Exercise Science Careers & Salary
With a degree in Exercise Science, you can pursue a wide variety of careers from physical education teacher to personal trainer. Whether you love to teach, help others achieve their goals or play sports, there is something for you. The salary range is just as diverse as the positions, but careers that require a higher level of education or additional training often offer higher pay.
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Coach
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A coach teaches individuals or groups the techniques of a sport, such as football, soccer, hockey and baseball. He shows players how to perform certain techniques, how to hone and perfect their skills and how to work together as a team. A coach is responsible for assessing the strengths of his players and assigning them to the position on the team for which they are best suited. In May 2008, the national median wage for coaches was $28,340, according to the U.S. Department of Labor "Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-11 Edition."
Recreational Therapist
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A recreational therapist assists patients in hospitals, nursing homes and other medical facilities by planning, directing or coordinating medically approved recreation programs. These activities may include sports, outings, social events or arts and crafts. A recreational therapist assesses the condition of her patients to recommend activities that are both beneficial and appropriate to their physical and emotional well being. In May 2008, the national median wage for recreational therapists was $38,370, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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Rehabilitation Counselor
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A rehabilitation counselor assists people dealing with personal, social and vocational limitations resulting from birth defects, illnesses, accidents or disease. After assessing patients' conditions, he helps these individuals achieve independence and seek employment by coordinating various activities, enrolling them in rehabilitation programs and arranging personal or vocational counseling. In May 2008, the national median wage for counselors was $51,050, according to Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Personal Trainer
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A personal trainer helps individuals or groups achieve their fitness goals by showing them the best types of exercises. A trainer demonstrates the appropriate techniques and helps her clients develop the correct form in their workouts to maximize the effectiveness and avoid injury. A trainer may work for herself or for a gym. In May 2008, the median national wage for personal trainers was $29,210, according to Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Physical Education Teacher
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A physical education teacher can work in an elementary, middle or high school. He will work with students to teach them the fundamentals of sports, increase their interest in physical fitness, teach them the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and show them how to build upon their strengths and increase their skills. In May 2008, the national median wage for teachers primary through secondary education was $47,100 to $51,180, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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References
- Texas Wesleyan University: Careers in Exercise Science
- U.S. Department of Labor--Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Coach
- U.S. Department of Labor--Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Recreational Therapist
- U.S. Department of Labor--Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition:Rehabilitation Counselor
- U.S. Department of Labor--Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Personal Trainer
Resources
- Photo Credit behind gym man image by Pavel Losevsky from Fotolia.com
