Last Updated on December 30, 2022 by Joan Hahn
Tennis coaches can make a pretty penny. The top coaches in the world can earn millions of dollars per year coaching some of the best players in the sport.
Coaches who work with professional players tend to make more money than those who work with amateur or beginner players.
So how much do tennis coaches make? Read on to find out.
Average Earning of Tennis Coaches

A professional tennis coach can earn upwards of $100,000 per year, while a college tennis coach may make between $40,000 and $60,000 annually.
Assistant tennis coaches typically earn much less, with an average salary of around $30,000 annually.
Tennis coaches can be found at all levels of the sport, from working with amateurs to professional tennis players.
The average earnings of a tennis coach will vary depending on their experience and the level at which they work.
Despite the wide range in earnings, all tennis coaches share a common goal: to help their students improve their game and achieve their goals on the court.
Levels of Tennis Coaching
Professional Tennis Coach
A professional tennis coach can earn up to $100,000 per year. This figure can vary depending on the coach’s experience and job location.
For example, a coach working in New York City may earn more than a coach working in a small town.
In addition to their salary, coaches may also receive bonus payments based on their players’ performance.
These bonuses can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands. As a result, a professional tennis coach can earn a very good income.
College Tennis Coach
Most college tennis coaches earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on the level of the program and the school’s budget.
Head coaches at large Division I programs can earn significantly more than assistant coaches or those at lower-level programs.
In addition to their base salary, many coaches also receive bonuses for winning conference championships and advancing to the NCAA tournament.
As a result, coaching college sports can be a very lucrative career.
Assistant Tennis Coach
Being an assistant tennis coach can be a very rewarding job. Not only do you get to help people improve their game, but you also get to see the joy that comes with their accomplishments.
And, of course, there’s the pay.
While it’s true that assistant coaches don’t make as much as head coaches, they can still earn a very respectable income. The median salary for assistant coaches is $30,000 per year.
Top WTA & ATP Coach
The annual incomes of the top women’s and men’s tennis coaches vary widely, depending on several factors.
Coaches can earn a percentage of their players’ prize money, appearance fees, and endorsement deals.
In addition, many top coaches also work with multiple players, increasing their earnings.
The average income of a top WTA coach is estimated to be $2.5 million per year, while the average income of a top ATP coach is estimated to be $5 million per year.
Of course, these figures can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each coach and player.
Nevertheless, being a top coach on the professional tennis circuit can be a very profitable venture.
Top Elite Tennis Coach
A top elite tennis coach can make a very good income. Some of the top coaches in the world earn millions of dollars annually.
The average salary for a top coach is around $500,000, but the top earners can make much more than that.
The income of a top elite tennis coach will vary depending on factors such as the number of students and the location; it is typically in the range of $100-$300 per hour.
Some coaches may also receive payment for expenses such as travel and accommodation costs.
In addition to their hourly rate, coaches may receive a percentage of their student’s winnings.
How Do Tennis Coaches Earn Money?

Base Salary
Tennis coaches typically earn a base salary and any income they may earn through private lessons, clinics, or other programs.
While the exact amount will vary depending on the coach’s experience and location, the average yearly salary for a tennis coach is $30,000.
In addition to their base salary, many coaches receive a percentage of the prize money earned by the players they work with.
Winning Percentage
Tennis coaches are typically paid based on their players’ winning percentages. The coach’s cut is usually a percentage of the prize money earned by the player.
For example, if a player wins $10,000 at a tournament [1], the coach may receive 10% or $1,000.
Special Performance Bonus
Tennis coaches often earn money through special performance bonuses. It is in addition to their regular salary and any other income they may receive from private lessons or coaching opportunities.
The bonus amount depends on the coach’s results, the number of tournaments their players compete in, and how well they do.
For example, a coach with a player who wins a Grand Slam tournament [2] may receive a bonus of several hundred thousand dollars.
In addition, coaches may also receive a percentage of their players’ prize money, which can add up to a significant amount over a year.
Tournament Prize Money
While many people know that professional tennis players earn money through prize money, few realize that their coaches also receive a portion of the winnings.
Most coaches receive 5-15% of their player’s tournament earnings. This money is in addition to the salary that the coach receives from their employer.
While 5-15% may not seem like much, it can add up to a sizable amount of money over a year.
Read: How To Practice Tennis By Yourself
Did COVID-19 Affect the Salaries of Tennis Coaches?
Yes, COVID-19 has affected the salaries of tennis coaches. With most people around the world now staying at home, there has been a drastic decrease in the demand for tennis lessons.
As a result, many coaches have had to either reduce their rates or offer discounts to attract customers.
In some cases, coaches have even had to stop giving lessons altogether.
While the pandemic has certainly been tough on everyone, it has significantly impacted those whose livelihoods depend on the sport of tennis.
FAQs
How much do top tennis players pay their coaches?
While the exact amount varies depending on the coach’s experience and results, the average top player pays their coach between $500-$750 per hour.
In addition, many coaches also receive a percentage of their players’ prize money, which can add up to a significant amount over a year. But how do you get better at tennis?
Is tennis coaching a good career?
Tennis coaching can be a very good career, especially for those who can work with top players.
The average salary for a tennis coach is $30,000 per year, but the top earners can make much more than that.
In addition, many coaches also receive a percentage of their players’ prize money, which can add up to a significant amount over a year.
In Conclusion
Tennis coaches can make a good salary, especially if they can work with top players. The average salary for a tennis coach is $30,000 per year, but the top earners can make much more than that.
In addition, many coaches also receive a percentage of their players’ prize money, which can add up to a significant amount over a year.
If you are thinking about becoming a tennis coach, it can be a very rewarding career. Not only can you earn a good salary, but you can also help your players achieve their goals.
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/sports/tennis/Organization-and-tournaments
- https://www.itftennis.com/en/itf-tours/grand-slam-tournaments/