We used the latest data and insights to identify the highest paying kinesiology jobs so that you can learn and earn more.
Are you looking for the highest-paying kinesiology jobs?
If so, you’re in the right place. This guide will take you through the best-paying kinesiology careers, how much they pay and what skills are required to get them.
We sourced the data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale, Glassdoor, and other reputable sources.
Here are the top 10 highest-paying jobs for kinesiology majors:
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Table of Contents
#10. Athletic Coach
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $25,000 per year
- High Range: $72,000 per year
- Median Pay: $43,389 per year
What do they do?
Athletic coaches are responsible for helping athletes improve their performance. They may train athletes in a specific sport or teach general fitness classes. Athletic coaches work with both professional and amateur athletes at all levels of competition.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Depending on their position, athletic coaches may need a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or athletic training. Most positions may require a master’s degree. Athletic coaches also need to be trained in their specific sport. In some cases, this job requires a certification or license from a governing body.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Athletic coaches work for high schools, colleges and universities, professional sports teams, and leagues. They may also work for fitness centers or health clubs.
What is the best way to get this job?
You can get your start by volunteering for a local high school or college team, as well as joining a professional sports league. To advance in this career and earn more money, it is important to gain experience, build relationships with coaches and players, and complete certifications and licensing requirements.
How do you become an athletic coach?
#9. Physical Education Teacher
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $36,000 per year
- High Range: $87,000 per year
- Median Pay: $55,805 per year
What do they do?
Physical education teachers are responsible for teaching students about health, fitness, and sports. They work closely with students to develop their skills, offer advice on nutrition and exercise, and may also lead team practices.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
You’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in physical education to become a teacher. This can be followed by a master’s degree if you want to go into teaching at the college level. Your coursework may include classes on anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Many schools and colleges hire physical education teachers. You can also look for jobs at public parks, sports leagues, and private companies specializing in youth fitness programs.
What is the best way to get this job?
You can get a job as a physical education teacher by earning an exercise science or kinesiology degree. This field is highly competitive, so getting additional training from a specialized program may be helpful.
After you earn your degree, you may need to get a teaching license. You can earn a master’s degree in education and complete a student-teaching internship. Before you begin teaching, you must gain experience working with children or adults outside the classroom.
Should you become a physical education teacher?
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#8. Fitness Trainer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $35,000 per year
- High Range: $96,000 per year
- Median Pay: $57,979 per year
What do they do?
Many people enjoy working out but may not know how to get started. This is where fitness trainers come in. They teach clients how to exercise properly and provide motivation that helps them stick with it.Â
A fitness trainer leads exercise classes, such as yoga or aerobics, and provides one-on-one instruction at the gym or other locations.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that most employers prefer applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent and at least some college or vocational training. Some fitness trainers also have a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, kinesiology, health promotion, or another related field.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Several industries hire fitness trainers, including health clubs and fitness centers, gyms, schools and universities, corporate wellness programs, hospitals, and nursing homes.
What is the best way to get this job?
Online job boards, such as Indeed and Monster, are a good place to start your search. You can also check out local gyms or health clubs in your area to see if they have any openings.Â
What should you be doing now to get ready for this career? You can start by taking classes at a local community college or university that teaches introductory exercise science skills.
What’s it like to be a fitness trainer?
#7. Exercise Physiologist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $38,000 per year
- High Range: $96,000 per year
- Median Pay: $60,299 per year
What do they do?
Exercise physiologists are experts on human physiology, exercise habits, and nutrition. They use this knowledge to help people achieve their health goals through exercise. These healthcare professionals may work with individuals who want to lose weight, get fit, or improve their overall health.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, most entry-level positions in this field require a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, kinesiology, or a related discipline. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in these fields.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Most employers in this field are health and fitness clubs. However, you may also find opportunities with hospitals or medical facilities that provide rehabilitation services.
What is the best way to get this job?
One way to get this job is by earning a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or exercise physiology.Â
You may then have an internship or volunteer experience at a health and fitness club. This will help you learn about the industry, build your resume, and connect with potential employers.
Should you become an exercise physiologist?
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#6. Chiropractor
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $40,000 per year
- High Range: $105,000 per year
- Median Pay: $62,398 per year
What do they do?
A chiropractor is a physician who specializes in treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system. They also treat other illnesses and conditions that affect the nervous system.Â
These healthcare professionals may perform general wellness care. Chiropractors are licensed to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, and muscle strains.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
To become a chiropractor, you’ll need to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from an accredited university. Depending on your school and program, this can take 4 to 6 years of full-time study.Â
Once you’ve earned your degree, you must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam to be licensed as a doctor of chiropractic.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Chiropractors are often self-employed and work out of their own offices. They may also work for hospitals, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), or chiropractic clinics. Some chiropractors teach at accredited chiropractic schools or universities.
What is the best way to get this job?
You can get a job as a chiropractor by going to school and earning your doctorate in chiropractic medicine. You can then start out as a chiropractic assistant. This career path provides training and experience to prepare you for becoming a doctor of chiropractic.
What’s it like to be a chiropractor?
#5. Sports Consultant
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $48,000 per year
- High Range: $134,000 per year
- Median Pay: $79,486 per year
What do they do?
A sports consultant works with athletes and teams to develop a strategy for success. They may provide advice on training, nutrition, equipment, and team management.Â
These professionals may also be responsible for creating and implementing a training program. This can include designing workouts, choosing equipment, and establishing goals.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
A degree in exercise science, sports management, or a related field is usually required. You may also need to complete a certification program at the graduate level. A background in athletics is preferred but not always necessary.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Most professional sports consultants work with a sports team or at an athletic facility. Other employers include gyms and fitness centers, medical clinics, and universities.
What is the best way to get this job?
The best way to get a job as a sports consultant is by gaining experience and building your network. You can do this by volunteering at an athletic facility or working in sales for a sports-related company. You can also gain experience by working with athletes who are not professionals yet.
What’s it like to be a sports consultant?
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#4. Fitness Club Manager
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $55,000 per year
- High Range: $147,000 per year
- Median Pay: $88,836 per year
What do they do?
A fitness club manager is responsible for the overall operation of a gym or health club. They oversee staffing, marketing, sales, and financial management. These managers may also be responsible for training staff members and developing protocols for the gym’s instructors.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
According to Zippia, 68% of these professionals have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, kinesiology, or business. They may also have experience as an instructor, coach, or personal trainer.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Fitness clubs, healthcare facilities, and gyms are all good places to look for a fitness club manager position.
What is the best way to get this job?
To become a fitness club manager, you’ll need to have some experience in the field. You can get your start by working as a personal trainer or instructor at a gym or health club. After gaining experience, apply for management positions at other gyms and clubs.
Should you become a fitness club manager?
#3. Physical Therapist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Salary.com
- Low Range: $81,946 per year
- High Range: $110,220 per year
- Median Pay: $95,701 per year
What do they do?
A physical therapist (PT) diagnoses and treats injuries and conditions affecting the muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. PTs use exercise and other treatments to help patients regain strength, mobility, function, and quality of life.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most PTs have at least a master’s degree in physical therapy. Some states require physical therapists to be licensed, which requires passing an exam and having two years of clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Physical therapists work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, and fitness centers. They also work for schools and sports teams.
What is the best way to get this job?
Physical therapists often get their start as assistants, helping to conduct patient evaluations and treatments. Once you have completed your education, you can apply to work as an assistant and gain experience. You might also consider volunteering at a local clinic or hospital to help you get your foot in the door.
Should you become a physical therapist?
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#2. Occupational Therapist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $60,000 per year
- High Range: $155,000 per year
- Median Pay: $95,941 per year
What do they do?
An occupational therapist helps patients with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities function at their highest level of independence. They do this by identifying the patient’s needs and goals and providing treatment that addresses those needs.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
An occupational therapist needs to have a master’s degree. They must also pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.Â
Most employers require that occupational therapists have a master’s degree in occupational therapy. They may also require at least one year of clinical experience before they hire you as an employee.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Occupational therapist jobs are available in hospitals, nursing homes, physical therapy offices, and other medical facilities. Some people work for home healthcare agencies or private practices.
What is the best way to get this job?
A bachelor’s degree can be a good start for an occupational therapist position. You can also get your master’s degree in occupational therapy and become licensed through the NBCOT.Â
Once you have your license, you’ll need to find an employer willing to hire you. You can search for openings on a job board or through your school’s alumni network.
What’s it like to be an occupational therapist?
#1. Sports Medicine Physician
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Zippia
- Low Range: $100,000 per year
- High Range: $397,000 per year
- Median Pay: $200,146 per year
What do they do?
Sports medicine physicians work with athletes to prevent and treat injuries. They also care for those who have sustained an injury while participating in sports or recreational activities.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most physicians have a bachelor’s degree and then earn their MD or DO degrees. They may also receive additional training in sports medicine as part of their medical education. After completing medical school, they complete an internship where they gain hands-on experience working with patients.
A medical license is also necessary to practice medicine. This depends on the state where a physician practices.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Sports physicians work in hospitals, clinics, and private offices. They often work closely with other medical professionals, such as physical therapists and athletic trainers.
What is the best way to get this job?
Most physicians begin their careers by completing a residency. During this time, they gain hands-on experience in the specialty of their choice. Residency programs are typically three to seven years long and often require applicants to have a medical degree from an accredited school.
Once you complete a residency program, you can apply for licensure. This process may require additional training and examination requirements depending on your specialty. After being licensed, you may be able to find a job at a hospital or other medical facility. You can also apply for jobs with private practice.
What’s it like to be a sports medicine physician?
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Conclusion
Kinesiology is a field of study that focuses on the movement, development, and function of the human body. It is an exciting career path that can lead to many possibilities, but it’s important to remember that there are always opportunities for growth.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in kinesiology, then the first step is ensuring you have the right education. Once you’ve got that under your belt, you can start looking for opportunities to get hired.
We hope this guide has helped you on your journey toward a career in kinesiology. If you have any questions or concerns, please leave them in the comment section below. We’ll be happy to help.
