Exercise is healthy, necessary and fun, but it's also possible to turn it into a career. You should enjoy working closely with people and be outgoing if you want to make a living in the exercise field. Specialized training is necessary for all exercise specialist jobs and most jobs require at least a bachelor's degree. It's important to gain certification in whatever field you choose and some jobs require a license to practice, depending on the state you live in.
Fitness Trainer
One appeal of working as a fitness trainer is the flexibility. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that around 9 percent of the people working in the field are self-employed. Many fitness trainers work in gyms as personal trainers or group instructors. Advance training in the type of fitness instruction you're interested in is necessary. Pilates, yoga and aerobics require separate training programs and certification is recommended. The median salary for a fitness trainer was $29,210 in 2008, but the range varies wildly, as many trainers work part-time or are self-employed.
Athletic Trainers
Many athletic trainers work with sports teams to keep their athletes in peak physical condition. Trainers diagnose and treat injuries and provide on-the-spot emergency care. They develop programs for preventing injuries and monitor progress. Athletic trainers are medical professionals, required to possess a bachelor's degree. Most have a master's degree, and most states require certification and a license to practice. The Bureau of Labor Statistics cited $39,640 as the median yearly salary for athletic trainers in 2008.
Physical Therapist
The employment outlook for physical therapists is very good through at least 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The field should show 30 percent growth, and the median income as of 2008 was $72,790 per year. Physical therapists treat patients of all ages from all walks of life who, for various reasons, have difficulties with movement and physical function. They prescribe exercise programs, treat patients and monitor progress. A master's degree and a license are necessary to find work as a physical therapist.
Exercise Physiologist
Exercise physiologists design exercise programs and activities to help people gain strength, flexibility and overall fitness. Many exercise physiologists work with heart patients and people with diseases or illnesses that benefit from exercise. Most people in the field study exercise science in college and obtain a bachelor's degree. Holding a master's degree is common. The average salary varies widely depending on the level of education, experience and work setting. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports salaries ranging between $20,000 and $45,000 per year, citing industry sources.
References
- Wayne State College: Common Careers in Exercise Science
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Quarterly: You're a What? Exercise Physiologist
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Physical Therapists
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Fitness Workers
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Athletic Trainers
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