Career comparison
Recreation and Fitness Professor vs. Recreation Manager
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Recreation managers earn more at the median ($79,520 vs. $77,270), while recreation managers usually get to work faster (Degree plus experience of training). Recreation and fitness professors teach exercise science, physical education and recreation at the college level. Recreation managers run parks, community centers and recreation programs.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Recreation and Fitness Professor | Recreation Manager | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $77,270 | $79,520 ($38.23/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $44,900 – $134,890 | $46,270 – $139,110 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +2.2% (slower than average) | +6.0% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 1,000 | 5,100 |
| Typical entry education | Doctoral or professional degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 6–8 years after a bachelor’s | Degree plus experience |
| Key credential | Ph.D. in kinesiology | CPRP |
| Work setting | Faculty work in classrooms, gyms, labs and field sites.. | Managers work at parks, community centers, pools and offices.. |
What each job does
Recreation and Fitness Professor
- Teach kinesiology and recreation courses
- Run human performance labs
- Prepare PE teachers and trainers
- Conduct exercise research
- Mentor students
Recreation Manager
- Plan programs
- Manage facilities
- Hire and train staff
- Manage budgets
- Ensure safety
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working with people, helping others, and high-pay. They sit in different fields, education & childcare and hospitality, food & tourism, but share transferable skills such as energy and leadership.
Which should you choose?
Choose recreation and fitness professor if…
- I love exercise science
- I like teaching
- I enjoy lab work
Choose recreation manager if…
- I love recreation and sports
- I like planning events
- I like community work
Still torn? Take the Recreation and Fitness Professor fit quiz and the Recreation Manager fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, recreation and fitness professor or recreation manager?
Recreation Managers earn more at the median: $79,520 versus $77,270 for recreation and fitness professors, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Recreation Managers typically train faster (Degree plus experience) than recreation and fitness professors (6–8 years after a bachelor’s).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects recreation managers to grow +6.0% from 2025–35, compared with +2.2% for recreation and fitness professors.