Many school athletes have probably asked, “How much does a high school athletic director make?” especially if they’re considering it as a career choice themselves. The wages high school athletic directors make depends on many things, particularly the number of years of experience on the job. Here is some information on high school athletic director wages as well as some general information on the career and how to become one.
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Becoming a High School Athletic Director
To become a high school athletic director, the individual should have a bachelor’s degree in sports management or physical education. Some directors have master’s degrees as well. There are also programs that focus on sports administration, exercise science, and athletic training. While in the program, the candidate often completes internships and fieldwork for additional experience.
Depending on the school and state, the high school athletic director may also be required to be licensed as a teacher. There are also certifications the athletic director can obtain, such as the Accredited Interscholastic Coach. Some high school athletic directors are also employed as coaches or teachers.
What They Do
High school athletic directors are in charge of overseeing a school’s athletic programs. The director may also be a spokesperson for the school’s athletic program. They may oversee the school’s athletic budget and safety standards, create schedules, and troubleshoot parent/athlete concerns. Other job duties include the following.
• Determining eligibility criteria
• Interviewing and hiring the coaching staff
• Supervising coaching staff
• Collaborating with school board regarding athletic programs
• Monitoring academic eligibility of student-athletes
• Communicating with state’s athletic association
High school athletic directors often begin their careers as high school coaches. This gives them experience with different sports and also provides insight into the school’s needs and athletic capabilities. The most sought-after athletic directors are those who are in charge of high-performance sports programs.
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Wages for High School Athletic Directors
Wages for high school athletic directors can vary from school to school and by different locations. High school athletic directors are categorized as all other education administrators by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). A May 2017 BLS wage report indicates that these professionals earned an average annual salary of $88,240 nationwide.
Years of experience on the job also plays a role in wage potential. Here are some wage averages for high school athletic directors with experience, according to Chron.
• Up to five years’ experience – $30,168 – $83,159
• Five to ten years’ experience – $39,593 – $98,033
• Ten to 20 years’ experience – $45,282 – $105,834
• More than 20 years’ experience – $49,187 – $112,556
Job Growth for High School Athletic Directors
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in high school sports as well as an increase in rules and safety regulations. Both of these factors will result in a positive job growth for high school athletic directors and keep them very much in demand.
Choosing a career involves not just potential wages but also various other factors An individual working with students and have a love of sports may find working as a high school athletic director to be a perfect fit. An added bonus might come after learning how much a high school athletic director can make.
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