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Adapted Physical Activity Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Adapted Physical Activity information

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How much do adapted physical activity jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for adapted physical activity in the United States is $15.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Adapted Physical Activity Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Adapted Physical Activity Specialist, you need a solid background in physical education, exercise science, or a related field, often supported by a degree and relevant certifications such as CAPE (Certified Adapted Physical Educator). Familiarity with assessment tools, adaptive equipment, and specialized instructional strategies is essential for meeting diverse participant needs. Exceptional communication, creativity, and patience are vital soft skills for building rapport and effectively motivating individuals with disabilities. These skills ensure inclusive, safe, and effective physical activity programs that enhance participants' health, confidence, and quality of life.

What are some common challenges professionals face when working in Adapted Physical Activity and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Adapted Physical Activity often encounter the challenge of designing inclusive programs that meet a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional needs. Adapting activities to individual abilities while maintaining engagement and motivation can be complex, especially in group settings. Collaboration with other specialists, ongoing training, and clear communication with participants and their families are essential strategies for overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful outcomes.

What is adapted physical activity?

Adapted physical activity (APA) refers to physical education, exercise, and sports programs that are specifically designed or modified to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. The goal is to promote inclusion, improve physical fitness, and enhance quality of life by providing accessible and meaningful physical activities. Professionals in APA assess each person's abilities and tailor activities to ensure safety, enjoyment, and personal growth. This can include modifications to rules, equipment, or the environment to ensure everyone can participate. APA is utilized in schools, community settings, and rehabilitation programs.

What is the difference between Adapted Physical Activity vs Physical Therapist?

AspectAdapted Physical ActivityPhysical Therapist
CredentialsCertification in Adapted Physical Activity or related fieldsDoctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) license
Work EnvironmentSchools, community centers, recreational facilitiesHospitals, clinics, rehab centers
Industry UsageSpecializes in designing physical activity programs for individuals with disabilitiesFocuses on restoring movement and function after injury or illness

Adapted Physical Activity professionals develop tailored exercise programs for individuals with disabilities, often working in educational or community settings. Physical Therapists primarily treat injury or illness-related mobility issues in clinical environments. While both roles promote physical health, their focus, credentials, and work settings differ significantly.

More about Adapted Physical Activity jobs
What cities are hiring for Adapted Physical Activity jobs? Cities with the most Adapted Physical Activity job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Adapted Physical Activity jobs? The most popular types of Adapted Physical Activity jobs are:
What states have the most Adapted Physical Activity jobs? States with the most job openings for Adapted Physical Activity jobs include:
Infographic showing various Adapted Physical Activity job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% As Needed, 67% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,254 per year, or $16 per hour.

2026-2027 Adapted Physical Education

Fairfield County Education Service Center

Lancaster, OH โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Student Support Services
Date Posted:
1/28/2026
Location:
Various locations in Fairfield County
Date Available:
08/06/2026
Title: Teacher - Adapted Physical Education
Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree with a major in Physical Education or equivalent (e.g. Sport Science, Kinesiology, etc.)
Valid Ohio Teacher's Certification/Licensure
Adapted Physical Education Endorsement
Required criminal background check
Meets USCIS I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification
Reports To: Superintendent and/or Designee
Job Goal: To provide planning, consultation, coordination of resources, instruction, training and assessment services to assist district personnel and families in the development, implementation and evaluation of adapted physical education services that is appropriate for a student with a disability.
Essential Functions:
  1. Assist district personnel in developing Adapted Physical Education (APE) interventions for students that are based on best practice and current research.
  2. Provide quality physical education to students with disabilities in such areas as: human development, motor behavior, and exercise science.
  3. Assist with the development of the IEP.
  4. Attend Intervention Assistance Team (IAT), Evaluation Team (ET), and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and other meetings at district request.
  5. Provide written documentation of observations, consultations, and recommendations for district follow-up.
  6. Provide resources and training in the area of Adapted Physical Education strategies, and curricula for use with students with disabilities.
  7. Identify resource materials related to Adapted Physical Education and have collaborative discussions with the team, district personnel and/or the ESC supervisor about the feasibility of purchasing these materials.
  8. Provide consultation and staff development activities upon request from teachers, paraprofessionals, and other district personnel regarding students' physical education program.
  9. Provide assessments of motor development and physical development as part of the multi-factored evaluation.
  10. Assist with curriculum theory, development, and instruction based on relevant and appropriate assessments.
  11. Provide student instruction that is aligned with the team's recommendations and decisions.
  12. Maintain communication with all personnel, including other team members, district personnel, families and students.
  13. Assume responsibility for district compliance with regulations regarding required Adapted Physical Education services to students with disabilities.
  14. Provide and follow schedules for assigned schools and inform appropriate personnel of variances from schedule.
  15. Arrange travel time to maximize contact with students and to accomplish other duties.
  16. Engage in continuing education and professional growth activities related to licensure and education.
  17. Perform other related duties as may be assigned by the director or superintendent/designee.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes, and Other Responsibilities
  1. Ability to work effectively with others.
  2. Ability to communicate ideas and directions clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
  3. Organizational and problem solving skills.
  4. Ability to generate correspondence independently.
  5. Respects confidences shared by the staff and operates in a discreet manner in all related matters.

Additional Working Conditions
  1. Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and tissue.
  2. Occasional operation of vehicle under inclement weather conditions
  3. Occasional alternative/flexible hours/days.
  4. Occasional travel.
  5. Occasional interruption of duties by staff and/or telephone.
  6. Occasional interaction with unruly children and angry parents.
  7. Supplemental contracts or compensation may be awarded by a district for additional duties and responsibilities, at their discretion.

Note: The above lists are not ranked in order of importance.
This job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed by the incumbent. The incumbent will be required to follow the instructions and perform the duties required by the incumbent supervisor, appointing authority.
Attachment(s):
  • Teacher (APE).docx