The global tennis industry is valued at over $1.15 billion, with more than 87 million players worldwide, and that number keeps growing, according to the International Tennis Federation. Yet most people still associate tennis careers with one path: turning pro. The truth is, only a fraction of players ever compete on the ATP or WTA tours, but that doesn’t mean tennis can’t be a viable, fulfilling career.

Tennis jobs go far beyond the baseline. The ecosystem includes roles in coaching, tournament operations, facility management, marketing, content creation, technology, and more. Clubs, academies, startups, and global tennis organizations are all hiring, and not just for roles that require elite-level skills with a racquet.

In the U.S., the demand is especially strong. With youth participation rising and recreational leagues expanding, clubs are actively looking for certified coaches, event organizers, content creators, and marketing professionals who understand the sport. And as digital platforms and apps continue to shape how tennis is played and experienced, new tech roles are entering the space, too.

If you’re passionate about the game, chances are your skill set fits somewhere in the industry. The next section breaks down the core on-court roles to consider—and what it takes to get started.

Core On-Court Career Paths in Tennis

Working on the court doesn’t always mean chasing trophies on tour. For many, a career in tennis starts with teaching, training, or competing in roles that bring players together and raise the level of play. Here’s what you need to know about core on-court careers—and how each one works in practice.

Tennis Coach (Youth, Adult, Competitive Levels)

Coaching is one of the most accessible and stable tennis career paths. Coaches often start by working with beginner or junior players at clubs or community centers, then move up to competitive juniors, adults, or team programs as they gain experience.

Coaching tiers generally fall into three categories:

• Recreational and junior development: Teaching foundational technique and rules to new players.
• Club or team-level coaching: Leading group sessions, match prep, and tactical training for intermediate players.
• High-performance coaching: Working with advanced juniors or college/pro prospects on competition strategy, conditioning, and mental game.

Most coaching roles require certification. In the U.S., the USPTA and PTR are the two leading organizations. Entry-level certification usually requires a skills assessment, exam, and first-aid training. According to the USPTA, certified tennis coaches in the U.S. earn between $30,000 and $75,000 per year, depending on location, level, and hours.

Hitting Partner / Sparring Partner

Hitting partners support high-performance players during practice by offering consistent, match-level rallies. While they don’t typically provide instruction, they’re expected to simulate real-game intensity, maintain rhythm, and mimic specific playing styles when needed.

These roles often fall into one of three categories:

• Private freelance partners: Hired by players or parents to train regularly.
• Club-based hitting pros: Available through membership programs or for booked sessions.
• Tour practice partners: Contracted to travel or train with ATP/WTA players before matches.

Pay varies widely. Local-level sparring partners might earn $25–$50 per hour, while those who travel with top pros can earn daily rates of $150–$300, often with expenses covered. Success in this role requires advanced playing ability, court awareness, and strong reliability.

Professional Player Pathway

Becoming a professional player is the most competitive and uncertain path in tennis. Players typically begin on the junior ITF circuit, progress through Futures and Challenger events, and aim to qualify for ATP or WTA tournaments. Along the way, they must manage rankings, travel schedules, entry fees, and sponsorships, often with minimal earnings early on.

To put it in perspective, the average income for players ranked 300–500 in the world is under $30,000 per year, according to the ITF. Only a small percentage crack the top 100, where prize money and endorsements create financial stability. For most, the journey includes coaching others, running clinics, or working at clubs between tournaments to offset costs.

Still, for those committed to the grind, the pathway exists. Success hinges not just on talent, but also on networking, mental resilience, and access to funding.

Tennis Club and Facility-Based Roles

Beyond the baseline, clubs rely on a full team of staff to deliver a seamless tennis experience—whether that’s organizing weekend clinics or keeping the courts safe and playable. These roles offer stable employment, and many are suited to professionals who want to work in tennis without stepping on court to coach.

Club Manager or Director of Tennis

The Club Manager or Director of Tennis oversees the strategic and operational success of the facility. While titles can vary, the responsibilities are wide-ranging:

• Designing and scheduling coaching programs
• Hiring and managing teaching staff
• Planning tournaments, socials, and member events
• Handling budgets, memberships, and customer retention

Most managers have a background in sports management, business administration, or extensive on-court tennis experience. For facilities that focus heavily on instruction, some directors hold USPTA or PTR coaching certifications as well.

Salaries can vary depending on the size and prestige of the club. According to the Tennis Industry Association, directors in large private clubs often earn $60,000 to $120,000+ annually, especially when incentives and program bonuses are included.

Court Maintenance & Groundskeeping Staff

Tennis courts require constant attention. Clay surfaces need daily rolling and watering. Hard courts demand regular cleaning, repainting, and net inspections. Indoor facilities deal with lighting, temperature control, and flooring integrity.

Groundskeeping staff handle:

• Court prep and resurfacing
• Net height adjustments and inspections
• Fence and lighting maintenance
• Seasonal court closures or installations

While some of the work is seasonal, many full-time positions are available at year-round facilities or college campuses. Entry often doesn’t require formal education, but employers look for experience with turf care, basic electrical or mechanical skills, and familiarity with tennis court specs.

Front Desk, Membership, and Scheduling Staff

The front-of-house team is the first and last touchpoint for every player. These roles are less about tennis knowledge and more about organization, communication, and customer service. Typical duties include:

• Booking courts and private lessons
• Managing waitlists and cancellations
• Answering membership questions
• Processing payments and program registrations

In smaller facilities, the same person may handle retail sales or tournament entries. While the pay varies by region, part-time front desk jobs typically start around $15–$20/hour, with some full-time staff earning salaries between $35,000–$50,000, especially if they assist with club operations.

Event, Tournament, and League Career Opportunities

Behind every match is a team that makes it happen, from the person who sets the draw to the one calling the lines. If you’re drawn to the energy of competitive tennis but prefer roles off the court, tournament and league operations offer multiple career paths.

Tournament Director or Coordinator

Tournament directors manage the full lifecycle of an event, from pre-registration to the final trophy presentation. Their responsibilities often include:

• Coordinating player entries and verifying eligibility
• Creating match draws and schedules
• Booking officials and medical support
• Communicating with players, coaches, and venue staff
• Overseeing day-of logistics like signage, court usage, and results reporting

Depending on the scale, this could be a part-time position for a weekend USTA event or a full-time role for clubs running regular tournaments. Large organizations often require experience with TDM software (TennisLink Tournament Data Manager) or similar platforms. Salaries range from $35,000–$70,000, with freelance coordinators earning per-event fees.

Umpires and Line Judges

Officials are essential to the integrity of every sanctioned match. Umpires oversee entire matches, while line judges focus on monitoring specific boundaries. Both roles demand strong focus, quick reflexes, and detailed rule knowledge.

To work officially:

• Attend a USTA or ITF certification clinic
• Pass a written rules exam and eye test
• Start with lower-level matches to build experience
• Stay current with recertification every 1–2 years

Many umpires work seasonally or part-time. Match fees vary based on level and location but often start at $100–$300 per day. Those who advance to higher-level events (Challenger, ATP/WTA) may receive travel stipends and premium rates.

League Administrators and Match Organizers

Tennis leagues run year-round at clubs, parks, and through national bodies like the USTA. Managing them requires consistent communication and coordination. Key tasks include:

• Forming balanced teams by skill level
• Managing weekly match schedules
• Tracking scores, standings, and player conduct
• Answering rules questions and resolving disputes

Some of these roles are handled by in-house club staff, while others are hired through league programs as part-time contractors. For example, many USTA Section Coordinators earn stipends or hourly pay for managing multiple leagues across regions.

Off-Court Tennis Careers in Media, Marketing & Tech

Not every tennis job involves swinging a racquet. As the sport becomes more digitally connected, opportunities continue to grow for creatives, marketers, and technologists who want to build their careers around tennis. Whether you’re passionate about storytelling or coding, there’s space in the industry for skills that live off the court.

Tennis Content Creators & Analysts

Content creation has carved out a significant niche in the tennis ecosystem. Independent writers, podcasters, and video creators build audiences by covering match breakdowns, training tips, or reviewing the latest gear. Some develop monetized platforms or partner with sponsors. Others contribute to digital magazines, coaching platforms, or event broadcasts.

Common focus areas include:

• Tactical match analysis (video or written)
• Equipment reviews and comparisons
• Player interviews or opinion segments
• Instructional breakdowns and visual demos

Success in this space relies on both tennis knowledge and content craft, writing, editing, or video production. For those working independently, audience-building is crucial. For those looking to join existing outlets, a strong portfolio often replaces formal credentials.

Social Media and Marketing for Tennis Brands or Clubs

From major equipment brands to small local academies, nearly every tennis organization needs marketers who can translate their identity into compelling online presence. That means content strategy, paid campaigns, community management, and brand storytelling across platforms.

Roles often include:

• Planning and posting daily content (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts)
• Running ad campaigns for events, memberships, or merchandise
• Collaborating with players and influencers for reach
• Creating branded visuals or short-form videos

Experience in digital marketing, analytics, or graphic design gives candidates an edge. Strong tennis knowledge helps tailor messaging to resonate with players. Entry-level roles may start at $40,000–$60,000 annually, with freelance or agency-based marketers charging project rates.

Tennis App & Tech Product Roles

Tennis technology has moved far beyond line-calling. Startups and established companies are investing in AI-driven match analysis, skill-tracking apps, and booking platforms. Companies like TennisPAL combine social connection with coaching and local playing opportunities—all managed through sleek digital interfaces.

Professionals in this sector may work in:

• UX/UI Design: Improving usability for player apps and league platforms
• Frontend/Backend Development: Building core app features and integrations
• AI & Data Science: Analyzing swing data, shot patterns, or match statistics
• Product Management: Coordinating between tech, design, and user needs

Many roles require traditional tech credentials, coding languages, product roadmaps, user testing experience, but a tennis background helps teams build smarter features for players.

Certification and Education Requirements by Role

If you’re considering a career in tennis, knowing which certifications or qualifications align with your goals can save time, and increase your chances of getting hired. Whether you’re planning to coach, manage a facility, or work in digital media, each path has its own set of credentials. Here’s a quick-reference guide to help you get started:

Coaching

Required: USPTA or PTR Certification
Most clubs, academies, and schools won’t hire coaches without certification. The two most widely recognized are:

• USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association)

• PTR (Professional Tennis Registry)

Both offer tiered levels depending on your experience, and include training on technique, lesson planning, and player development. Completion typically involves coursework, practical assessments, and passing an exam.

Good to Have: CPR/AED certification, Safe Play training (for USTA roles)

Club Management

Required: Degree or Experience in Sports Management or Business
While not always mandatory, most director roles lean toward candidates with a formal background in sports management, hospitality, or business administration. Some programs also offer tennis-specific modules.

Relevant programs include:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Sports Management
• Specialized courses like USTA’s Tennis Management Certificate

Hands-on experience managing tennis programs or facilities often weighs equally to academic qualifications.

Umpiring and Officiating

Required: USTA or ITF Officiating Certification
To work as a certified official, you’ll need to complete training through the USTA Officiating Program or ITF pathway.

Start by registering through USTA’s Officials Portal, then complete the following:

• Online coursework and rule modules
• Background check
• Eye exam
• In-person shadowing or practical training

From there, you can specialize in roles like Chair Umpire, Roving Umpire, or Line Umpire based on match levels.

Media and Content Roles

Required: Communications Background or Portfolio-Based Hiring
Tennis content creators, writers, analysts, and social media managers often enter through two main routes:

• Formal training: Degrees in journalism, communications, or digital media
• Portfolio-first: Demonstrated ability through writing samples, video work, or analytics results

Certifications from platforms like HubSpot Academy, Google Ads, or Hootsuite can help in digital roles. But in most cases, employers prioritize proven creative work and tennis familiarity over academic credentials.

Where to Find Tennis Employment Opportunities

Once you’ve figured out the right role and earned the necessary qualifications, the next step is knowing where to look. While general job boards can be helpful, the tennis industry has several niche platforms and community-based tools designed specifically for this purpose. Here’s how to find legitimate tennis employment opportunities—without wasting time chasing dead ends.

Use TennisPAL for Networking and Local Jobs

TennisPAL isn’t just a hitting partner app—it’s quietly become one of the easiest ways to find hyperlocal job opportunities in tennis. Whether you’re looking to coach a few private lessons, pick up freelance event work, or even find a club hiring part-time, TennisPAL connects users based on both playing ability and professional interests.

Popular job types found on the app include:

• Private coaching gigs
• Hitting partner opportunities
• Local tournament staffing (umpires, coordinators)
• Club event assistance and junior program helpers

The platform works especially well for entry-level or freelance work, offering a way to build connections that can grow into long-term roles.

Search Job Boards and Organization Websites

For more formal positions—especially full-time or structured part-time roles—start with platforms that specifically cater to the tennis industry:

Use search terms that match your specific qualifications (e.g., “PTR-certified coach” or “tennis event coordinator”), and set alerts to stay ahead of seasonal openings.

Final Thoughts: Turning Your Passion for Tennis Into a Sustainable Career

A career in tennis doesn’t have to mean chasing trophies on the ATP or WTA tours. The reality is far broader—and far more accessible. From coaching beginners to designing match-analysis apps, the tennis industry welcomes a range of talents that go far beyond athletic performance.

If you’re a player, your on-court knowledge can translate into coaching, training, or officiating. If you’re a creative or a marketer, tennis brands and clubs need content that resonates with their communities. If you’re into tech, startups are hiring engineers and designers who understand the rhythm and needs of the sport.

What matters most is finding where your skill set overlaps with tennis, and leaning into that intersection with purpose. Whether you’re teaching at a local club, managing events, or building digital products for players, the work can be both meaningful and sustainable.

TennisPAL stands out as a starting point – not just for finding tennis partners, but for uncovering real-world opportunities. From freelance gigs to long-term roles, it’s a way to stay close to the game while building something career-worthy.

If tennis is more than a hobby for you, now’s the time to treat it like a career path. You don’t have to fit a traditional mold. You just have to get started.