NOTE - THIS DATA IS FROM 2014 AND IS NO LONGER UPDATED

• Job Title;
• Experience and qualifications usually required;
• Salary range.

Coach:

Sports coaches operate on a professional or voluntary basis. They usually specialise in a particular sport. The degree of personal proficiency required to coach a sport varies widely and can include a voluntary junior coach through to an elite coach of a highly commercialised sport.

Skills: A considerable amount has been written on the skills required to be a coach. A coach plays a vital role in the development of a participant's skills and knowledge and therefore has a major impact on the outcomes of this involvement. Communication, motivation and planning are integral elements of any coaching role.

Education: There are no specific education requirements to become a sports coach; however it goes without saying most coaches have a broad knowledge and experience of the sport in which they are involved. For senior salaried coaching roles there has been a growth in formal qualifications including Bachelor degrees, Certificate III or IV, and at the more community based level, Certificate I or II.

Salary Range: Salaries range from voluntary through to what is considered some of the most lucrative packages available in the sector. Some national coaches earn in excess of $500,000 per annum including performance bonuses. Results from the 2013 Sportspeople Workplace Survey: Coaching - Head / Manager / Executive range was $25,000 to $110,000 with an average of $67,045 and Coaching - Support (Assistant / Officer / Coordinator) range was $18,000 to $71,500 with an average of $41,100.

 

Sportspeople Tip: Visit the Australian Sports Commission website http://www.ausport.gov.au/coach/how.asp

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Development Officer:

Usually offered with a specific development emphasis such as membership, coaching or participation. Depending on the role most employers require experience of 2-3 years.

Key skills: Sound administration, organisation and finance skills; strong communication skills - both verbal and written; thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, Excel and Power Point; good understanding of the structure of sport; team worker, ability to work unsupervised; strong time management skills.

Education: Qualifications are usually specific to the development emphasis. For example a Membership Development Officer would require prior experience in membership and/or customer services, while a Participation Development Officer might require a background in the specific sport and possibly some playing experiences, possibly with a sports sciences or coaching qualification. Degree or equivalent is usually highly regarded and commonly requested.

Salary Range: Results from the 2013 Sportspeople Workplace Survey: Development - Support (Officer / Coordinator) range was $12,000 to $76,000 with an average of $51,685.

Similar roles: Development Coordinator.

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Events Coordinator:

Usually employed by larger organisations with an events team or by lesser resourced organisations with a small-scale events program. Depending on the scale of operations the Events Coordinator assists in the organisation, administration and overall conduct of events conducted in the events program. Employment opportunities include major sporting organisations, events management agencies or specific multi-sport or single event organisations.

Key skills: Team leadership; budget management; ability to contribute to strategic and operational planning and delivery; marketing, communication skills and experiences are often bundled into these roles.

Education: Degree or equivalent is usually highly regarded and commonly requested. Often a major in event management is required.

Salary Range: Depending on the scale of the event portfolio and the level of commercialisation, salaries typically vary. Results from the 2013 Sportspeople Workplace Survey: Events - Support (Officer / Coordinator) range was $35,000 to $73,400 with an average of $51,089.

Similar roles: Events Assistant.

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Events Manager:

Usually employed by larger organisations with an events team including support roles such as Events Coordinator or Events Administrator. Responsible for the organisation, administration and overall conduct of events conducted under the Events Department program. Employment opportunities include major sporting organisations, events management agencies or specific multi-sport or single event organisations.

Key skills: Team leadership; budget management; strategic and operational planning and delivery; marketing, communication skills and experiences are often bundled into these roles.

Education: Degree or equivalent is usually highly regarded and commonly requested. A major in event management is highly regarded.

Salary Range: There is significant variance in salary for Event Managers, largely depending on the scale of the event portfolio and the level of commercialisation. Results from the 2013 Sportspeople Workplace Survey: Events - Manager / Executive range was $40,000 to $90,000 with a median of $68,367.

Similar roles: Programs Manager.

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Executive Assistant:

Key skills: Superior administration skills. At a minimum it would be expected you would have Advanced MSWord 2003, MSExcel 2003, Powerpoint 2003 and 50wpm (97% accuracy). Strong people relationship skills; An appreciation of tact, diplomacy and discretion when dealing with confidential matters; A keen sense of awareness and political savvy when dealing with key stakeholders, including government agencies and corporate supporters.

Education: Qualifications range from HSC/VCE equivalent through to Degree.

Salary range: There are a number of roles within highly commercialised organsiations where the Executive Assistant salary can be in the range $90,000+. Results from the 2013 Sportspeople Workplace Survey: Personal / Executive Assistant range was $45,000 to $58,990 with an average of $53,968.

Similar roles: Personal Assistant.

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Fitness Instructor:

Fitness Instructors are commonly self-employed or work for one or a number of fitness and health centres. Most Fitness Instructors are paid an hourly rate.

Key skills: Excellent customer service skills; strong communication skills; prepared to work evenings & weekend shifts.

Education: Fitness Australia is the peak body governing this sector and as such sets and maintains the national registration requirements. According to Fitness Australia, to work in this sector you must be accredited with a minimum Certificate III. Many centres require at least Certificate IV. Completing a Certificate IV course will allow you to work with more specialised target groups. You will also need a current Senior First Aid certificate, meeting the minimum workcover requirement in your State/Territory. Sports Sciences or Human Movement degree qualifications are usually highly regarded.

Salary Range: Results from the 2013 Sportspeople Workplace Survey: Gym Instructor full time range was $30,000 to $43,000 with an average of $37,500, and part time range was $17.00 to $50.00 per hour.

Sportspeople Tip: Visit the Fitness Australia website - www.fitness.org.au; or the Fitness New Zealand website - www.fitnessnz.co.nz

Similar roles: Exercise Therapist (usually higher rate of pay due to specialty); Gym Floor Supervisor.

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Graduate:

Most of us think we are worth a lot more than our employer is paying us, right? But if you have never worked in the sport, fitness, aquatic, coaching, venues, events, leisure or lifestyle sector before and are about to embark on your new career, how are you supposed to know whether you are getting a fair rate of pay when you secure your first job?

With an oversupply of candidates and a relatively small supply of jobs, the sport, fitness, aquatic, coaching, venues, events, leisure and lifestyle sector is a tough nut to crack.

One of the best tracking sources for graduate destinations and salary trends is found at the Graduate Careers Council of Australia website - Grads Online see www.graduatecareers.com.au. Current data (2013 results released December, 2013) show that the median starting salary for new Australian resident bachelor degree graduates (all categories) aged less than 25 years and in their first full time employment in Australia is $52,450 (up from $52,000 in 2012). The Graduate Careers Council of Australia places sport, fitness, aquatics, coaching, venues, events, leisure and lifestyle graduates into the "Humanities" category in its Graduate Destinations Survey and shows: 

• The median salary is $45,000 per annum
• 59% are working in full-time employment
• 41% are searching for a job 
• Humanities is ranked 21 of the 23 occupational/study areas (where #1 is the highest graduate salary)

How graduates in full-time employment "found out about their employment" is also interesting reading.  24.1% found the advertisement on the internet and 2.4% via an advertisement in a newspaper or other print media; and 2.9% via an employment agency while 8.0% found employment via "other" means.  Over 60% found employment via networks (family, friends, work contacts, university/college sources) or "non-direct" networks.

Salary Range: A first year out graduate can typically expect to earn in the range $38,000 - $44,000 plus superannuation. Candidates with substantial work experience (for example a mature aged student undergoing a career change) or candidates with specialised skills (for example, IT, finance or sales) can expect to earn more.

Sportspeople Tip: If you have the opportunity to be involved in a professional placement program, request your position is given a title (for example - Assistant Administrative Assistant) and a list of duties. At the completion of the placement request a written reference referring to your position title and an outline of the key position duties you performed. Ask your supervisor whether they would be prepared to act as a Referee for you upon graduation.

Remember, 60% of jobs in this sector are filled without advertising, so the stronger the impression you make the stronger your chances for future employment.

 

A full copy of the report can be viewed here.

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High Performance Manager:

High Performance Managers are commonly employed at national and state level, although some local or regional roles do present from time to time. Many of these roles require a senior level coaching background within the specific sport, while others require a good working knowledge of elite athlete programs without a deep knowledge of the specific sport. High Performance Managers usually work in conjunction with a Coaching Director or Coach.

Key Skills: Strong strategic planning skills, with experience working to medium term objectives; experience in writing and managing high performance operational (business) plans; budgeting experiences, including funding acquittal and allocation of athlete grants; strong communication skills, both written and verbal; ability to represent the organisation at stakeholder level; high level organisation skills along with superior time management ability; solid understanding of the application of sports science as it relates to enhanced athlete performance; good understanding of anti-doping regulations; understanding of event schedules and timetabling.

Education: An undergraduate degree would be considered minimum, possibly with a sports sciences or coaching emphasis. A background in the specific sport via coaching or playing/participation is usually well regarded.

Salary Range: There is a substantial range of salaries for High Performance Managers with some roles over the past 12 months exceeding $250,000 per annum. Highly commercialised organisations tend to pay higher remuneration. Results from the 2013 Sportspeople Workplace Survey: High Performance - Manager / Executive range was $63,000 to $150,000 with an average of $94,376.

Similar roles: Coaching Director.

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Lifeguard:

These on-pool-deck positions range from a basic Lifeguard to a Senior Lifeguard. Opportunities exist in council and privately operated pools, aquatic and leisure centres across the country. Depending on the facility, Pool Lifeguards may also need to be multi-skilled in the areas of cleaning, monitoring chemical levels in the pools, cash handling and assisting with specific centre programs. There are a number of permanent roles, however many positions are offered on a casual and/or seasonal basis.

Key Skills: Strong customer service skills; good time management skills; conflict resolution skills; ability to deal with emergency situations.

Education: Typically a Pool Lifeguard certificate, Bronze Medallion certification with current Senior First Aid and Advanced Resuscitation accreditation are essential.

Salary Range: Results from the 2013 Sportspeople Workplace Survey: Lifeguard full time range was $36,000 to $45,000 with an average of $42,250.

Sportspeople Tip: Visit the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia website - www.royallifesaving.com.au

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Marketing Coordinator:

Usually employed by larger organisations with an marketing team or by lesser resourced organisations with a small-scale marketing budget. Depending on the scale of operations the Marketing Coordinator assists in the preparation of advertising and promotional activities, marketing materials, newsletters and press releases, event management, graphic design, market research, administration and management of the marketing budget. Employment opportunities include major sporting organisations, fitness and aquatic centres, sports marketing agencies or specific multi-sport or single event organisations.

Key skills: Sound administration, organisation and communication skills - both verbal and written; thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, Excel and Powerpoint; Graphic Design software (Quark, Indesign); good understanding of the structure of sport and leisure; team worker, ability to work unsupervised; time management skills.

Education: Degree or equivalent is usually highly regarded and commonly requested. Often a major in Marketing, Public Relations or Communications is required.

Salary Range: Results from the 2013 Sportspeople Workplace Survey: Marketing / Communications / PR - Support (Officer / Coordinator) range was $42,000 to $70,000 with an average of $50,292.

Similar roles: Marketing Assistant, Marketing Officer.

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Membership Officer:

Usually responsible for providing administrative support and services to the membership and stakeholder group and acting as a primary contact person for membership enquiries. Depending on the role most employers require experience of 2+ years. Some roles have a requirement for membership sales.

Key skills: Sound administration, organisation and finance skills; previous experience in customer services and database management; strong communication skills - both verbal and written; thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, Excel and Powerpoint; good understanding of the structure of sport and leisure; team worker, ability to work unsupervised; time management skills.

Education: Degree or equivalent is usually highly regarded and commonly requested.

Salary Range: Results from the 2013 Sportspeople Workplace Survey: Customer / Membership / Athlete Services - Support (Officer / Coordinator) range was $18,000 to $60,564 with an average of $42,081.

Similar roles: Membership Coordinator.

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Membership Sales Consultant / Health & Fitness:

These roles have a focus on membership sales, primarily new business although some roles also have a membership retention focus as a smaller element of the job. These roles suit people who thrive in a highly competitive sales environment and like working to targets.

Key skills: Sales, sales and sales. If you can't sell or don't like selling, then this is not the job for you! You will usually be allocated a set number of hours for customer service and admin work, including telephone calls and emails with the bulk of your time meeting and greeting customers and touring the facilities to achieve sales. MS Word and Excel are usually required. Strong customer service skills, a big personality and great communication skills are fundamental to the role. You'll need to be able to work to KPI's and regularly achieve targets.

Education: Employers don't usually require any formal qualifications for Membership Consultants. First Aid qualifications are sometimes required and occasionally you will be required to be a Registered Fitness Professional, however this is the exception to the rule.

Salary Range: There are industry examples of high achievers earning up to $100,000 per annum (total package) but these are usually the exception. Results from the 2013 Sportspeople Workplace Survey: Membership Sales - Support (Officer / Coordinator) range was $32,000 to $64,000 with an average of $39,767.

Sportspeople Tip: Candidates with sales backgrounds from other sectors are highly regarded as the health & fitness sector is currently facing a skill shortage. So, if you have been working in telephone, retail or real estate and you love to sell, then now is great time to be looking.

Similar roles: Membership Consultant, Sales Consultant.

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Personal Trainer:

Personal trainers are commonly self-employed or work for one or a number of fitness and health centres. Most personal trainers are paid an hourly rate. Some fitness centres charge a user-fee or rental for personal training. Personal Trainers contracting their services will need to have public liability insurance.

Key skills: Excellent customer service skills; strong communication skills; superior knowledge and training in exercise sciences.

Education: Fitness Australia is the peak body governing this sector and as such sets and maintains the national registration requirements. According to Fitness Australia to work in this sector you must be accredited with a minimum Certificate III although many centres require at least Certificate IV. Completing a Certificate IV course will allow you to work with more specialised target groups. You will also need a current Senior First Aid certificate, meeting the minimum workcover requirement in your state/territory. Sports Sciences or Human Movement degree qualifications are usually highly regarded.

Salary Range: Results from the 2013 Sportspeople Workplace Survey: Personal Trainer full time range was $12,000 to $98,000 with an average of $45,729, and part time range was $10.00 to $80.00 per hour.

Sportspeople Tip: Visit the Fitness Australia website - www.fitness.org.au; or the Fitness New Zealand website - www.fitnessnz.co.nz  

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Pilates Instructor:

Pilates Instructors are commonly self-employed or work for one or a number of fitness, health, lifestyle or wellbeing centres. Most Pilates Instructors are paid an hourly rate.

Key skills: Excellent customer service skills; strong communication skills; strong anatomy and physiology knowledge; prepared to work evenings & weekend shifts.

Education: Many centres require at least a Certificate III in Fitness. There are separate qualifications required to teach Floor (Certificate I-III), Reformer (Certificate I-III) or equipment based (Foam Roller, Swiss Ball) classes. You will also need a current Senior First Aid certificate, meeting the minimum workcover requirement in your state/territory. Sports Sciences or Human Movement degree qualifications may be advantageous.

Salary Range: Salaries for Pilates Instructors vary significantly depending on qualifications, standard of training, and how the programs are structured, i.e. how many people in the floor and reformer classes. Results from the 2013 Sportspeople Workplace Survey: Pilates Instructor part time range was $24.50 to $70.00 per hour.

Sportspeople Tip: Visit The Pilates Institute of Australasia website - www.pilates.net

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Recreation Officer:

Good prospects for employment opportunity through local government agencies, community-based organisations and University sport and leisure organisations. Employers often require minimum of 2-3 years experience. Responsibilities include managing a broad range of activities; working with sporting and community clubs; managing competitions and events.

Key skills: Sound administration, organisation and finance skills; strong communication skills - both verbal and written; thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, Excel and Power Point; good understanding of the programming and timetabling; team worker, ability to work unsupervised; time management skills.

Education: Degree or equivalent is usually the minimum requirement. Human Movement degree is often a stated requirement.

Salary Range: Results from the 2013 Sportspeople Workplace Survey: Recreation - Support (Officer / Coordinator) range was $44,000 to $101,000 with an average of $65,827.

Similar roles: Programs Officer.

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Sales Manager:

Highly competitive roles, with an increasing trend towards variable pay based on achievement of sales targets. Most Fitness Centres have a person responsible for membership sales and most staff are part of the sales team.

Key skills: High-level experience in developing and managing membership sales programs including loyalty programs; Prior experience with corporate clients is often required; Strong marketing and promotional background skills; Superior communications skills, both written and verbal, along with a strong persuasive personality. You must be prepared to work evenings and weekend shifts.

Education: Degree or equivalent is usually highly regarded and commonly requested. Sales experiences and results often take precedence over a degree.

Salary Range: Due to the commission structure there is significant variance in salary for Sales Managers. Sales Managers in larger chains can earn in excess of $100,000 (including commissions). Results from the 2013 Sportspeople Workplace Survey: Membership / Sales - Manager / Executive base salary range was $44,000 to $180,000 with an average of $109,000.

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Sponsorship Manager:

Highly competitive roles, with an increasing trend towards variable pay based on achievement of sales targets. More likely to be employed by larger commercial organisations or agencies servicing the sector. Most roles of this nature would require 5+ years experience in a similar position.

Key skills: High-level experience in sourcing new sponsors, servicing existing sponsors and developing other revenue streams is usually mandatory. Candidates require superior communication skills, both written and verbal, along with a strong, persuasive personality.

Education: Degree or equivalent is usually highly regarded and commonly requested. Sales experiences and results often take precedence over a degree.

Salary Range: Due to the commission structure there is significant variance in salary for Sponsorship Managers. Results from the 2013 Sportspeople Workplace Survey: Sponsorship / Commercial - Manager / Executive range was $53,000 to $175,000 with an average of $81,750.

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Swimming Instructor/Teacher:

Employment opportunities exist across the full range of Learn to Swim to Squad coaching and include the provision of teaching and coaching for children, adults and specialist groups. There are a number of permanent roles, however many positions are offered on a casual and/or seasonal basis.

Key skills: Strong aquatic teaching background; strong customer service skills; the ability to resolve conflicts; good time management skills; able to work mornings, evenings and weekends;

Education: The AUSTSWIM Certificate and the Swim Australia Teacher Course set the industry standard for swimming and water safety teachers. At the time of advertising a role employers usually specify the level of certification required. There are also specialist courses available to instruct a variety of age and ability groups including infants, children, adults and people with a disability. You may also need a current Senior First Aid certificate, Advanced Resuscitation accreditation, CPR, Pool Operations Certificate or Rescue accreditations such as Pool Lifeguard Certificate.

Salary Range: Results from the 2013 Sportspeople Workplace Survey: Learn to Swim Instructor full time range was $18,000 to $30,000 with an average of $23,500, and part time range was $14.60 to $65.00 per hour.
Similar roles: Swimming Coach

Sportspeople Tip: Visit the AUSTSWIM website - www.austswim.com.au or www.swimed.com

 

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Swim School Coordinator:

Swim School Coordinators typically manage the administration of the Swim School program, including customer service, bookings, class schedules and staff rosters. In larger Swim Schools, the Coordinator might report to a Manager. Many Swim School Coordinators have come from an aquatic teaching background and view the administrative role as a step away from the "in-water" role. Some roles may also offer aquatic teaching opportunities.

Key skills: Strong aquatic teaching background; strong customer service skills; the ability to resolve conflicts; good time management skills; strong administrative skills and possibly some prior finance experience.

Education: The AUSTSWIM Certificate and the Swim Australia Teacher Course set the industry standard for swimming and water safety teachers. At the time of advertising a role employers usually specify the level of certification required. There are also specialist courses available to instruct a variety of age and ability groups including infants, children, adults and people with a disability. You may also need a current Senior First Aid certificate, Advanced Resuscitation accreditation, CPR, Pool Operations Certificate, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or Rescue accreditations such as Pool Lifeguard Certificate.

Salary Range: Results from the 2013 Sportspeople Workplace Survey: Swim School - Support (Officer / Coordinator) full time range was $35,000 to $62,000 with an average of $50,577.

Similar roles: Swim School Program Coordinator

Sportspeople Tip: Visit the AUSTSWIM website - www.austswim.com.au or www.swimed.com

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Yoga Instructor:

As a result of the emergence of lifestyle and more gentle exercise programs, opportunities for Yoga Instructors have increased significantly over recent years. Yoga Instructors are commonly self-employed or work for one or a number of fitness, health, lifestyle or wellbeing centres. Most Yoga Instructors are paid an hourly rate.

Key skills: Excellent customer service skills; strong communication skills; strong anatomy and physiology knowledge; prepared to work evenings & weekend shifts.

Education: Many centres require at least a Certificate III in Fitness. Training programs range from a few days to more than 2 years and certification levels vary greatly depending on which method of yoga (eg. Iyengar, Ashtanga, Hatha, Bikram etc.). Yoga teaching qualifications can be obtained from many community colleges, specialised training centres, yoga schools and throughout the fitness industry. You will also need a current Senior First Aid certificate, meeting the minimum workcover requirement in your state/territory. Sports Sciences or Human Movement degree qualifications may be advantageous.

Salary Range: Results from the 2013 Sportspeople Workplace Survey: Yoga Instructor part time range was $24.23 to $55.00 per hour.

Sportspeople Tip: Visit The Yoga Teachers Association of Australia website - www.yogateachers.asn.au

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General Enquiries for remuneration benchmarking can be made by contacting Sportspeople:

Other articles in this series: