Compensation
Median Pay
$77,270
National median annual wage for this occupation.
National Career Overview
Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary
Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
National Median Pay
$77,270
Projected Growth
2.4%
Annual Openings
1,100
Career outlook
National Snapshot
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National
Employment
15,400
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Outlook
Projected Growth
2.4%
Projected employment change through 2034.
Opportunity
Annual Openings
1,100
Estimated openings created each year.
Pathway
Preparation
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
STEP 1
Education
Doctoral or professional degree
STEP 2
Experience
None
STEP 3
Training
None
Top Skills for Success
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Speaking & listening
92 / 100
92%
Leadership
90 / 100
90%
Science
87 / 100
87%
Writing & reading
87 / 100
87%
Creativity & innovation
83 / 100
83%
Problem solving & decision making
82 / 100
82%
Critical & analytical thinking
80 / 100
80%
Project management
77 / 100
77%
Adaptability
75 / 100
75%
Interpersonal
75 / 100
75%
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Location Intelligence
Best Places for This Career
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
PRO
Best Metro Areas
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
- Top-paying cities
- Fast-growing markets
- Local opportunity rankings
CAREERGPS INSIGHTS
Career Analysis for Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Is Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary a Good Career?
Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary, work in a specialized education niche with a defined but meaningful presence in higher education. National employment stands at 15,000, with a national median salary of $75,890, indicating solid earning potential in this academic field. The role combines advanced subject-matter expertise with strong communication and leadership abilities, supported by skills such as speaking and listening, critical and analytical thinking, and interpersonal strengths. Projected employment growth of 2.4% and about 1,000 annual openings suggest a steady flow of opportunities nationally. Individuals who enjoy blending science with creativity and innovation, and who value problem solving, decision making, and project management, may find this a good fit. This career can also connect to related roles such as postsecondary teachers (all other), farm and home management educators, health education specialists, secondary school teachers, and health specialties teachers, postsecondary for those exploring adjacent paths.
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary Salary
Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary, earn a national median salary of $75,890, with notable variation by state and metro area. Among states, California stands out with a median salary of $127,780, while Massachusetts and New York offer $87,960 and $80,190 respectively. Washington and Colorado show median salaries of $74,850 and $65,730, illustrating a range of pay levels across regions. At the metro level, San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont reports a median salary of $134,190, and Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim offers $106,660, both above the national median. The New York–Newark–Jersey City metro shows $78,730, while Washington–Arlington–Alexandria and Boston–Cambridge–Newton report $82,780 and $83,410. These figures indicate that location choices can significantly influence earning potential within this career.
Job Outlook for Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
This occupation has national employment of 15,000 recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary, with projected employment growth of 2.4%. The projected growth suggests a gradual increase in positions over time. With about 1,000 annual openings nationally, there is a consistent stream of opportunities that may come from a mix of new positions and turnover in existing roles. The combination of established employment levels and positive projected growth can appeal to those seeking a stable academic career path. The 2.4% growth rate appears consistently across highlighted states and metro areas, indicating similar projected expansion in multiple regions. For job seekers, this means that opportunities are not confined to a single geographic area, and individuals can consider both national trends and local conditions when planning their careers in recreation and fitness studies teaching.
Where Are the Best Opportunities for Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary?
Geography plays a significant role in opportunity for recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary. Among states, California shows a high median salary of $127,780 and employment of 1,950 with a CareerGPS opportunity score of 67.38, the highest among listed states. Massachusetts and New York also provide strong options, with median salaries of $87,960 and $80,190 and opportunity scores of 65.87 and 65.78. Washington and Colorado offer median salaries of $74,850 and $65,730 and opportunity scores in the mid‑50s, suggesting somewhat different balances of pay and opportunity. At the metro level, New York–Newark–Jersey City leads with an opportunity score of 77.27 and employment of 750, combining scale with strong overall conditions. San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont offers the highest listed metro median salary at $134,190 and an opportunity score of 68.75. Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, Boston–Cambridge–Newton, and Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim also show solid opportunity scores in the low‑to‑mid 60s, giving candidates multiple attractive regional choices.
Education for Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
The typical education requirement for recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary, is a doctoral or professional degree. This indicates that most roles in this field expect advanced academic preparation and deep subject-matter expertise. Success in these positions also depends on a broad set of skills. Speaking and listening are central for communicating concepts and engaging with students. Leadership, project management, and problem solving and decision making support responsibilities that can involve guiding programs and initiatives. Science, writing and reading, and critical and analytical thinking help with developing and evaluating material at an advanced academic level. Creativity and innovation, along with adaptability and strong interpersonal skills, are also important for working effectively in diverse educational settings. Together, the advanced degree and this skill profile shape the professional expectations for those entering or advancing in this career.
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