Physical Education Majors: Salary and Career Facts

<table border="1"><tr><td>

</td><td>
<b>Coaches and Scouts</b></td><td>
<b>Health Educator</b></td></tr> <tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td>
Bachelor's degree

</td><td>
Bachelor's degree</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Key Skills</b>
</td><td> Instructing, public speaking
</td><td>

Social perceptiveness, time management</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b>
</td><td>

26%*
</td><td>
12%*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b>

</td><td>
$36,330*
</td><td>
$56,500*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p><h3 id="section---CanIEarnABachelorSDegreeInPhysicalEducation">Can I Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education?</h3><p>A number of colleges have majors in physical education. The bachelor's degree program's primary focus is to instill leadership qualities and promote physical health. After completing this program, you should be able to coach, lead and teach the basics of exercise, sports and health science. Some of the subjects you may study include natural sciences, communication, leadership, kinesiology, motor development and health education. </p><p>If you want to be a teacher, make sure that your health and physical education program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). These accreditations are in addition to the school's general accreditation. </p><h3 id="section---WhatCareersCanIConsiderWithABachelorSDegree">What Careers Can I Consider with a Bachelor's Degree?</h3><p>With a bachelor's degree in physical education, and mandatory teaching licensure, you'll be ready for work in a public school. Most likely, you'll have prepared yourself for a career as a health or physical education teacher in K-12. Courses in lifeguard training, conditioning, motor development and first aid will ready you for work with students. </p><p>Many physical education teachers supplement their incomes by coaching football, basketball and other sports. Courses in coaching, movement, program organization, planning and instructional strategies will prepare you for a leadership role. You can also pursue a job as a health educator in non-school environments, such as hospitals, non-profit community health centers and local governments. </p><h3 id="section---HowMuchCanIEarnInTheseCareers">How Much Can I Earn in These Careers?</h3><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2020 the median salary for coaches was $36,330 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Additionally, <i>Payscale.com</i> noted in December 2021 that physical education teachers in K-12 schools started at around $33,000- $74,000, annually. Over time, your salary could increase, as <i>Payscale.com</i> notes that those with 10-19 years experience earned as much as $56,687 as of same month. Health educators made an average of $62,120 as of May 2020, reports the BLS. </p><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3><p>A few careers related to those obtained by physical education graduates include dietitians, epidemiologists and athletic trainers. With a bachelors degree in dietetics, public health nutrition or a related field, dietitians and nutritionists help individuals and communities develop health eating habits, educate people on the effects of different diets and keep up with food research. Epidemiologists help communities by studying the origins and patterns of diseases of injuries, then use their findings to affect public policies. Professionals in this field have a master's degree in public health. Athletic trainers have a similar role as coaches. With a bachelors or masters degree in a related field they organize exercise plans for athletes to prevent and/or treat injuries.</p>