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Strength and conditioning coach

What does a strength and conditioning coach do?

Ever wonder, what is strength and conditioning? A day in the life of a strength and conditioning coach (also known as a strength coach) typically involves coaching athletes, developing training programs, and helping clients with rehabilitation. The work of a strength and conditioning coach is not dissimilar to that of a personal trainer however their clients are typically athletes rather than the general population. In this kind of coaching career your focus would be on improving the performance of athletes to help them gain a competitive advantage. You would also help your clients prevent and recover from injury.

Strength and conditioning jobs exist in a variety of environments but most commonly at universities and fitness centres such as gyms.

Is a career as a strength and conditioning coach right for me?

If you have a passion for sport and consider yourself outgoing, you might enjoy this career. Other skills and attributes beneficial for this role include:

  • good communication skills  
  • the ability to be adaptive and flexible  
  • self-discipline 
  • good interpersonal skills  
  • the ability to work well under pressure.  

How to become a strength and conditioning coach

Everyone's journey is different and there are many ways to reach your career goals. At UniSQ, we understand that every educational journey is unique, and we provide specialised sport and exercise degrees to support your career development. Our programs are designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills necessary for a successful strength and conditioning coach career.

Every journey to study is individual and there are several paths to reaching your career goals. At UniSQ, we offer the following degrees in the area of sport and exercise: 

Future demand
Very Strong

Source: yourcareer.gov.au 
© Commonwealth of Australia
Last updated May 2024.

Strength and Conditioning Coach
What is the average strength and conditioning coach salary?
The average strength and conditioning coach salary varies based on factors including location, experience, and workplace setting. Please see the salary information on this page for further details.
What is the strength and conditioning coach job description like?

The responsibilities of a strength and conditioning coach include:

  • Coaching, training and instructing athletes; inclusive of analysing sporting performance and providing feedback to help athletes improve their abilities. 
  • Motivating athletes and overseeing practice sessions.
  • Recruiting sportspeople and additional coaching staff.
  • Organising entries into sporting competitions.
  • Promoting sports and skills development including encouraging young people to participate in sport.
  • Officiating at sporting events.
How long does it take to become a strength and conditioning coach?

A strength and conditioning coach career path can vary depending on your previous education, the training requirements of specific fields, and employment opportunities.

To work in a specialised area of sports and exercise, a high level of expertise and education is required. This knowledge can be gained through an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.  At UniSQ, there are multiple pathways you can take to set yourself up for a successful strength coach career.

Are strength and conditioning coaches in demand?
The demand for strength and conditioning coaches is very strong. This is driven by the increasing focus on athletic performance, injury prevention and overall fitness. Universities and fitness centres are recognising the need for skilled strength and conditioning coaches in these settings.

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Questions about what to study?

Talk to one of our degree advisors.