However, wages vary within the team. Designated hitters, first basemen, and starting pitchers generally receive the highest wages. Players in minor leagues earn less, sometimes earning a fee for each game or a salary from season to season. Pay for college-level coaches varies widely. Coaches in Divisions II and III earn much less.
Many coaches work part-time, which explains why some wages are low.
These coaches may hold other jobs to add to their income. Outlook Nationally, employment of athletes, coaches, umpires, and referees is expected to grow faster than average through 2008. There are more applicants than openings for professional athlete jobs. Becoming a professional athlete is extremely difficult. Overall, less than one percent of college and amateur athletes play professional sports each year.