How Much Do D3 College Coaches Make

College football is divided into many divisions, one of which is D3. However, their budget is smaller and the coach receives less money as a result of their decreased popularity. The salaries of D3 college coaches vary depending on several factors, including the school’s location, the sport, the coach’s experience, and the coach’s success. However, some general trends can be observed. However, in general, D3 college coaches make significantly less than their counterparts at the D1 and D2 levels.

How Much Do D3 College Coaches Make

According to a 2022 survey by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the average salary for a full-time D3 head coach is $43,240. However, the median salary is lower, at $39,000. This means that half of all D3 head coaches make less than $39,000 per year, while the other half make more.

The average salary for a full-time D3 assistant coach is $25,330. However, the median salary is lower, at $23,000. This means that half of all D3 assistant coaches make less than $23,000 per year, while the other half make more.

Salary Ranges for D3 College Coaches

The salaries of D3 college coaches can vary greatly depending on the factors mentioned above. For example, head coaches at schools in more expensive cities tend to make more money than head coaches at schools in less expensive cities. Head coaches of more popular sports, such as basketball and football, tend to make more money than head coaches of less popular sports, such as swimming and track and field. Head coaches with more experience tend to make more money than head coaches with less experience. More successful head coaches tend to make more money than less successful head coaches.

Salaries for D3 College Coaches by Sport

Sport: Coaches of teams in high-revenue sports, such as basketball and football, typically make more than coaches of teams in lower-revenue sports, such as swimming and diving. The average salary for a D3 head coach varies by sport, Sport Average Salary:

Basketball  $49,210
Football  $52,320
Baseball  $41,430
Softball  $40,540
Soccer  $42,650

Salaries for D3 College Coaches by Experience

Coach’s experience: Coaches with more experience typically make more than coaches with less experience. The average salary for a D3 head coach also varies by experience, as shown below:

0-5 years  $35,120
6-10 years  $41,230
11-15 years  $47,340
16+ years  $53,450

Salaries for D3 College Coaches by Success

The average salary for a D3 head coach also varies by success, as shown below.

0-25%  $37,340
26-50%  $43,450
51-75%  $49,560
76-100%  $55,670

Additional Compensation

In addition to their base salary, D3 college coaches may also receive additional compensation, such as:

• Bonuses: Coaches may receive bonuses for winning championships or achieving other milestones.

• Stipend: Coaches may receive a stipend for coaching multiple sports.

• Travel allowances: Coaches may receive a travel allowance to cover the cost of travel to away games.

Benefits

D3 college coaches typically receive benefits such as:

• Health insurance: Health insurance is provided for coaches and their families.

• Dental insurance:  Coaches and their families are usually covered for dental care.

• Vision insurance:  Coaches and their families are usually covered for vision insurance.

• Retirement savings plan: A retirement savings plan is typically available to coaches.

• Paid time off: Paid time off is typically provided to coaches.

Challenges Faced By D3 College Coaches

Limited Resources: Division III colleges typically have smaller athletic budgets and fewer resources compared to Division I or II schools. Coaches often have to work with limited funding for equipment, facilities, and travel expenses, which can impact their ability to recruit and develop athletes.

Balancing Academics and Athletics: Division III schools prioritize the student-athlete experience and place a strong emphasis on academics. Coaches face the challenge of supporting their athletes in balancing their demanding academic schedules with rigorous athletic commitments. They need to ensure their players are excelling both on the field and in the classroom.

Retention: Keeping athletes engaged and committed throughout their college careers can be a challenge. Without the lure of athletic scholarships, Division III coaches must find ways to motivate their players and create a positive team culture to foster long-term commitment to the program.

Time Management: D3 coaches often have to juggle multiple responsibilities beyond coaching. They may be involved in administrative tasks, fundraising, academic advising, and other duties. Balancing these responsibilities while still devoting enough time to coaching and athlete development can be demanding.

Competitive Balance: While Division III athletics offer a high level of competition, the absence of athletic scholarships means that coaches may not have the same level of talent depth as their counterparts in Division I or II. It can be a challenge to compete against schools with more resources and larger pools of athletes to recruit from.

Conclusion

The salaries of D3 college coaches vary depending on a number of factors, including the school’s location, the sport, the coach’s experience, and the coach’s success. However, the average salary for a full-time D3 head coach is $43,240, and the average salary for a full-time D3 assistant coach is $25,330. Despite the relatively low pay, many D3 college coaches are passionate about their sport and enjoy the opportunity to work with young athletes.

FAQs

1. What is the average salary for a D3 college coach?

• The median salary for head coaches at D3 schools was $46,651 in 2019-2020. The median salary for assistant coaches was $28,104 in 2019-20.

2. What factors affect the salary of a D3 college coach?

• Some factors can affect the salary of a D3 college coach, including the sport, the school’s location, and the coach’s experience.

3. What additional compensation do D3 college coaches receive?

• In addition to their base salary, D3 college coaches may also receive additional compensation, such as bonuses, stipends, and travel allowances.