As pickleball matures into a professionalized industry, one of the most pressing questions remains: what’s the right way to pay your pros?
From independent contractors running their own book of business to salaried staff teaching within a club’s ecosystem, compensation structures vary widely. At the 2025 Pickleball Innovators Summit, owners agreed on one thing: the industry is still figuring out what “fair and sustainable” looks like.
The HUB’s Approach: Structure Meets Freedom
Few stories illustrate the decision better than the one shared by Ted Angelo, the CEO of The HUB Pickleball.
“Coach Riley had been with The HUB for a year,” said Angelo, painting a picture of a potential scenario. “As his schedule grew, so did his questions. Should he remain a W-2 employee like many staff members — or transition to a 1099 independent coach, paying court-rental fees and running his own business under The HUB umbrella?”
Under The HUB’s dual model, both options are viable.
The W-2 employee enjoys a predictable schedule, built-in marketing and payroll coverage. The club handles taxes, insurance and compliance — but limits flexibility and earning potential.
The 1099 coach, meanwhile, rents courts at a flat hourly rate and sets their own pricing. The upside is higher earning potential; the downside is responsibility for taxes, marketing and filling courts.
At The HUB, this hybrid ecosystem works because expectations are clearly defined. “Not every coach is built the same,” said Angelo. “Some thrive with structure. Some thrive with freedom. The HUB succeeds when both types are supported — with fair compensation and a culture centered on member experience.”
Real Numbers, Real Tradeoffs
Angelo shared how the model breaks down financially:
- W-2 Employees: $20–$30/hour for beginner to intermediate coaching, and up to $45/hour for certified or high-level instructors. Clinics are paid hourly, flat.
- 1099 Independents: Coaches typically charge $60–$80/hour for privates, $25–$35 per player for semi-privates, and $20–$30 per player for small groups. After paying The HUB’s $40–$50/hour court fee, earning potential grows — but so does the hustle.
That clarity helps both sides understand risk, reward and autonomy from day one.
What Operators Are Saying
On LinkedIn, industry leaders added their perspectives to the debate:
- Russ Coogan noted that every model depends on margins: “The more you pay out, the more your top line grows. But the important number is your bottom line.”
- Albert Ramos Jr. drew inspiration from fitness: “Think like SoulCycle — pay per seat, share of wallet. As pros fill slots and deliver great experiences, their comp should grow.”
- Jeremy Bumgardner, MS compared it to personal training: “Employee model, hourly rate based on group size and revenue generated — so it’s still a percentage, depending on how you look at it.”
Together, these perspectives point to a common theme: compensation should reward performance, not just presence. In fact, some pros are paid solely off commission, ensuring that pay is tied to results.
Ultimately, the compensation structure needs to make sense for the business as a whole. As one operator at the Summit put it, “Don’t start at 80 or 90 percent — that’s not a partnership, that’s a loss leader.”
Without clear boundaries, even successful programming can become unprofitable once payroll, taxes and maintenance are factored in.
As pickleball clubs mature, more are creating Director of Pickleball roles that combine instruction, programming and leadership — signaling a shift toward long-term career pathways. The goal is to move beyond transactional pay and toward professional development, mentorship and benefits that reflect a growing industry.
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for paying pickleball pros — and that’s okay. What matters most is intentionality: clarity around expectations, transparent pay structures, and alignment with both your club’s financial health and your instructors’ professional goals.
As Ted Angelo put it, “We don’t succeed by choosing one model over another,” he said. “We succeed when we support both types of coaches — and build a culture where everyone wins.”
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With over a decade spent covering the business side of sports and fitness, Rachel Chonko brings a wealth of experience and a true passion for active communities to Peake Media. As Editor-in-Chief, she’s focused on helping pickleball clubs and fitness facilities thrive, from guiding growth strategies to showcasing the latest industry trends. Rachel also hosts the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, where she interviews leaders in fitness and pickleball to share insights and success stories with the wider community to give her listeners a competitive edge.
After taking up pickleball herself, Rachel has come to appreciate the sport’s unique blend of social connection and active living — a mix that’s perfectly in line with her editorial philosophy. Connect with her on LinkedIn, or check out her articles below for a deep dive into the energy and culture driving pickleball’s rapid rise.
