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Education & Childcare career
Recreation and Fitness Professor
Also called: Kinesiology Professor · Exercise Science Professor · Physical Education Professor · Recreation Management Professor
What recreation and fitness professors do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a recreation and fitness professor do?
Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary, teach courses in recreation, leisure and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. The median pay is $77,270 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6–8 years after a bachelor’s, and employment is projected to grow +2.2% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$77,270Annual salary · May 2025
- Job growth+2.2%2025–35, slower than average
- Openings per year1,000Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationDoctoral or professional degreeBLS classification
- Time to train6–8 years after a bachelor’sTypical program length
- U.S. jobs15,200Employment, 2025
What recreation and fitness professors do
Recreation and fitness professors teach how the body moves and how to lead active programs. They teach exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning, PE teaching methods and recreation management, run human performance labs, and research topics like exercise and health.
Most universities want a Ph.D. in kinesiology or a related field; community colleges may hire with a master’s and fitness credentials.
Typical duties
- Teach kinesiology and recreation courses
- Run human performance labs
- Prepare PE teachers and trainers
- Conduct exercise research
- Mentor students
- Supervise internships
- Develop courses
Work environment and schedule
Faculty work in classrooms, gyms, labs and field sites.
Schedule: Teaching and research with flexible hours.
A day in the life
- Teach exercise physiology.
- Run VO2 max testing in the lab.
- Hold office hours.
- Teach biomechanics.
See a full day in the life of a recreation and fitness professor →
Recreation and Fitness Professor salary
Half of recreation and fitness professors earned more than $77,270 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $44,900 for the lowest 10% to $134,890 for the top 10%.
Full recreation and fitness professor pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a recreation and fitness professor
- Earn a kinesiology bachelor’s
- Get certified
- Earn a master’s
- Earn a Ph.D.
- Get hired
A Ph.D. in kinesiology, exercise science or recreation is typical for universities.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a recreation and fitness professor →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Exercise physiology
- Biomechanics
- Fitness testing
- Research methods
- PE pedagogy
People skills
- Energy
- Motivation
- Communication
- Mentoring
All recreation and fitness professor skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Active work
- Growing interest in health
- Lab research
- Flexible schedule
Cons
- Competitive tenure track
- Lab equipment costs
- Grading load
- Many adjunct roles
Certifications and licenses
- Ph.D. in kinesiology: Doctoral degree.
- ACSM certification: Exercise physiologist.
- NSCA CSCS: Strength and conditioning.
- CPRP: Recreation professional credential.
Career path
- Lab Instructor: Teach labs.
- Assistant Professor: Tenure track.
- Associate Professor: Tenure.
- Professor or Chair: Lead departments.
Learn the job before day one
Our Recreation and Fitness Professor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as run a VO2 max lab for students and teach a biomechanics video analysis, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Kinesiology Professor vs. Exercise Physiologist · Kinesiology Professor vs. Personal Trainer · Kinesiology Professor vs. PT · Kinesiology Professor vs. Sports Coach
Recreation and Fitness Professor FAQ
What is kinesiology?
The study of human movement.
Do kinesiology professors need a Ph.D.?
Usually at universities.
What do graduates do?
Physical therapy, coaching, PE teaching, fitness and more.
How much does a recreation and fitness professor make?
The median annual wage for recreation and fitness professors was $77,270 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $44,900 and the highest 10% earned more than $134,890.
How long does it take to become a recreation and fitness professor?
Most people need about 6–8 years after a bachelor’s of training. A Ph.D. in kinesiology, exercise science or recreation is typical for universities.
Do you need a degree to be a recreation and fitness professor?
Usually. BLS lists a doctoral degree as typical for postsecondary teachers. Universities generally require a doctorate, while community colleges often hire instructors with a master’s degree.
More recreation and fitness professor questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-1193 (Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.