Find a Job You Really Want In
Coaching continues to be one of the most prevalent careers in the United States, with numerous opportunities available across the country. Coaches are not just found in states like California or the South; they thrive in every region, contributing to diverse sports and community programs.
At Zippia, we analyzed data to determine which states offer the best conditions for coaches, including job availability and competitive salaries at all career stages.
Using statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we identified the top states for coaching based on key factors such as job abundance and fair compensation. Here’s the updated list of the best states for coaches in 2026:
In summary, Arkansas stands out as the top state for coaching in 2026.
Curious about how we reached this conclusion? Read on for insight into our research methodology and a deeper look at each of the top ten states.
How We Determined the Best States for Coaches
At Zippia, we engage with a diverse range of job seekers. Our findings reveal that two primary factors influence job satisfaction:
- Job availability
- Compensation
To identify the best states for coaches, we analyzed data on job availability and salaries. Our evaluation criteria, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics, included:
- Location quotient: A measure of job prevalence in each state.
- Average annual salary.
- Average annual salary for entry-level positions.
- Average annual salary for experienced coaches.
To ensure a fair comparison, we adjusted salary data according to each state’s cost of living, recognizing that higher salaries in some states do not always translate into better purchasing power.
We ranked each state based on these criteria, assigning scores from 1 to 50, where 1 represents the best ranking. The overall Job Score reflects the average of these rankings, with the lowest score indicating the best state for coaches.
Now, let’s delve into what makes each of these states exceptional for coaches.
1. Arkansas
Total Jobs: 1,580
Average Annual Salary: $49,930
Average Entry Level Salary: $20,460
Average Experienced Salary: $77,860
Location Quotient: 0.82
2. Washington
Total Jobs: 10,700
Average Annual Salary: $42,150
Average Entry Level Salary: $21,480
Average Experienced Salary: $64,670
Location Quotient: 2.21
3. Mississippi
Total Jobs: 1,160
Average Annual Salary: $52,310
Average Entry Level Salary: $17,380
Average Experienced Salary: $95,600
Location Quotient: 0.65
4. Tennessee
Total Jobs: 3,280
Average Annual Salary: $47,320
Average Entry Level Salary: $17,660
Average Experienced Salary: $83,590
Location Quotient: 0.72
5. Illinois
Total Jobs: 8,060
Average Annual Salary: $40,270
Average Entry Level Salary: $18,220
Average Experienced Salary: $78,130
Location Quotient: 0.85
6. West Virginia
Total Jobs: 560
Average Annual Salary: $53,430
Average Entry Level Salary: $24,460
Average Experienced Salary: $74,590
Location Quotient: 0.48
7. Texas
Total Jobs: 12,270
Average Annual Salary: $47,340
Average Entry Level Salary: $17,610
Average Experienced Salary: $82,310
Location Quotient: 0.65
8. Louisiana
Total Jobs: 1,720
Average Annual Salary: $48,520
Average Entry Level Salary: $19,680
Average Experienced Salary: $78,290
Location Quotient: 0.55
9. Georgia
Total Jobs: 4,440
Average Annual Salary: $44,730
Average Entry Level Salary: $17,810
Average Experienced Salary: $77,520
Location Quotient: 0.66
10. Florida
Total Jobs: 6,320
Average Annual Salary: $50,500
Average Entry Level Salary: $18,860
Average Experienced Salary: $88,110
Location Quotient: 0.49
Summary
If you’re beginning your career as a coach, consider these top states. They offer competitive salaries, abundant job opportunities, and pathways for career advancement.
Looking to know the less favorable states for coaching? Here are the bottom three:
Detailed List of the Best States for Coaches
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arkansas | $49,930 |
| 2 | Washington | $42,150 |
| 3 | Mississippi | $52,310 |
| 4 | Tennessee | $47,320 |
| 5 | Illinois | $40,270 |
| 6 | West Virginia | $53,430 |
| 7 | Texas | $47,340 |
| 8 | Louisiana | $48,520 |
| 9 | Georgia | $44,730 |
| 10 | Florida | $50,500 |
| 11 | Alabama | $37,480 |
| 12 | South Carolina | $44,240 |
| 13 | North Carolina | $40,130 |
| 14 | Oklahoma | $37,070 |
| 15 | Indiana | $33,460 |
| 16 | Ohio | $34,560 |
| 17 | Missouri | $36,590 |
| 18 | Michigan | $32,990 |
| 19 | Kentucky | $39,250 |
| 20 | Kansas | $33,840 |
| 21 | Nevada | $36,890 |
| 22 | Minnesota | $43,140 |
| 23 | Nebraska | $33,310 |
| 24 | Connecticut | $47,470 |
| 25 | Alaska | $48,420 |
| 26 | Rhode Island | $44,590 |
| 27 | Utah | $34,780 |
| 28 | Virginia | $36,530 |
| 29 | Arizona | $36,320 |
| 30 | New Jersey | $48,780 |
| 31 | South Dakota | $33,520 |
| 32 | Pennsylvania | $38,830 |
| 33 | Iowa | $28,000 |
| 34 | Wyoming | $29,650 |
| 35 | Massachusetts | $46,280 |
| 36 | Colorado | $34,400 |
| 37 | Wisconsin | $33,060 |
| 38 | Delaware | $34,650 |
| 39 | Vermont | $37,900 |
| 40 | Montana | $29,140 |
| 41 | New Mexico | $32,210 |
| 42 | North Dakota | $34,460 |
| 43 | Oregon | $39,700 |
| 44 | Idaho | $25,070 |
| 45 | New Hampshire | $37,680 |
| 46 | New York | $46,040 |
| 47 | Maine | $23,340 |
| 48 | Hawaii | $53,630 |
| 49 | California | $40,630 |
| 50 | Maryland | $45,040 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
