What is the role and salary of a high school athletic director?

I'm interested in sports administration and wondering what a high school athletic director does. Also, what is the typical salary one can expect in this position?

Sure, I'm happy to give you some insight into the role of a high school Athletic Director (AD) and the compensation one might expect to earn in that position.

Primarily, an Athletic Director at a high school is responsible for overseeing all of the sports programs that the school offers. This means they're the ones who coordinate with coaches, manage sports-related budgets, and organize athletic events. They often have a hand in hiring and evaluating coaches, ensuring the school meets compliance standards for athletic programs, and overseeing student-athlete academic progress. Generally, the Athletic Director will work closely with coaches, athletes, parents, and other school administrators to create a healthy and competitive athletic environment at the school.

As for compensation, Athletic Director salaries can vary widely depending on factors like the size and location of the school and the scope of the athletic programs. For instance, a small rural school with fewer sports programs will likely pay less than a large suburban school with a robust athletics department. That being said, according to Payscale, as of 2024, the average yearly salary for high school Athletic Directors in the United States is just over $60,000. However, it's worth noting that some ADs at large, competitive high schools in higher cost of living areas could potentially earn into the six figures, while at smaller schools, the salary might be lower.

Keep in mind that as an AD, you'll be expected to work outside normal school hours to oversee practices and games, often requiring evening and weekend commitments. It's a demanding job, but for those passionate about interscholastic sports, it can be incredibly rewarding as well.