The pickleball industry has seen rapid growth, with over 1,500 private indoor facilities opening in the past 36 months, and as a result, experienced staffing is in high demand. The International Association of Pickleball Padel Facilities (IAPPF) has released its first industry report on salary compensation at pickleball facilities in the U.S., providing valuable insights into the compensation levels of key industry roles.
Key Findings from the IAPPF Report
The report covers six core industry roles, including Executive/General Manager, Front Desk/Member Services, Head Coach, Assistant Coach/Instructor, Director of Programming, and Events Sales Manager. Here are five key compensation findings from the report:
- General Manager Base Pay: The base pay for General Managers at dedicated pickleball facilities ranges from $60,000 to $85,000, while corporate chains and premium private clubs can reach $110,000 to $175,000.
- Front Desk Wages: Front desk wages vary from $12/hr at small-market franchises to $25/hr at premium urban clubs, with a national median of $17 to $18/hr.
- Head Coaching Compensation: Head coaching compensation is largely based on lesson revenue splits, with a head pro having an active teaching calendar potentially earning $130,000 to $200,000 in total compensation.
- Padel Roles Premium: Padel roles carry a 15-40% premium over comparable pickleball positions due to a shortage of FIP-credentialed coaches and the luxury positioning of padel clubs.
- Events and Programming Management Pay: Events and programming management pay ranges from $42,000 at municipal/nonprofit settings to $75,000+ at hospitality-hybrid urban clubs, with commission and incentive structures becoming increasingly common.
The report also highlights the importance of community in the pickleball industry, with community being the moat that sets facilities apart in an over-built market. The IAPPF report is available for free to its members and provides valuable insights into the industry, including regional pay variations and sample job descriptions.
The IAPPF is a global trade association for pickleball and padel facilities, aiming to build stronger businesses and a more professional facility ecosystem through membership, education, research, events, and advocacy. As the pickleball industry continues to grow, the IAPPF's report provides a valuable resource for facility owners, operators, and industry stakeholders looking to navigate the market and build successful businesses.
