As more and more people strive to become healthier, fitness careers grow and provide numerous well-paying positions. We discuss a handful of some of the highest-paying fitness careers.
The field of exercise science has grown and changed significantly over the last 50 years. As a result, most colleges and universities now offer undergraduate degrees in exercise science, exercise physiology, kinesiology or physical education, and career opportunities for exercise specialists have significantly expanded.
Highest Paying Fitness Career Options
the highest paying industry, the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Several fitness careers offer high pay. These include positions as personal trainers, group exercise instructors, and health and wellness coaches.
Personal trainers typically earn the most, with an average salary of over $60,000 per year. Group exercise instructors earn less but usually make over $35,000 annually. Finally, health and wellness coaches earn the least of these three positions but can still expect to make around $25,000 per year.
What sets these careers apart from others in the fitness industry is the required level of expertise and education. Personal trainers must have a certification from an accredited organization such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) or American Council on Exercise (ACE).
| Job Title | Median Salary | Job Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Physiologists | $47,340 | 11% |
| Athletic Trainers | $45,630 | 21% |
| Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, | $59,180 | 10% |
| Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors | $38,160 | 8% |
| Recreational Therapists | $46,410 | 12% |
Career Information for the Highest Paying Fitness Careers
The fitness industry is a multi-billion dollar industry, and there are many different career paths you can take to be a part of it. If you’re looking for a high-paying career in fitness, here are a few options to consider.
One of the highest paying careers in fitness is becoming a personal trainer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, personal trainers earn an average salary of $58,000 per year.
To become a personal trainer, you need to have a certification from an accredited organization such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) or the American Council on Exercise (ACE).
Another high-paying career in fitness is becoming a Pilates instructor. Pilates instructors earn an average salary of $72,000 per year.
Exercise Physiologists
If you’re looking for a high-paying career in the fitness industry, exercise physiology is a great option. Exercise physiologists are responsible for studying the effects of physical activity and exercise on human cells, tissues, organ systems, and whole organisms. They work in various settings, including hospitals, universities, research labs, and private clinics.
The job outlook for exercise physiologists is good; the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment will grow by 10% from 2016 to 2026. And with an average salary of $47,060 per year, this is one of the highest-paying fitness careers.
So if you’re interested in helping people stay healthy and active through research and education, consider becoming an exercise physiologist!.
Athletic Trainers
Athletic trainers are the highest-paid fitness professionals in the United States. According to Indeed.com, the average salary for an athletic trainer is $54,000 per year. Athletic trainers work in various settings, including schools, colleges and universities, professional sports teams, and health clubs.
Athletic trainers are responsible for preventing and treating injuries suffered by athletes. They also work with athletes to improve their performance and overall fitness. Athletic trainers typically have a bachelor’s degree in athletic training or a related field.
There are many opportunities for advancement within the field of athletic training. For example, some athletic trainers choose to become certified specialists in sports nutrition or rehabilitation therapy. Others become mentors or supervisors for new athletic trainers.
Recreation and Fitness Teachers
Are you looking for a career that is both rewarding and lucrative? You may want to consider becoming a recreation or fitness teacher. Recreation and fitness teachers are some of the highest-paid professionals in the fitness industry. They enjoy various benefits, including flexible work schedules, paid vacation time, and lucrative salaries.
If you are interested in becoming a recreation or fitness teacher, there are several things you can do to increase your chances of success. First, you should obtain a degree in recreation or fitness management. This will give you the necessary knowledge and skills to teach classes effectively. It will help if you become certified by a reputable organization such as the American Council on Exercise (ACE) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Once you have obtained the necessary credentials, it is time to start looking for jobs.
Fitness Trainers and Instructors
If you’re looking for a fitness career, you may want to consider becoming a trainer or instructor. These jobs come with some of the highest salaries in the industry.
Trainers help clients achieve their fitness goals by developing individualized workout plans and providing guidance and support. In addition, instructors lead group fitness classes, teaching participants how to perform exercises safely and effectively.
Both trainers and instructors require certification from organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). They may also need to be licensed in their state.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that trainers earn a median salary of $42,590 per year, while instructors earn $32,720 per year. However, those at the top of their field can make much more.
Recreational Therapists
If you’re looking for a high-paying career in the fitness industry, you may want to consider becoming a recreational therapist. Recreational therapists help people with mental, physical, and emotional disabilities improve their quality of life by participating in recreational activities. They may also work with people who are recovering from injuries or illnesses.
Recreational therapists typically have a degree in therapeutic recreation, but some may have degrees in other areas such as psychology or social work. They must also be certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
The average salary for a recreational therapist is $45,000 per year. However, those with more experience or who hold advanced certifications can earn salaries of up to $70,000 per year.
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