A kinesiology degree opens doors to many careers in health, fitness, and wellness. This broad field of study focuses on human movement and physical activity, preparing graduates for roles that help people improve their health through exercise.
Jobs with a Kinesiology Degree
1) Athletic Training Roles
Athletic trainers work directly with athletes to prevent, assess, and treat sports-related injuries. They develop rehabilitation programs and provide emergency care when needed.
Job duties include taping and bracing athletes before games, evaluating injuries, and creating recovery plans. Athletic trainers might also educate athletes about injury prevention.
A typical day involves treating athletes before practice, monitoring training sessions, and documenting treatment plans. Most athletic trainers earn $49,000-$59,000 annually.
To become an athletic trainer, you need a bachelor’s degree in athletic training or kinesiology, plus certification from the Board of Certification (BOC). Most states require a license, and the position typically demands 2-4 years of specialized education after completing undergraduate studies.
2) Occupational Therapy Positions
Occupational therapists help people participate in daily activities following injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. They focus on improving functional independence through adaptive techniques and environmental modifications.
Job Duties:
- Assessing patients’ functional abilities and limitations
- Designing treatment plans for daily living skills
- Recommending adaptive equipment
- Teaching compensatory strategies
- Consulting with families and caregivers
Typical Salary: $85,000-$98,000 annually.
Occupational therapists might spend their day helping stroke patients relearn dressing skills, teaching arthritis patients joint protection, or adapting workspaces for injured workers. They work in diverse settings including hospitals, schools, and homes.
Becoming an occupational therapist requires a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy (2-3 years beyond bachelor’s), followed by fieldwork and passing the national certification exam. Some kinesiology graduates work as occupational therapy aides while pursuing further education.
3) Chiropractic Opportunities
Chiropractors treat patients with musculoskeletal problems, particularly focusing on spinal adjustment and alignment. They take a drug-free approach to pain management and mobility improvement.
Job Duties:
- Assessing patients through physical examinations and tests
- Performing manual adjustments to the spine and joints
- Creating treatment plans that may include exercise
- Providing nutritional and lifestyle advice
- Taking and analyzing X-rays
Typical Salary: $70,000-$103,000 annually, with private practice owners often earning more.
A chiropractor’s day typically involves seeing 15-30 patients for adjustments, consultations, and follow-ups. Many run their own practices, handling both patient care and business management.
The path to becoming a chiropractor includes completing a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program (3-4 years) after undergraduate studies. Most states require passing national board exams and continuing education. Kinesiology provides an excellent foundation for chiropractic studies with its focus on human movement and anatomy.
4) Personal Trainer Paths
Personal trainers design customized exercise programs for individual clients. They evaluate fitness levels, set goals, and teach proper technique to prevent injuries.
Job duties include:
• Conducting fitness assessments
• Creating personalized workout plans
• Demonstrating exercises
• Monitoring client progress
• Providing motivation and accountability
A typical day might start with early morning client sessions, followed by program planning, and end with evening clients after their workday.
Most personal trainers earn between $40,000-$75,000 annually, with experienced trainers in affluent areas earning more.
5) Fitness Instructor and Trainer Options
Fitness instructors lead group exercise classes in gyms, studios, and community centers. They create energetic environments while ensuring participants exercise safely.
Common class types include:
• HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training)
• Strength training
• Cardio-based workouts
• Specialized formats like spinning or kickboxing
Instructors typically earn $25-$50 per class, with full-time instructors making $35,000-$60,000 annually.
A typical day might involve teaching 2-4 classes, preparing music and routines, and staying current on fitness trends.
6) Exercise Physiologist Positions
Exercise physiologists work in medical settings to develop fitness programs for patients recovering from or managing chronic conditions. They apply scientific principles to improve health outcomes through physical activity.
These professionals:
• Conduct stress tests and health assessments
• Create evidence-based exercise prescriptions
• Monitor vital signs during exercise
• Work with healthcare teams to improve patient outcomes
The average salary ranges from $49,000-$75,000, with clinical settings typically paying more than fitness facilities.
Their workday often involves patient consultations, exercise testing, program development, and documentation.
This career path requires:
• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in kinesiology or exercise physiology
• ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification
• Experience with clinical populations
• Knowledge of medical terminology and conditions
7) Wellness Coaching Opportunities
Wellness coaches take a holistic approach to fitness by addressing lifestyle factors beyond exercise. They help clients develop sustainable habits around physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and sleep.
Wellness coaches:
• Assess client needs and readiness for change
• Set achievable goals for overall wellbeing
• Apply behavior change techniques
• Support clients through challenges
These professionals earn approximately $45,000-$85,000 annually, with private practice coaches often earning more than those in corporate settings.
A typical day involves client sessions, progress tracking, continuing education, and marketing their services.
8) Physical Therapy Roles
Physical therapists help patients recover movement and manage pain after injuries or surgeries. They create personalized treatment plans that might include exercises, stretches, and hands-on techniques.
Job Duties:
- Evaluating patients’ physical conditions
- Developing treatment programs
- Teaching exercises and proper body mechanics
- Using techniques like massage and ultrasound
- Tracking patient progress and adjusting plans
Typical Salary: $91,000-$104,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
A typical day involves seeing 8-12 patients, documenting progress, and collaborating with healthcare teams. Physical therapists often work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices.
To become a physical therapist, you need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree (3 years after bachelor’s) and state licensure. Many kinesiology graduates start as physical therapy assistants (requiring a 2-year associate’s degree) to gain experience.
9) Sports Medicine Careers
Sports medicine physicians specialize in treating athletes and active individuals. They diagnose and manage injuries while helping patients maximize performance.
Their responsibilities include performing physical exams, diagnosing conditions, prescribing medications, and recommending surgical interventions when necessary. These physicians may work with teams or in private practice.
On a typical day, a sports medicine doctor might see patients in clinic, attend sporting events, or perform minor procedures. Salaries range from $200,000-$300,000 per year.
Becoming a sports medicine physician requires completing medical school after a bachelor’s degree, followed by a residency in orthopedics or primary care, and a fellowship in sports medicine. This path takes 8-14 years of education and training after high school.
10) Athletic Director Opportunities
Athletic directors oversee sports programs at schools, colleges, or professional organizations. They manage budgets, hire coaches, and ensure compliance with regulations.
Key responsibilities include program development, facility management, fundraising, and representing the athletic department to the public. Athletic directors balance administrative tasks with strategic planning.
A typical day might include budget meetings, personnel decisions, event planning, and addressing issues with coaches or athletes. Salaries vary widely—from $45,000 at small schools to over $150,000 at large universities.
The path to becoming an athletic director usually starts with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, sports management, or business. Many athletic directors first gain experience as coaches or in athletic administration. Advanced degrees like an MBA or master’s in sports administration can help candidates stand out in this competitive field.
11) Kinesiology Educator Positions
Kinesiology professors teach courses in anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and motor development at colleges and universities. They create lesson plans, evaluate student performance, and provide academic guidance.
The job typically involves:
- Teaching 2-4 classes per semester
- Holding regular office hours for student consultations
- Serving on department committees
- Advising undergraduate students
A typical day might include morning lectures, afternoon lab supervision, and grading assignments. Salaries range from $60,000-$120,000 depending on experience and institution type.
To become a kinesiology educator, you need:
• A master’s degree for community college positions
• A PhD for university roles
• 4-8 years of graduate education
• Teaching experience as a graduate assistant
12) Research in Exercise Science
Research kinesiologists investigate how physical activity affects human health and performance. They design studies, collect data, analyze results, and publish findings in scientific journals.
Common research areas include:
- Sports performance optimization
- Rehabilitation techniques
- Disease prevention through exercise
- Movement pattern analysis
Daily activities might involve laboratory testing, data analysis, writing grant proposals, and mentoring research assistants. Research positions pay between $65,000-$110,000 annually.
Career preparation requires:
• A PhD in Kinesiology or related field
• Strong statistical analysis skills
• Grant writing experience
• Laboratory techniques expertise
Many researchers split their time between research (60%) and teaching (40%). The path typically requires completing a research-focused doctoral program and publishing original studies in peer-reviewed journals.
13) Community Health Coordinator
Community Health Coordinators design and implement programs that improve health outcomes for specific populations. They work in public health departments, non-profit organizations, and healthcare systems.
Their daily responsibilities include:
- Assessing community health needs
- Planning and organizing health events
- Collecting and analyzing health data
- Building relationships with community partners
A typical day might involve meeting with local leaders, updating program materials, and coordinating volunteer efforts. They often work regular business hours with occasional evenings and weekends for community events.
The path to this career typically requires a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or related field. Some positions ask for certification in public health or community health education.
Annual salaries range from $40,000 to $65,000, depending on location and experience.
14) Health Promotion Specialist
Health Promotion Specialists create and deliver programs that encourage healthy behaviors. They work to prevent disease and improve quality of life across all age groups.
Their job duties often include:
- Developing educational materials about health topics
- Leading workshops on exercise, nutrition, and stress management
- Evaluating the effectiveness of health initiatives
- Advocating for policies that support healthy living
A day in this role might involve presenting a workplace wellness seminar, updating social media with health tips, and analyzing participant feedback from recent programs.
Entering this field usually requires a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with coursework in health promotion. Many employers value the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential.
Salaries typically range from $45,000 to $70,000, with higher earnings possible in corporate settings or with advanced degrees.
15) Massage Therapy Opportunities
Massage therapists use their understanding of muscles and movement to help clients recover from injuries and reduce pain. Kinesiology graduates who pursue this path combine their scientific knowledge with hands-on techniques.
Their regular responsibilities include:
- Conducting client assessments to identify problem areas
- Performing various massage techniques based on client needs
- Developing treatment plans for ongoing care
- Educating clients about proper posture and movement patterns
A typical day might involve treating 5-8 clients, maintaining detailed session notes, and sanitizing equipment between appointments. Many massage therapists work evenings and weekends to accommodate client schedules.
This career requires completion of a massage therapy program (typically 500-1000 hours) and state licensure in addition to kinesiology knowledge. Specialized certifications in sports massage or myofascial release can enhance employment options.
Annual earnings range from $35,000 to $75,000, with higher incomes possible for those who build private practices or work in luxury spas and high-end athletic facilities.
Internships for Kinesiology Students
Many colleges offer internship programs with local hospitals, sports teams, or fitness centers.
- Clinical internships at physical therapy offices let students watch professionals and help with basic client care. These positions typically last 3-6 months.
- Fitness facility internships might involve creating exercise plans or helping with facility management. Students often work 10-15 hours weekly.
- Sports team internships could include helping with athlete training or injury prevention. These positions are competitive but very valuable for those wanting to work in athletics.
Work experience in related fields like health clubs or recreation centers can strengthen a resume even if not an official internship.
Advanced Education and Graduate Programs
Graduate Studies in Kinesiology
Graduate studies in kinesiology allow students to specialize in areas like exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport psychology, or motor development. These programs typically take 1-2 years for a master’s degree and 3-5 years for a doctoral degree.
Students might focus on research methods and complete a thesis or dissertation. The curriculum often includes advanced courses in:
- Research design
- Statistical analysis
- Specialized kinesiology topics
Many programs require GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a strong undergraduate GPA, typically 3.0 or higher.
Those with graduate degrees can pursue careers in university teaching, research institutions, clinical settings, or advanced positions in fitness and sport organizations.
Graduates with advanced degrees can expect higher salaries, with median incomes ranging from $65,000-$85,000 for master’s graduates and $75,000-$120,000 for doctoral graduates, depending on the position.