Top Jobs for Kinesiology Majors (5 HIGH PAYING JOBS)

Summary

This video discusses career paths for kinesiology and exercise science majors, highlighting five top career options: personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, exercise physiologist, physical or occupational therapist, and chiropractor. The host, Dr. Justin Lee, outlines the education requirements and salary expectations for each role, emphasizing opportunities for career growth and the importance of further education. He also shares personal experiences and tips for maximizing career potential in these fields, encouraging viewers to explore their interests and choose a path that aligns with their passion for human movement and physical health.

Takeaways

• 💪 Kinesiology and Exercise Science majors focus on the study of human movement and its relationship to physical health.
• 👨‍🏫 Certified personal trainers and fitness coaches require only a certification but having a degree in kinesiology gives an advantage.
• 💼 Personal trainers working for companies make about $40,000 annually, but private trainers can charge $50 per hour and earn more.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Strength and conditioning coaches can start with $34,000 annually in lower levels but can earn over $800,000 at elite levels.
• 🧠 Exercise physiologists study how exercise affects human physiology and can work in universities, clinics, and research labs.
• 📊 The average salary for an exercise physiologist is around $49,000 per year with just a bachelor's degree.
• ⚕️ Physical therapists and occupational therapists require a doctorate and make about $89,000 and $84,000 annually, respectively.
• 🔍 Chiropractors need four additional years of education after a bachelor's to earn a doctorate and can start earning around $70,000 annually.
• 📈 Careers like physical therapy and occupational therapy are expected to see high growth rates in the near future.
• 🎓 Kinesiology majors have many career options, but additional education may be required for higher-paying roles in fields like therapy and coaching.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of a kinesiology major?

A kinesiology major focuses on the study of human movement and its relationship to physical health.

What is the first career option discussed for kinesiology majors in the video?

The first career option discussed is becoming a certified personal trainer or fitness coach.

Do you need a bachelor's degree to become a personal trainer?

No, a bachelor's degree is not required to become a personal trainer. You only need a certification and a high school diploma.

How does having a kinesiology degree benefit personal trainers compared to just having a certification?

A kinesiology degree helps personal trainers stand out from those who only have a certification, as it provides deeper knowledge of human movement and exercise science.

What is the salary range for personal trainers working in the corporate world?

Personal trainers working in the corporate world can expect to make around $40,000 per year, which equates to about $18-20 per hour.

How much can a private personal trainer charge per hour?

A private personal trainer can charge up to $50 per hour, allowing them to work fewer hours while earning the same or more income compared to working in a corporate setting.

What is the average salary for a high school strength and conditioning coach?

The average salary for a high school strength and conditioning coach is around $34,000 per year.

What is the salary of the top-paid strength and conditioning coach, and where does he work?

The top-paid strength and conditioning coach as of 2020 was Mickey Marotti, the head strength and conditioning coach for Ohio State’s football team. He earned $801,000 per year.

What is an exercise physiologist, and what do they study?

An exercise physiologist studies the effects of exercise on the body’s physiology, such as changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and homeostasis during physical activity.

What is the average starting salary for an exercise physiologist?

The average starting salary for an exercise physiologist is around $49,000 per year.

What education is required to become a physical therapist or occupational therapist?

Both physical therapists and occupational therapists require a doctorate degree, though occupational therapy is currently transitioning from a master’s to a doctorate program.

What is the average salary for physical therapists and occupational therapists?

Physical therapists earn an average salary of around $89,000 per year, while occupational therapists earn about $84,000 per year.

What career path requires four years of study after a bachelor's degree and has a starting salary of $70,000?

Becoming a chiropractor requires four years of study after a bachelor’s degree, and the starting salary is around $70,000 per year.

What role do chiropractors play in healthcare?

Chiropractors specialize in aligning the spine and other body parts, improving posture, and addressing musculoskeletal issues to enhance overall physical function.

What advice does the speaker give to kinesiology majors unsure of their career path?

The speaker encourages kinesiology majors to explore career options and reassures them that they can switch paths if they feel the field isn't for them.