What's the pay like for high school coaching jobs?

I'm curious about how much high school coaches make, both for regular positions and more niche ones like wrestling. Does anyone have insight into the pay range and whether it varies significantly by sport or location?

Coaching high school sports can be a rewarding experience, but the compensation for these positions can greatly vary depending on a few key factors: the sport you're coaching, the location of your school, the size of your school, and the level of competitive play.

In general, high school coaches make the majority of their income from a separate, full-time job, usually as a teacher or administrator at the same school they coach at. The stipend for coaching is often supplementary to this salary, and it they generally range from $1,000 to $5,000 for a season. This can be higher or lower depending on the factors mentioned earlier.

The sport you're coaching can also have an impact on your pay. High-profile sports like football and basketball might come with a larger stipend due to the increased responsibilities and pressure. More niche sports like wrestling or cross country may receive lower coaching stipends due to smaller team sizes and lower relative standing in the athletics department.

Geography also plays a big role in coaching salaries. Schools in urban areas or affluent suburban districts often pay more than schools in rural areas. Additionally, in states where high school sports are highly competitive and received broad public support, coaching stipends can be higher.

Remember that these figures can fluctuate and it will be beneficial to do a local search, seeing as compensation can be different district to district. Keep in mind also that these roles often require a significant time commitment, particularly during the competitive season, so it's important to consider this alongside the potential monetary compensation.