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Adapted Physical Activity information

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How much do adapted physical activity jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for adapted physical activity in California is $15.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an adapted physical activity specialist?

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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Adapted Physical Activity jobs in California?

The most popular types of Adapted Physical Activity jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Adapted Physical Activity jobs in California?

For Adapted Physical Activity jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Adapted Physical Activity jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Adapted Physical Activity jobs in California are:

Adapted Physical Activity jobs near you
Infographic showing various Adapted Physical Activity job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,819 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Adapted Physical Education (APE) Instructor

Linden Oaks

Buena Park, CA

$31 - $46/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

JOIN OUR RELATED SERVICES TEAM
Adapted Physical Education (APE) Instructor
Help people communicate, connect, and participate more fully across school, home, and community life.
Location: Linden Oaks Campus, Buena Park, CA
Compensation: $45,570-$67,620 annual salary ($31-$46 scheduled-hour equivalent; DOE + credential)
Schedule: Monday-Friday, school-based schedule
Status: Full-Time, exempt
Work Calendar: School calendar, 205 days per year (1,435 scheduled hours)
Reports To: Assistant Director of Related Services

Help Every Student Experience the Power of Movement
At Linden Oaks, the Adapted Physical Education Instructor creates individualized opportunities for students with disabilities to develop motor skills, physical wellness, independence, and meaningful participation. You will provide specialized instruction aligned with student IEPs and thoughtfully adapt activities, equipment, and environments to meet a wide range of abilities and support needs.
This is a hands-on, student-centered role for an educator who believes physical education should be accessible, engaging, and empowering. Working alongside teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, families, and school partners, you will help students build skills, confidence, and greater access to school and recreational experiences.

What You'll Do
• Provide individualized and group adapted physical education instruction aligned with student IEP goals and objectives.
• Develop engaging lesson plans that support motor development, physical fitness, coordination, independence, and participation.
• Adapt activities, equipment, instructional strategies, and environments to meet diverse student abilities and support needs.
• Conduct assessments related to motor development, functional movement, physical education, and student participation.
• Develop measurable APE goals, monitor student progress, and prepare timely assessment and progress reports.
• Participate in IEP and student-support meetings as the adapted physical education specialist.
• Collaborate with educators, paraprofessionals, related service providers, administrators, families, and school district personnel.
• Promote student inclusion in school-wide physical education, recreation, movement-based activities, and events.
• Maintain safe, structured, inclusive learning environments and properly maintained APE equipment and resources.
• Provide consultation and guidance to support staff and share strategies that help students generalize movement and participation skills across environments.
What We're Looking For
• Bachelor's degree in Adapted Physical Education, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or a related field; master's degree preferred.
• A valid California teaching credential or authorization permitting service in Adapted Physical Education, as required by California regulations.
• Knowledge of adapted physical education, motor development, the IEP process, and applicable special education requirements.
• The ability to assess student needs and translate findings into meaningful goals, adaptations, and instructional strategies.
• Strong organization, documentation, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• At least one year of related experience and experience supporting students with diverse disabilities are preferred; a valid driver's license is required.

Why Linden Oaks?
• A full-time, salaried position with a scheduled-hour equivalent of $31-$46, based on experience and credential.
• A predictable Monday-Friday school calendar with 1,435 scheduled hours annually.
• The opportunity to design creative, individualized movement experiences across a wide range of student abilities.
• Daily collaboration with educators, paraprofessionals, and an interdisciplinary team of related service professionals.
• Meaningful work that promotes student health, confidence, independence, access, and inclusion.
• Opportunities for professional development and continued growth in evidence-based adapted physical education practices.

What to Expect
This is an active, campus-based position performed across classrooms, gymnasiums, playgrounds, recreational areas, and community settings. The role requires frequent movement and the ability to demonstrate and support physical activities; sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and kneel; respond appropriately to student health, behavioral, and safety needs; and lift, carry, position, or move equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Work may include varying weather, temperatures, and noise levels. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace
Linden Oaks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and inclusion and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

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