What is a Soccer Coach's Salary?

Although soccer coaches do not usually earn the same salaries as players, the top level still offers rare compensations. However, a soccer coach does not have job security as it remains dependent on the club's sporting results, which can partly justify attractive salaries.

While some coaches' salaries in the world's biggest clubs may sometimes shock public opinion, it is important to remember that a coach in a soccer club is  the leader of the team, of an entire team or even a club, bringing their game strategy, vision of soccer, and experience.

This article provides a detailed overview of the different salaries as a soccer coach, whether you are an amateur or professional coach in a major league like Ligue 1. We will also look at the highest-paid coaches in 2024, both worldwide and in France.

How much does a soccer coach earn?

A soccer coach can earn from a few hundred euros (€100) to several tens of millions (€35M). As you can see, soccer coaches' salaries can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the country, the club's prestige, and the coach's experience. Similarly, a coach's salary does not stop at a fixed contract and can greatly evolve depending on the results and objectives from one season to another, which is the variable part. Additionally, the salary can vary according to the level of play (amateur, semi-professional, professional):

• Amateur level: In this category, most coaches are volunteers or receive a low compensation for their services, often in the form of reimbursement. The amounts can range from a few hundred to a few thousand euros per year, mainly to cover expenses related to their commitment.
• Semi-professional level: Semi-professional coaches can expect a higher salary, reflecting their part-time or full-time commitment. Salaries in these leagues can range from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of euros per year.
• Professional level: At the highest level, professional coaches in major leagues enjoy substantial salaries, often accompanied by bonuses and additional benefits. These salaries can range from several tens of thousands to several million euros per year, depending on the club's prestige and the coach's track record. To better illustrate all this, we will see in this article the best coach salaries in France and worldwide in 2024.

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Volunteers: the vast majority of soccer coaches

For categories below regional 1, there are very few salaried coaches in clubs. Clubs benefit from the URSSAF flat-rate system when the salary is below 115 € of the hourly minimum wage, or 1179 € in 2021. It is possible to add mileage allowances, provided that all receipts are properly validated (in case of an audit).

In terms of duration, it is observed that coaches remain in position 4 or 5 years on average at amateur levels. Moreover, in case of the end of collaboration, severance pay is never substantial due to the low volume of hours and salary. It is still essential to remember that amateur-level coaches are the people contributing daily to developing players and future stars of tomorrow.

LFP agreements for professional coaches

The base salary of a coach is generally determined following negotiations with the club itself. However, did you know that the Professional Football League (LFP) also has its own agreement, which sets minimum salaries according to the division in which the team plays? Discover the table of minimum salaries for coaches in France:

Note: these minimum remuneration conditions apply to coaches holding the DEPF (or BEPF).

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What diploma for what salary as a coach?

In France, a soccer coach's salary can vary significantly depending on the diploma held. If you hold a Brevet de Moniteur Football you cannot expect the same compensation as a professional coach, for example. Initial qualifications can lead to positions at amateur levels with modest remuneration, while more advanced diplomas, such as the BEFF for a youth academy or the Youth League in Europe, allow access to already higher remuneration.

The UEFA Pro License, equivalent to Ligue 1, Ligue 2, or National 1 (requiring the BEPF), the most prestigious, opens the door to head coach positions in professional soccer clubs, where salaries are significantly higher. For specific details on the correspondence between diplomas and salaries, it is recommended to consult specialized sources in soccer coach training in France.

For more information, check out our detailed guide on training to become a soccer coach (BMF, BEF, DESJEPS, BEFF, BEPF…).

Who are the highest-paid coaches in the world?

At the highest level and in the best leagues in the world, most coaches have salaries similar to the club's best players. Here is the list of the 10 highest-paid coaches in the world: