How To Become an Athletic Director: Salary & Career Paths for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

There are roughly 24,000 college athletics administrators, including athletic directors, across over 2,300 institutions in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Yet for many aspiring professionals—especially those without a direct sports background—breaking into this competitive field can feel overwhelming and unclear.

Whether you're a coach, educator, or manager aiming to lead an athletic program, the path forward often seems scattered with competing degree requirements, certification options, and experience expectations. This article offers a structured, research-based guide to help future athletic directors understand what qualifications matter, how to build relevant experience, and what concrete steps can move their careers forward. If you're looking for clarity, direction, and practical advice rooted in the realities of the field, you're in the right place.

Key Things You Should Know About Becoming an Athletic Director

With the global sports sponsorship market expected to surge by $160 billion by 2030, demand for strong program leadership is rising across schools and colleges.
While 17,486 sports and fitness management degrees were awarded in 2022, many athletic directors also come from education, business, or kinesiology backgrounds.
The average high school athletic director is 47 years old, suggesting the job typically follows years of professional experience in sports or education.
Certifications like the CAA (Certified Athletic Administrator) help with advancement, but mentorship, reputation, and organizational involvement often carry just as much weight.

What does an athletic director do?
What degree do you need to become an athletic director?
Can you become an athletic director without a sports management degree?
Are there certifications to become an athletic director?
How long does it take to become an athletic director?
How can a post-graduate degree help in becoming an athletic director?
What skills do athletic directors need to succeed?
What tools and software should athletic directors know?
How can additional educational opportunities enhance an athletic director's career?
Can interdisciplinary healthcare education boost athletic director effectiveness?
What are common pitfalls for aspiring athletic directors?
How can I find a mentor to become an athletic director?
How much do athletic directors make?
Is the demand for athletic directors growing?
Other Things You Should Know About Becoming an Athletic Director

What does an athletic director do?

Athletic directors are the operational backbone of school and college sports programs. While many aspiring professionals imagine the role as about game schedules and trophies, it's a multifaceted position that demands legal awareness, budget management, staff oversight, and strategic leadership. Understanding the scope of responsibility is a critical first step for anyone wondering whether this role fits their skills and ambitions.

Oversees athletic programs and staff. Athletic directors supervise all coaches and sports staff, ensuring compliance with institutional and league policies while guiding team development and performance.
Manages budgets and allocates resources. From equipment purchases to facility upgrades, they oversee financial decisions to ensure sustainability and fairness across all sports.
Ensures legal compliance and safety. Athletic directors must stay informed about state and federal regulations, risk management policies, and legal duties such as liability coverage and equitable treatment under Title IX.
Coordinates schedules and events. They organize game calendars, transportation, and venue use, working with other schools and athletic conferences to maintain fair and efficient competition schedules.
Builds community and institutional support. Fundraising, public relations, and representing the athletic department to school leadership are all part of their ongoing mission to strengthen the program's reputation and reach.

This mix of strategic planning, legal oversight, and community engagement makes the role ideal for professionals ready to lead beyond the sidelines. For readers who see themselves as decision-makers in sports, understanding this broad scope is key to charting the right path forward.

You can become an athletic director for an elementary, secondary, or middle school, for colleges, or for any other learning institution. Speaking of middle school, check out our article on middle school teacher responsibilities.

What degree do you need to become an athletic director?

While there’s no single required degree to become an athletic director, most professionals in this role hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Common majors include sports management, physical education, kinesiology, or business. Graduate degrees—especially in athletic administration, education leadership, or business administration—are increasingly common for those aiming to move into higher-level positions in collegiate or professional settings.

One degree that stands out for its versatility is a sports psychology degree. This path helps future athletic directors understand team dynamics, motivation, and performance skills that are valuable when managing coaches and athletes. With this foundation, candidates are well-equipped to lead programs that prioritize both physical excellence and mental resilience.

According to Data USA, the number of sports and fitness management graduates reached over 17,000 in 2022. This figure highlights the growing competition in the field and reflects how common this academic background has become for those entering sports administration. For aspiring athletic directors, choosing a degree that aligns with the level and scope of their career goals can make all the difference.

Can you become an athletic director without a sports management degree?

Yes, it’s possible to become an athletic director without a sports management degree, though doing so often requires a strategic mix of experience and transferable skills. Many professionals enter the field from backgrounds in education, coaching, or even business administration. For instance, Kevin White, the former athletic director at Duke University, began his career as a track coach with a degree in business. His leadership roles in smaller athletic departments helped him build the administrative acumen that eventually landed him one of the most prominent AD positions in college sports.

For those who want to strengthen their qualifications without going the traditional sports management route, pursuing the best online kinesiology degree can offer a solid academic foundation. Kinesiology programs often explore exercise science, coaching techniques, and sports psychology—key areas of expertise for anyone overseeing athletic performance and wellness programs. Consider the example of Lisa Campos, athletic director at UTSA, who holds advanced degrees in counseling and student affairs. Her background underscores how understanding athlete development, rather than just business metrics, can also prepare someone to lead a program successfully.

Ultimately, while a sports management degree can streamline the process, real-world success stories show that relevant experience, the right academic support, and a deep understanding of sports culture can provide equally valid pathways.

In today's dynamic job market, exploring paths outside one's primary focus can be refreshing and enlightening. For example, while many are locked into the specifics of athletic administration, it's interesting to consider how to become a forensic scientist -- a field that uniquely blends scientific methods with investigative detective work. This brief detour into another career not only sparks curiosity but also highlights how diverse interests and skills can open new avenues of opportunity in any field.

Are there certifications to become an athletic director?

Yes, certifications can play a meaningful role in advancing toward an athletic director role, especially for professionals looking to validate their expertise or stand out in a competitive field. While not always mandatory, they often signal a commitment to professional development and a deeper understanding of athletic administration. For those without a traditional sports degree, certification can also help bridge knowledge gaps and demonstrate readiness for leadership.

Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA). Offered by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA), this is the most widely recognized certification for high school athletic directors.
Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA). This entry-level certification introduces core principles in athletic administration and serves as a stepping stone to more advanced credentials. You can also get this through the NIAAA.
Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA). This advanced certification is geared toward seasoned professionals and includes leadership coursework, a written project, and ongoing professional development.
State-specific certifications. Some states require athletic administrators to complete local certification or continuing education programs, particularly for public school roles.
Non-sports credentials with administrative value. Certifications in areas like budgeting, HR, or risk management can supplement an athletic director’s toolkit, especially in districts where ADs manage complex operations.

Certifications won’t replace hands-on experience, but they can clarify your qualifications for hiring committees and help you stand out in roles where leadership and compliance are critical. For aspiring athletic directors without a formal degree in sports management, they’re a practical, respected way to signal career readiness.

How long does it take to become an athletic director?

The timeline to become an athletic director varies depending on your educational path, work experience, and the level of competition you're targeting—high school, college, or professional. Most professionals spend between six to ten years preparing for the role, including earning a relevant bachelor's degree, gaining coaching or administrative experience, and in many cases, completing a master’s program.

Some individuals chart a more academic path similar to related careers in sports. For example, if you're researching how long does it take to become a sports psychologist, you’ll find that the process can take up to eight years or more, factoring in graduate education and supervised practice. While the athletic director path doesn’t require licensure, it demands a comparable depth of experience, particularly in leadership, compliance, and event management.

The number of athletic directors in the US, Canada, and Mexico is estimated to be around 24,000, working across over 2,300 institutions. With such a large field, career trajectories vary widely. Some rise through coaching ranks; others transition from academic advising, physical education, or even business operations. Still, what unites most ADs is a steady accumulation of administrative responsibility and a demonstrated ability to manage teams, budgets, and compliance demands.

How can a post-graduate degree help in becoming an athletic director?

While not required, a post-graduate degree can significantly strengthen your qualifications for an athletic director position. For aspirants who already have experience in coaching or sports administration, advanced education can unlock opportunities at larger institutions, improve leadership skills, and provide a deeper understanding of legal and financial responsibilities. Here's how a graduate degree can support your career trajectory:

Expands leadership capacity. Programs like a Master’s in Athletic Administration or Sports Management often emphasize strategic planning, HR management, and budgeting—core tasks for athletic directors.
Enhances competitiveness for college-level roles. Most NCAA institutions expect or strongly prefer candidates with a master’s degree due to the complexity of intercollegiate athletics programs.
Offers focused training in compliance and policy. Graduate programs frequently include coursework on Title IX, legal liability, and ethics in sports—critical areas for any AD overseeing school or district-wide programs.
Builds professional networks. Many programs include internship placements, alumni connections, or affiliations with national bodies like NACDA, creating direct paths to job opportunities.
Bridges gaps from unrelated undergraduate degrees. For professionals with backgrounds in education, business, or health sciences, a graduate degree tailored to athletics provides the specialized knowledge needed to transition smoothly.

Aspirants aiming to lead programs with multi-million dollar budgets or dozens of staff will find that a post-graduate degree not only strengthens their résumé but also prepares them for the high expectations of the role. For those coming from different disciplines or career pivots, it can be the most efficient way to build legitimacy and fluency in the field.

What skills do athletic directors need to succeed?

Athletic directors operate at the intersection of sports, education, and administration. Their effectiveness depends not just on knowledge of athletics but also on how well they manage people, budgets, and policy. For aspiring professionals weighing whether they’re prepared for the demands of the job or considering how to grow into the role, these core skills are essential:

Strategic leadership. Athletic directors must guide programs that align with institutional goals, balance short-term wins with long-term planning, and adapt quickly to shifting resources or policies.
Communication and conflict resolution. Clear and calm communication is essential to keeping athletics programs on track, especially when dealing with upset parents to negotiating with vendors. These two skills are also very useful for public relations officers and managers. If PR is something you find interesting, check out PR manager salary to learn more.
Budgeting and financial oversight. ADs regularly manage six- or seven-figure budgets, requiring fluency in cost tracking, fundraising, and financial compliance.
Legal and regulatory awareness. Knowing how to apply Title IX, manage liability, and respond to eligibility rules isn’t optional—it’s a core responsibility that protects students and the institution alike.
Understanding of sports science and athlete wellness. Directors often oversee staff responsible for nutrition, injury prevention, and conditioning. While they don’t need to be specialists, having a basic understanding—or even earning a nutrition degree online—can enhance leadership credibility and ensure more informed decisions.

For aspiring ADs, developing these skills—whether through hands-on experience, additional certifications, or academic programs—is what sets successful candidates apart in an increasingly competitive field. These competencies allow leaders to keep programs compliant and build them into lasting assets for their schools and communities.

What tools and software should athletic directors know?

Athletic directors today rely on a range of digital tools to manage the complex responsibilities of their role. Technology ranging from game scheduling applications to athlete eligibility assessment software has become essential in the daily workflow. Mastering these tools allows ADs to operate more efficiently, reduce manual errors, and make data-driven decisions that benefit their entire athletic department.

Athletic management platforms. Systems like ArbiterSports, rSchoolToday, and FinalForms help with scheduling, eligibility tracking, and compliance documentation across all sports.
Budgeting and finance tools. Platforms such as QuickBooks, Oracle NetSuite, or district-specific budgeting software enable accurate tracking of funds, vendor payments, and expense reports.
Communication apps. Group messaging apps like TeamSnap, Remind, or Slack facilitate fast updates between ADs, coaches, student-athletes, and parents.
Performance and wellness software. Programs like Hudl, Catapult, and nutrition tracking apps help ADs oversee training regimens, injury recovery, and athlete health protocols. Professionals with a dietetics degree online or a similar credential can integrate wellness strategies more effectively across programs.
Data and analytics tools. Platforms like DragonFly or Excel-based dashboards help track participation trends, injury statistics, and program growth for strategic reporting.

Familiarity with these tools gives athletic directors a clear operational advantage, especially in larger schools or districts where complexity scales quickly. As the role evolves alongside new technologies, the ability to integrate the right tools into daily management remains a core expectation.

As an athletic director, you can coordinate with a network administrator or an IT expert to help you familiarize with and apply the necessary software and tools. Check out network administrator qualifications to know what you should expect.

How can additional educational opportunities enhance an athletic director's career?

Continuous learning is integral for athletic directors to adapt to evolving industry demands and leadership challenges. Advanced coursework, professional workshops, and targeted online modules can refine skills such as strategic decision-making, regulatory compliance, and budget management. These programs also offer exposure to emerging trends in athlete wellness and operational efficiency. In some cases, exploring interdisciplinary studies—for example, engaging with affordable online medical assistant programs—can provide supplementary insights into health management practices that enhance an athletic director's strategic approach to program leadership.

Can interdisciplinary healthcare education boost athletic director effectiveness?

Incorporating interdisciplinary education into your administrative toolkit can provide a competitive edge in managing athlete wellness and compliance protocols. Embracing aspects of healthcare education enhances strategic decision-making, especially when balancing the demands of program management with emerging sports medicine practices. For example, understanding advanced health management methodologies not only supports athlete safety but also streamlines collaborations with medical professionals and wellness teams. Exploring programs like accelerated PharmD online programs can offer insights that translate into effective leadership practices, helping you navigate complex challenges in today's athletic environments.

What are common pitfalls for aspiring athletic directors?

One common pitfall is neglecting to develop a multidisciplinary skill set that extends beyond sports management. Relying solely on traditional coaching or academic experience can lead to gaps in financial management, technological proficiency, and regulatory compliance. Additionally, some candidates delay seeking continuous professional development, which is critical for adapting to evolving industry standards. Exploring complementary certifications—such as an affordable medical billing and coding certification—can help broaden administrative expertise and mitigate these challenges.

How can I find a mentor to become an athletic director?

Building a career in athletic administration is rarely a solo effort. Finding a mentor, someone who understands the nuances of athletic leadership, can shape your growth and help you navigate challenges faster than trial and error alone. For aspiring athletic directors, the right mentor can open doors to professional networks, leadership insights, and decision-making strategies grounded in experience.

Tap into professional associations. Organizations like the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) or state-specific athletic director associations often run mentorship programs or connect newcomers with seasoned professionals.
Attend conferences and workshops. Events hosted by the NIAAA, NFHS, or NACDA offer structured networking environments where you can meet potential mentors who share your career interests.
Reach out to local ADs. Athletic directors at nearby schools—especially within your school district or conference—are often open to informational interviews and ongoing dialogue with future leaders.
Use alumni networks. If you’re enrolled in or have completed a degree program in sports management, kinesiology, or administration, your university's alumni office can help you connect with ADs in the field.
Leverage digital platforms. LinkedIn groups, coaching forums, and professional sports education networks offer spaces to find active professionals willing to mentor new entrants to the field.

Having a mentor isn’t just about advice—it’s about forming a lasting relationship that guides your professional identity. For aspiring athletic directors navigating licensing, hiring, and sports oversight, this kind of support can be the difference between reactive choices and intentional growth.

How much do athletic directors make?

Salaries for athletic directors vary widely depending on the level of competition, size of the institution, and years of experience. According to recent figures, high school athletic directors earn between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, with larger school districts offering salaries at the higher end of that range. At the collegiate level, compensation is notably higher—directors at Division I universities can earn well into six figures, and in some cases, over $250,000, particularly if they oversee high-revenue sports programs.

When evaluating compensation, comparing it to parallel roles in sports and performance settings is useful. For example, the average sports psychologist salary falls between $80,000 and $120,000, showing that while both roles serve athlete development, administrative leadership positions like ADs can offer significantly more earning potential at the top levels. For professionals motivated by a blend of sports involvement and organizational leadership, the athletic director path stands out as both purpose-driven and financially competitive.

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Is the demand for athletic directors growing?

Yes, the demand for athletic directors is experiencing steady growth, particularly in educational institutions where sports play a central role in student engagement and community identity. According to Zippia, the projected job growth rate for athletic directors is 7% from 2018 to 2028, with approximately 15,500 new positions expected over the decade.

This upward trend is driven by the increasing emphasis on sports programs in schools and colleges, as well as the need for skilled administrators to manage these programs effectively. Athletic directors are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including budgeting, scheduling, compliance, and facility management, making their role integral to the success of athletic departments.

For aspiring athletic directors, this growth indicates a positive job outlook. However, competition can be intense, especially at the collegiate level. Gaining relevant experience, pursuing advanced degrees, and developing strong leadership skills can enhance prospects in this field.

Overall, the demand for athletic directors is on the rise, reflecting the vital role they play in the administration of sports programs and the broader educational landscape.

What Athletic Directors Think About the Profession

"I spent ten years coaching high school football before I even considered administration. I didn’t have a sports management degree, but I took leadership courses and earned my CAA certification. It was a challenge at first, but I quickly realized the skills I used on the field translated well to managing programs and supporting coaches." - Andrew
"After earning my sports psychology degree, I thought I’d go into counseling. But during a college internship, I worked under the assistant athletic director and discovered how much strategy and logistics go into running a department. That’s when I knew I wanted to pursue this professionally." - Horace
"My first athletic director gave me opportunities I didn’t know to ask for—budget meetings, policy reviews, even facility scheduling. That kind of access helped me build confidence and understand the real scope of the job. I model my leadership now on how they made space for me to grow." - Roman

Key Findings About Becoming an Athletic Director

Most athletic directors build their careers from coaching or teaching roles. Many transition into administration after years of hands-on experience in high school or college sports programs.
Postgraduate degrees can enhance career mobility. While not always required, degrees in fields like kinesiology or sports psychology can strengthen credibility and leadership capacity.
There are over 24,000 college athletics administrators across North America. This figure, reported by NACDA, highlights the scope of opportunities and the competitive nature of the field.
More than 17,000 sports and fitness management degrees were awarded in 2022. This volume reflects both a strong interest in the field and the increasing academic pathways toward athletic leadership.
The average high school athletic director is 47 years old. This suggests the role is often a mid-career move, requiring time to build experience and professional networks before advancing into leadership.

Other Things You Should Know About Becoming an Athletic Director

Is it hard to be an athletic director?

Yes, the role is demanding. Athletic directors juggle administrative responsibilities, budgets, compliance, and personnel management, often requiring long hours and high accountability.

How old are athletic directors?

The average high school athletic director is 47 years old, reflecting a career that typically builds over time through teaching, coaching, and administrative experience.

Where do athletic directors make the most money?

Athletic directors at large universities, particularly NCAA Division I programs, tend to earn the highest salaries, often in the six-figure range, due to the scale and revenue of their sports programs.

Is being an athletic director stressful?

Yes, it can be. The job comes with pressure to maintain program success, manage conflicts, meet compliance standards, and respond to emergencies, all while balancing public expectations.

References:

Data USA. (2025). Sport and fitness administration/management. datausa.io
GlobeNewswire. (2024, November 21). Sports sponsorship market forecast 2025–2030: Advanced data analytics and virtual fan engagement drive agile strategies adopted by industry giants. globenewswire.com
Indeed. (2025). What does an athletics director do? indeed.com
Kansas University. (2024, April 14). Athletic director jobs: Responsibilities, qualifications, and career outlooks. ku.edu
National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. (2025, March 17). NACDA announces 2024–25 athletics directors of the year. nacda.com
National Federation of State High School Associations. (2025). Essential legal duties for athletics directors and coaching staff. nfhs.org
Yellowbrick. (n.d.). The path to success: Athletic director career tips. yellowbrick.co
ZipRecruiter. (2025). Athletic director salary. ziprecruiter.com