Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher Salary in 2026
How Much Do Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers Make?
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers earn a median annual salary of $75,890 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $44,150 at the 10th percentile to $158,240 at the 90th percentile — a range of $114,090. The highest-paying state is California at $130,340.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,150 |
| 25th percentile | $57,290 |
| Median (50th) | $75,890 |
| 75th percentile | $101,420 |
| 90th percentile | $158,240 |
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Californiatop | $130,340 |
| Arizona | $94,660 |
| New York | $82,770 |
| Nebraska | $82,400 |
| Idaho | $82,220 |
| Maryland | $81,110 |
| Michigan | $80,310 |
| Massachusetts | $80,270 |
| Tennessee | $79,410 |
| South Carolina | $78,280 |
| Minnesota | $77,080 |
| Missouri | $76,890 |
| Illinois | $75,840 |
| Texas | $75,570 |
| Oregon | $75,180 |
| New Mexico | $75,170 |
| Pennsylvania | $72,390 |
| Connecticut | $71,180 |
| New Jersey | $69,550 |
| Oklahoma | $69,270 |
| Florida | $68,140 |
| Washington | $66,840 |
| Alabama | $66,270 |
| New Hampshire | $66,160 |
| Wyoming | $65,460 |
| Wisconsin | $65,070 |
| Maine | $64,940 |
| West Virginia | $64,430 |
| Iowa | $64,230 |
| Mississippi | $64,160 |
| Indiana | $63,960 |
| Louisiana | $63,510 |
| North Carolina | $63,450 |
| Georgia | $63,260 |
| Kentucky | $63,190 |
| Colorado | $62,530 |
| Arkansas | $61,490 |
| Ohio | $61,090 |
| North Dakota | $60,130 |
| South Dakota | $59,980 |
| Kansas | $59,070 |
| Virginia | $57,930 |
| Utah | $55,770 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$44,150 – $57,290 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$75,890 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$101,420 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $158,240+ |
How to Earn More as a Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA earn $143,060 — $67,170 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($101,420) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
Want to see if a different career pays more for your skills? PathScorer maps your experience against hundreds of occupations and shows you where you're most competitive. Try it free →
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacherthis career | $75,890 |
| Fitness and Wellness Coordinator | $61,340 |
| Biological Science Teacher | $83,460 |
| Environmental Science Teacher | $87,710 |
| Psychology Teacher | $80,330 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
PathScorer compares your skills to Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.
See how your skills compare — freeFrequently Asked Questions
SOC: 25-1193.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.