Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
O*NET 25-1193.00 · SOC 25-1193
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher is a solid career choice. Median pay is $77k a year with +2.2% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 1,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Teach college courses in exercise science or sports management
- →Demonstrate proper fitness techniques and training methods to students
- →Develop curricula for recreation administration or kinesiology programs
- →Supervise student practicums at fitness centers or recreation facilities
- →Evaluate student performance in physical fitness assessments
Education & How to Get In
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher Roles
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Job Outlook
Employment of Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary is projected to grow 2.2% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·43% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·28% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher make?
The median Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher earns $77k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher jobs?
Our model puts Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher at 24 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 43% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 28% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 2.2% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 1,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher?
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.
How long does it take to become a Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher?
Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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