.69 $16.00
Overall $15.20 $35.00 $20.15 $18.39
Top $16.80 $38.93 $24.19 $22.50

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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Information, Culture, Recreation
Educational Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Accommodation & Food Services
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
61%
61%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
33%
33%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
6%
6%
Vacancy Rate
1%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Physical Education and Recreation
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2020

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.

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