Physical education plays a key role in schools by promoting activity and healthy lifestyles for kids. While many think of gym teachers when they hear “physical education,” there are many different career paths in this field beyond being a PE instructor.
For people passionate about health, fitness and working with youth, a career in physical ed can be very rewarding. This field needs knowledgeable, caring professionals to develop the next generation. There is also high demand as concerns grow over child obesity rates and cutbacks in PE programs.
Whether you enjoy teaching, coaching, or health sciences, there are many ways to get involved in physical education. This blog will explore some of the main career options from hands-on roles like coaching sports or training athletes to behind-the-scenes jobs like designing curriculums.
There are part-time, full-time, and volunteer positions to fit different schedules and interests. Read on to learn about potential careers in physical education and how you can positively impact children’s health.
Career Options
1. Physical Education Teacher: PE teachers work in schools, instructing students in sports, exercise, health and wellness. They create lesson plans, teach classes, assign activities, and monitor student progress. Skills needed include knowledge of health sciences, physical fitness and a variety of sports, as well as teaching ability.
2. Trainer: Personal trainers develop customised fitness plans for clients and provide instruction on exercising safely and effectively. They often work one-on-one and get to know their clients’ goals. Trainers monitor form and track progress. Jobs are found at gyms, recreation centres or freelancing.
3. Fitness Instructor: Fitness instructors lead group exercise classes focused on cardiovascular health, strength training, flexibility, balance and more. They choreograph routines set to music and provide motivation. Classes may include step aerobics, kickboxing, indoor cycling, strength training, yoga or Pilates. Instructors work at gyms, community centres, studios and camps.
4. Aerobics Instructor: Aerobics instructors teach choreographed exercise routines set to upbeat music to improve cardiovascular fitness. Classes often use aerobic steps. They lead warm-ups, demonstrate moves and monitor form. Positions are found at gyms, community centres and studios.
5. Yoga Instructor: Yoga instructors lead students through sequences of poses designed to build flexibility, balance, core strength and relaxation. Classes may be targeted for different levels from beginner to advanced. Yoga teachers work at studios, gyms and community spaces.
6. Fitness & Wellness Coordinator: These professionals manage onsite fitness facilities and develop wellness programs for employees. Duties include overseeing gyms, coordinating classes like yoga and kickboxing, organising health fairs and challenges. Jobs are found at corporations, hospitals, hotels, schools and other large organisations.
7. Sports Dietician/Nutritionist: Sports dietitians help athletes optimise performance through proper nutrition. They analyse dietary needs for training, competition and recovery. Many counsel individual athletes while others work for teams or organisations. Jobs are found in sports medicine clinics, gyms, hospitals and private practice.
8. Sports Journalist: Sports journalists report on athletic competitions and related news for publications, websites, radio, TV and more. They interview players and coaches, analyse games and dig into stats. Strong writing skills are essential. Positions are found in media focused on sports.
Designation Wise Average Salary in Physical Education
|
Career Option |
Average Starting Salary (monthly) |
|---|---|
|
Physical Education Teacher |
Rs 24,000 – Rs 28,000 |
|
Personal Sports Trainer |
Rs 18,000 – Rs 20,000 |
|
Fitness Instructor |
Rs 25,000 – Rs 30,000 |
|
Aerobics Instructor |
Rs 23,000 – Rs 25,000 |
|
Yoga Instructor |
Rs 22,000 – Rs 25,000 |
|
Fitness & Wellness Coordinator |
Rs 28,000 – Rs 30,000 |
|
Sports Dietician/Nutritionist |
Rs 29,000 – Rs 31,000 |
|
Sports Journalist |
Rs 35,000 – Rs 40,000 |
Sector-wise Average Salary
|
Sectors |
Average Salary (monthly) |
|---|---|
|
School, College, University etc. |
INR 24,000 – 28,000 |
|
Fitness Studio/Gym |
INR 25,000 – 30,000 |
|
Health Clubs/wellness Centres |
INR 23,000-25,000 |
|
Yoga studios |
INR 22,000-25,000 |
|
Hospitals |
INR 29,000-31,000 |
|
Newspaper, Magazine, TV News etc. |
INR 35,000-40,000 |
|
Freelancing |
INR 18,000-20,000 |
Physical Education – Scope In India
Physical education and related fields employ many people, so they are key to society. A student with a physical education degree can find jobs in various areas. Grads work in public and private groups, sports agencies, nutrition, gymnastics and more. Top industries hiring physical ed pros in India include:
- Universities and Colleges: Colleges need qualified phys ed teachers to lead classes and coach sports teams. PE instructors teach activities from weightlifting to dance to field sports. They motivate students to stay active.
- Online Health Coaching: Online coaches help clients reach fitness goals through virtual training sessions, meal plans and accountability. Coaches provide workouts, track progress, and offer nutrition advice. Remote work is common.
- Health Clubs: Health clubs hire PE grads as personal trainers, class instructors, fitness directors and more. Trainers work one-on-one with members. Classes may teach aerobics, cycling, Pilates and strength training. Management oversees gym operations.
- Yoga Clubs: Yoga studios look for teachers to lead classes for various levels. Instructors demonstrate poses, sequence postures, provide modifications and share yoga principles. Knowledge of anatomy, breathing and meditation is key.
- Physical Health Centres: Rehab centres and physical therapy clinics need exercise specialists to aid patient recovery through tailored fitness regimens. Treatment goals are improved mobility, strength, balance and coordination.
Those with a physical education degree can pursue jobs in athletics, fitness, health promotion and youth development across public, private and non-profit settings. The demand for qualified PE pros is rising.
Skills Required To Become a Physical Educator
- Physical educators in India need a strong foundation in health and fitness to instruct students. Knowledge of anatomy, exercise science, injury prevention and first aid is important.
- They should be familiar with a wide range of sports and activities to teach, from cricket and football to yoga and dance.
- Strong communication skills are essential for providing clear instructions and motivating students.
- As classes are hands-on, physical educators need stamina, energy and confidence leading activities. Class management abilities are key to keeping students engaged and safe. Creativity helps design fun lesson plans.
- Physical educators must be patient, adaptable and able to connect with youth. Passion for helping students develop healthy habits through exercise and sports is most vital.
Benefits Of Choosing Physical Education as a Career
Active Lifestyle: A career in physical education allows you to work in fitness, sports, and health – fields you are passionate about. PE professionals get to stay active rather than sit at a desk all day. These roles also often involve interacting with young people.
Making an Impact: PE teachers play a vital role in motivating students to exercise and care for their bodies. Personal trainers, coaches and fitness instructors also empower people of all ages to achieve their fitness goals. You can share your love of sports and activity with others.
Promoting Health: PE teachers inspire youth to get moving and build athletic skills, strength and coordination. You can promote healthy, active lifestyles within your community.
Continuous Learning: In physical education careers, you are constantly learning new sports, exercises and working with diverse clients. Teaching various activities and introducing new methods allows for ongoing education.
Physical education careers enable you to pursue your interests while making a positive impact. There are many lifelong benefits to choosing a profession in this rewarding field.
Physical Education Courses in India
|
Course |
Duration |
Eligibility |
Average Course Fees |
Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Certificate |
Few hours – 1 year |
Pass in Class 10+2 in any stream from a recognized board/ university |
INR 1,000 – 50,000 |
INR 2 – 3 Lakhs |
|
Diploma |
2 years |
Pass in Class 10+2 in any stream from a recognized board/ university |
INR 5,000 – 70,000 |
INR 2 – 4 Lakhs |
|
UG (BA, B.P.Ed) |
3 years |
Pass in Class 10+2 in any stream with a minimum of 50% from a recognized board/ university |
INR 5,000 – 1,00,000 |
INR 3 – 5 Lakhs |
|
PG (M.P.Ed) |
2 years |
Graduation in relevant stream with a minimum of 50% from a recognized university |
INR 5,000 – 1,00,000 |
INR 4 – 6 Lakhs |
|
Doctorate (Ph.D.) |
3 years |
Post-graduation in relevant stream from a recognized university |
INR 5,000 – 1,50,000 |
INR 6 – 8 Lakhs |
Top Colleges For Physical Education in India
Physical education is a growing field in India as interest in sports and fitness increases. There are many excellent colleges offering degree programs to prepare students for careers in phys ed, health, and sports. Here are the top 10 colleges in India:
- Lakshmibai National College Of Physical Education, Thiruvananthapuram
- Indira Gandhi Institute Of Physical Education And Sports Sciences, New Delhi
- Amity School Of Physical Education And Sports Sciences, Noida
- BPCAs College Of Physical Education, Mumbai
- Lakshmibai National Institute Of Physical Education, Gwalior
- Chandrashekhar Agashe College Of Physical Education, Pune
- VNS College Of Physical Education And Management Studies, Bhopal
- Jyotiba College Of Physical Education, Nagpur
- Ishwar Deshmukh College Of Physical Education, Nagpur
- University College Of Physical Education, Bangalore University, Bengaluru