Kinesiology, the study of human movement and physical activity, is a field that offers a wide range of career opportunities for individuals who are passionate about health, fitness, and wellness. With a degree in kinesiology, you can pursue a variety of careers that involve working with people, designing exercise programs, and promoting healthy lifestyles. In this article, we will explore the top jobs with a kinesiology degree, highlighting the responsibilities, required skills, and salary ranges for each profession.
Key Points
- A kinesiology degree can lead to careers in healthcare, education, sports, and fitness.
- Top jobs with a kinesiology degree include athletic trainer, physical therapist, exercise physiologist, and sports manager.
- Kinesiology graduates can work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, schools, and sports organizations.
- Required skills for kinesiology careers include communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.
- Salary ranges for kinesiology careers vary widely, depending on the profession, location, and level of experience.
Career Options with a Kinesiology Degree
A kinesiology degree can lead to a variety of careers in healthcare, education, sports, and fitness. Some of the top jobs with a kinesiology degree include:
Athletic Trainer
Athletic trainers work with athletes to prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries. They design exercise programs, provide emergency care, and develop conditioning plans to improve athletic performance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for athletic trainers is $48,440. To become an athletic trainer, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in athletic training or a related field, such as kinesiology, and certification from the Board of Certification (BOC).
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries or illnesses that affect their movement and mobility. They design exercise programs, use modalities such as heat and cold therapy, and educate patients on proper body mechanics. The BLS reports that the median annual salary for physical therapists is $89,440. To become a physical therapist, you typically need a doctoral degree in physical therapy (DPT) and licensure in your state.
Exercise Physiologist
Exercise physiologists work with patients who have chronic diseases, such as heart disease or diabetes, to design exercise programs that improve their health and fitness. They conduct fitness assessments, develop exercise plans, and monitor patient progress. The BLS reports that the median annual salary for exercise physiologists is $50,230. To become an exercise physiologist, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or a related field, such as kinesiology, and certification from the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP).
Sports Manager
Sports managers oversee the business aspects of sports teams, leagues, or organizations. They manage budgets, schedule events, and coordinate with coaches, players, and other staff members. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for sports managers is $115,490. To become a sports manager, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in sports management or a related field, such as kinesiology, and experience in the sports industry.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Required Education |
|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer | $48,440 | Bachelor's degree in athletic training or related field |
| Physical Therapist | $89,440 | Doctoral degree in physical therapy (DPT) |
| Exercise Physiologist | $50,230 | Bachelor's degree in exercise science or related field |
| Sports Manager | $115,490 | Bachelor's degree in sports management or related field |
Skills and Qualities Required for Kinesiology Careers
To succeed in a kinesiology career, you need to possess certain skills and qualities, including:
Communication Skills
Effective communication is essential in kinesiology careers, as you will be working with patients, athletes, or clients to design exercise programs, provide feedback, and educate them on proper techniques.
Problem-Solving Skills
Kinesiology professionals need to be able to analyze problems, identify solutions, and develop effective plans to improve athletic performance, prevent injuries, or promote healthy lifestyles.
Leadership Skills
Many kinesiology careers require leadership skills, as you will be working with teams, managing staff, or coordinating events. You need to be able to motivate, inspire, and guide others to achieve common goals.
Job Outlook and Salary Ranges
The job outlook and salary ranges for kinesiology careers vary widely, depending on the profession, location, and level of experience. According to the BLS, employment of athletic trainers is projected to grow 23% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual salary for athletic trainers is 48,440, while physical therapists can earn up to 100,000 or more per year.
What are the most common careers for kinesiology graduates?
+The most common careers for kinesiology graduates include athletic trainer, physical therapist, exercise physiologist, and sports manager.
What skills are required for kinesiology careers?
+Kinesiology careers require skills such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.
What is the job outlook for kinesiology careers?
+The job outlook for kinesiology careers varies widely, depending on the profession, location, and level of experience. However, many kinesiology careers are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.
In conclusion, a kinesiology degree can lead to a variety of rewarding careers in healthcare, education, sports, and fitness. By understanding the top jobs with a kinesiology degree, required skills, and job outlook, you can make informed decisions about your career path and pursue a profession that aligns with your interests, skills, and values.