Recreation Professor

    Environmental & Natural Resources

    CIP Name: Recreation Teacher|CIP Code: 31.0101
    SOC Code: 25-1193

    A program that focuses on the principles underlying recreational and leisure activities, and the practices involved in providing indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and services for the general public.

    $76K
    Median Salary
    +2.4%
    Job Growth
    6mo-1.5yr
    Training
    1.1K
    Jobs/Year

    What Recreation Professors Do

    A program that focuses on the principles underlying recreational and leisure activities, and the practices involved in providing indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and services for the general public.

    Common Tasks

    • 1Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
    • 2Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
    • 3Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
    • 4Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
    • 5Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as anatomy, therapeutic recreation, and conditioning theory.

    Types of Recreation Professors

    Adjunct ProfessorAssistant ProfessorAssociate ProfessorHealth and Human Performance ProfessorHealth and Physical Education Professor (HPE Professor)Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Professor (HPER Professor)InstructorKinesiology ProfessorPhysical Education Professor (PE Professor)Professor

    Work Environment

    Locations

    • • Colleges and universities
    • • Community colleges
    • • Graduate and professional schools
    • • Online/remote learning programs
    • • Campus recreation and fitness facilities

    Schedule

    Most work a set academic schedule with regular class times, plus additional hours for office hours, grading, and course preparation.

    Physical Demands

    The job is mostly classroom and computer-based, with moderate sitting and some standing while teaching. Physical activity is generally light, with occasional movement or demonstrations depending on the course.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Median $75,890
    $44,150$158,240+
    Entry Level
    10th percentile
    $44,150
    Early Career
    25th percentile
    $57,290
    Median
    50th percentile
    $75,890
    Experienced
    75th percentile
    $101,420
    Top Earners
    90th percentile
    $158,240+

    National Employment: 15,400 jobs

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    Demand may rise as colleges expand health, fitness, and recreation programs and add courses in wellness, therapeutic recreation, and facilities management. Retirements and turnover can also create steady openings for instructors and adjunct faculty.

    Skills You'll Need

    Public speaking and classroom facilitationLesson planning and curriculum designAssessment and grading skillsSubject knowledge in recreation, fitness, and facilities managementClear writing for syllabi, lectures, and feedbackOrganization and time managementStudent advising and mentoringBasic research and data literacy

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Stable, predictable schedule around academic terms
    • Opportunity to teach and mentor students
    • Work can include research and professional projects
    • Generally low physical strain compared with many trades
    • Subject matter can be varied (fitness, recreation, facilities)

    Cons

    • Competition for full-time faculty roles can be high
    • Publish-or-perish pressure in research-focused positions
    • Significant time spent grading and administrative tasks
    • Adjunct roles may have lower pay and limited benefits
    • Moderate time pressure during peak grading periods
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Recreation Professor Trade

    Not Sure This Trade is Right?

    Take our free career quiz to discover trades that match your interests and skills.

    Take the Career Quiz