Kinesiology, the scientific study of human body movement, continues to be a thriving field in 2026. As the demand for health, fitness, rehabilitation, and performance optimization grows, so does the earning potential for kinesiology professionals. This comprehensive guide explores kinesiology salaries in 2026, breaking down average income, job outlook, career progression, and factors that influence take-home pay.
📊 What Is the Average Kinesiology Salary in 2026?
In 2026, the average salary for kinesiology professionals in the United States is approximately $58,000 to $72,000 per year. However, earnings can vary significantly based on role, location, experience, and credentials.
Average Salaries by Role:
Entry-Level Kinesiologist: $42,000 – $52,000
Clinical Exercise Physiologist: $55,000 – $70,000
Athletic Trainer: $49,000 – $65,000
Occupational Therapy Assistant: $60,000 – $75,000
Strength & Conditioning Coach: $50,000 – $80,000
Kinesiology Professor (University-Level): $65,000 – $100,000+
💡 Factors Influencing Kinesiology Salaries
Several elements affect how much kinesiology professionals earn:
1. Experience Level
0–2 Years: $40,000 – $52,000
3–5 Years: $52,000 – $65,000
6–10 Years: $65,000 – $80,000
10+ Years (Senior Roles): $85,000 – $110,000+
2. Education & Certifications
Bachelor’s Degree: Base-level roles
Master’s Degree: Opens doors to higher clinical and research roles
Doctorate (PhD or DPT): Academia or advanced clinical work
Certifications (e.g., ACSM, NSCA, NASM): Boost credibility and pay scale
3. Industry or Setting
Healthcare (Hospitals, Rehab): Typically higher salaries
Fitness & Wellness Centers: Moderate salaries with growth potential
Private Practice or Consulting: High-earning potential based on clientele
Academic Institutions: Competitive salary with benefits
💼 Related Roles & Comparable Salaries in 2026
It’s useful to look at salary benchmarks across overlapping professions in kinesiology-related sectors:
Peloton Instructor Salary: $90,000 – $160,000+ (based on popularity and engagement)
LAT Pen Test Salary (likely “Licensed Athletic Trainer in PEN tests”): $55,000 – $75,000
Auxano Senior Lead Navigator Salary (clinical/rehab support): $70,000 – $95,000
Take-home for $103K salary: Approximately $72,000 – $77,000 after taxes (varies by state and deductions)
📈 Job Market Trends for Kinesiology in 2026
The kinesiology job market is growing, driven by:
Increased focus on preventive health care
Rising demand for rehabilitation services
Greater interest in sports performance and injury prevention
Expansion of telehealth and wellness coaching
Projected Growth:
According to labor trend forecasts, kinesiology-related roles are expected to grow by 9%–13% over the next five years, which is faster than average across U.S. occupations.
🎓 Education and Certification Pathways
To increase your salary potential, consider these education and credentialing strategies:
Pursue Graduate Education in Exercise Science, Sports Medicine, or Physical Therapy
Get Certified through ACSM, NSCA, NASM, or ACE
Gain Specializations in rehabilitation, gerontology, or sports performance
Stay Current with CEUs and professional development
✅ Benefits of a Kinesiology Career
Besides a stable income, kinesiology professionals enjoy:
A fulfilling role improving lives
Flexible career paths (clinical, athletic, academic, wellness)
Opportunities for entrepreneurship or self-employment
Growing demand and job security
🔚 Conclusion: Is Kinesiology a Good Career in 2026?
Absolutely. Whether you’re entering the field or considering a career pivot, kinesiology offers strong salary prospects, diverse job opportunities, and room for upward mobility. With a strategic approach to education and certification, professionals in this field can command competitive wages and enjoy a meaningful, impactful career.