HEALTH Specialization

Kinesiology

Kinesiology graduates earn $54,562 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $39,049 and $73,020. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About Kinesiology

Kinesiology is a focused area of study within Recreation & Fitness. Graduates typically earn around $54,562 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 1,406 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 65,385 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Training is clinical and hands-on, often leading to licensure or certification.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $30,513
Median Earnings · 4yr: $54,562
Colleges Offering: 1,406
Graduates / Year: 65,385
Avg Net Price / yr: $14,245

How Much Do Kinesiology Graduates Earn?

Kinesiology graduates earn $54,562 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $39,049 and $73,020. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $30,513 climbs to $54,562 by year four.

$30,513

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$54,562

4-Year National Median

Below average for bachelor's degree holders.

$53,313

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a moderate earnings spread across Kinesiology graduates. Specialization and credential level drive most of the gap. Advanced practice roles (nurse practitioners, CRNAs, physician assistants) anchor the top; entry-level clinical and support roles sit at the bottom.

$39,049 25th pct.

$54,562 Median

$73,020 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $54,562 and an estimated $56,980 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.3 years.

Based on outcomes from 970 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 65,385 students who complete Kinesiology programs each year, the majority (75%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

75%

Bachelor's 75%

Master's 14%

Associate's 9%

What Can You Do With a Kinesiology Degree?

Kinesiology connects to 6 occupations in the job market. Entertainment and Recreation Managers leads at $79,520/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +7.7% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Entertainment and Recreation Managers

$79,520

$61K $105K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 5,500 openings/yr 38K employed nationally

Active Listening Speaking Service Orientation Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks.

Plan, organize, or lead group activities for customers, such as exercise routines, athletic events, or arts and crafts.
Plan programs of events or schedules of activities.
Talk to coworkers using electronic devices, such as computers and radios.

↗ +2.4% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers

$77,270

$60K $101K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 1,100 openings/yr 13K employed nationally

Speaking Instructing Reading Comprehension Active Listening Writing

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.

↗ +11.1% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Athletic Trainers

$62,520

$55K $75K 25th–75th pct.

Master's degree 2,400 openings/yr 31K employed nationally

Active Listening Speaking Critical Thinking Monitoring Judgment and Decision Making

Day-to-day responsibilities

Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.

Conduct an initial assessment of an athlete's injury or illness to provide emergency or continued care and to determine whether they should be referred to physicians for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
Assess and report the progress of recovering athletes to coaches or physicians.
Care for athletic injuries, using physical therapy equipment, techniques, or medication.

↗ +9.5% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Exercise Physiologists

$59,460

$50K $67K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 1,700 openings/yr 9K employed nationally

Speaking Critical Thinking Instructing Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.

Develop exercise programs to improve participant strength, flexibility, endurance, or circulatory functioning, in accordance with exercise science standards, regulatory requirements, and credentialing requirements.
Provide emergency or other appropriate medical care to participants with symptoms or signs of physical distress.
Demonstrate correct use of exercise equipment or performance of exercise routines.

↗ +6.4% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Coach & Scout

$47,320

$35K $65K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 41,800 openings/yr 249K employed nationally

Instructing Speaking Monitoring Learning Strategies Judgment and Decision Making

Day-to-day responsibilities

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes' strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to improve the athletes' technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching certifications should be reported in the appropriate teaching category.

Plan, organize, and conduct practice sessions.
Provide training direction, encouragement, motivation, and nutritional advice to prepare athletes for games, competitive events, or tours.
Adjust coaching techniques, based on the strengths and weaknesses of athletes.

↗ +11.9% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

$47,160

$35K $62K 25th–75th pct.

High school diploma or equivalent 74,200 openings/yr 323K employed nationally

Instructing Service Orientation Speaking Active Listening Social Perceptiveness

Day-to-day responsibilities

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise.

Observe participants and inform them of corrective measures necessary for skill improvement.
Offer alternatives during classes to accommodate different levels of fitness.
Monitor participants' progress and adapt programs as needed.

Top Colleges for Kinesiology

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Kinesiology students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	University of Iowa Iowa City, IA · Public	608	83.6%	$22,531	$64,762
2	California State University-Fullerton Fullerton, CA · Public	565	90.5%	$6,555	$62,951
3	Texas A&M University-College Station College Station, TX · Public	544	57.4%	$21,315	$72,097
4	University of Memphis Memphis, TN · Public	473	72%	$12,397	$48,458
5	Texas State University San Marcos, TX · Public	472	89.3%	$16,805	$56,906
6	Indiana University-Bloomington Bloomington, IN · Public	428	78.2%	$16,264	$63,742
7	The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TX · Public	421	86.8%	$10,836	$57,131
8	California State University-Northridge Northridge, CA · Public	417	93.5%	$7,021	$59,115
9	Liberty University Lynchburg, VA · Nonprofit	414	99%	$29,357	$44,813
10	Mt San Antonio College Walnut, CA · Public	410	Open	$6,490	$46,283
11	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC · Public	391	15.3%	$11,655	$72,200
12	University of Central Florida Orlando, FL · Public	381	40.1%	$10,411	$58,308
13	University of Houston Houston, TX · Public	381	73.9%	$14,276	$62,377
14	California State University-Long Beach Long Beach, CA · Public	373	46.3%	$10,440	$64,403
15	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, TN · Public	372	41.6%	$18,976	$60,249
16	The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg, TX · Public	368	94.2%	$4,831	$49,620
17	San Diego State University San Diego, CA · Public	360	36.2%	$15,364	$64,909
18	Concordia University-Chicago River Forest, IL · Nonprofit	357	92.8%	$18,436	$54,089
19	University of Florida Gainesville, FL · Public	355	24.2%	$6,541	$71,588
20	Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ · Public	349	58.2%	$24,406	$74,479

View all colleges

Ranked by Kinesiology graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Kinesiology program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Kinesiology degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Kinesiology Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Kinesiology shows 4 measurable strengths and 4 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $30,513 at graduation to $54,562 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +11.9% over the next decade, with Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 126,700 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availability Offered at 1,406 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.

CONS

Modest median earnings Four-year median of $54,562 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
Licensure often required Most roles in this field require state licensure or certification before you can practice. Budget time and costs for board exams alongside your degree.
Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Highly competitive market 65,385 students graduate from this program every year, one of the higher volumes nationally. Entry-level competition can be stiff.

Kinesiology Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Kinesiology graduates earn?

Kinesiology graduates earn a national median of $54,562 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $39,049 and $73,020. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Kinesiology degree?

One year after graduation, Kinesiology degree holders earn a median of $30,513. That climbs to $54,562 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Kinesiology degree?

Kinesiology degree holders pursue careers including Entertainment and Recreation Managers, which pays a median of $79,520/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Kinesiology program take?

A Kinesiology bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Kinesiology?

1,406 colleges and universities in the United States offer Kinesiology programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Kinesiology degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $54,562 and an average net price of roughly $14,245/yr, a Kinesiology degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Kinesiology and Recreation & Fitness?

Kinesiology is a focused concentration within the broader Recreation & Fitness field. The Recreation & Fitness major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Kinesiology-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Kinesiology graduates?

Employers hiring Kinesiology graduates consistently prioritize clinical judgment, patient communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Licensure, certifications, and supervised clinical hours are typically required or strongly preferred in most roles.

Is graduate school worth it for Kinesiology graduates?

In health fields, advanced degrees (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, doctor of physical therapy) typically unlock significantly higher salaries and expanded scope of practice, making graduate education a strong investment for most students. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Kinesiology graduates?

The job outlook for Kinesiology graduates is strong overall. Related occupations project an average of +8.2% job growth over the next 10 years. Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors is among the strongest-growth roles at +11.9%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.