Sports and wellness are important aspects of our development and physical health. Sports at the youth level teaches life lessons and instills a work ethic and other values. As we get older, physical activity becomes important to our health in the short and long term. Many professionals on a number of career paths are focused on improving physical fitness and health for individuals while promoting the benefits of an active lifestyle. The job outlook is generally positive.
Career Options
There are a wide range of jobs available in sports and wellness programs. Some of the most notable career options cater directly to adults: fitness instructors, personal trainers, dietitians and nutritionists are among the most common career options in the field of wellness. Many sports careers deal with children or work in more advanced ranks among collegiate and professional athletes. In addition to being an actual athlete, coaching, refereeing and physical therapy jobs contribute to sporting events and leagues.
Work Environment
Many jobs in the fields of sports and wellness involve daily physical activity. By contrast, dietitians and nutritionists may spend most of their days consulting with clients in an office. But fitness instructors and trainers and many individuals involved directly with sports activities are on the move throughout their day.Therefore, they need to be accustomed to physical fitness and be able to stand up for hours on end.
Education Requirements
Education requirements can vary widely in this field. Some careers involved with sports may not require any formal education beyond a high school diploma, although various certifications may be required, including CPR and first aid. Fitness instructors often require certification for procedures to be prepared in the event of an accident and to be well-trained in working with the clients of a fitness or recreation center. Dietitians and nutritionists, on the other hand, often require at least a bachelor's degree specializing in their field of work.
Income and Job Outlook
Income earned in sport and wellness jobs can range from very low hourly wages to considerable annual salaries. Jobs in the sports industry may pay an hourly rate if the work is being performed at a community center, but coaching and other support staff jobs in collegiate and professional sports can pay into the hundreds of thousands and even millions of dollars annually. Physical fitness instructors and personal trainers often earn between $22,000 and $40,000 annually, while the average annual income for dietitians and nutritionists is between $45,000 and $52,000 annually, depending on the type of employer.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects average job growth for dietitians and nutritionists and a better than average job outlook for coaches, athletes, umpires, and similar workers.
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