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Kinesiologist Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Casual Nonexempt

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$15.25 - $50/hr

About the Job Job Code 0005 Non-Exempt Temporary/Casual AY 26-27 Continuous Posting for Kinesiology Administration (11222) The School of Kinesiology, housed in the College of Education and Human ...

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Kinesiologist information

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How much do kinesiologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for kinesiologist in Minnesota is $17.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.34 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kinesiologist?

A kinesiologist is a health professional who studies and applies the science of human movement. They use their knowledge to help people improve their physical function, prevent injury, and manage chronic conditions through exercise, rehabilitation, and lifestyle advice. Kinesiologists often work with individuals recovering from injuries, athletes seeking to enhance performance, and people looking to improve their overall health. Their expertise is valuable in clinical, sports, community, and workplace settings.

What do kinesiologists do?

Kinesiologists are experts in body movement, helping to prevent and manage injury and chronic disease. They work with athletes and help them reach their full potential for physical performance. They believe in empowering people to look after their own health. Kinesiologists develop programs using evidence-based research, tools, and assessments. Examples include posture and musculoskeletal evaluations, therapeutic exercises for rehabilitation, weight-loss conditioning, cardiovascular strengthening, diabetes management, cancer and stroke rehabilitation, mental health management, and hydrotherapy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kinesiologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kinesiologist, you need a deep understanding of human anatomy, exercise physiology, and movement science, typically backed by a bachelor's or master's degree in kinesiology or a related field. Familiarity with assessment tools, rehabilitation equipment, and software for tracking and analyzing movement is commonly required, along with certifications such as CSEP or ACSM. Excellent interpersonal skills, motivational abilities, and clear communication help build trust with clients and facilitate behavior change. These skills ensure effective client outcomes, safe exercise programs, and meaningful improvements in overall health and mobility.

What are some common challenges kinesiologists face when working with diverse client populations?

Kinesiologists often work with clients from various backgrounds, ages, and physical abilities, which can present challenges in communication, goal setting, and program customization. Adapting exercise plans to accommodate different health conditions, cultural preferences, or motivational levels requires flexibility and creativity. Additionally, kinesiologists must stay up-to-date with current research and best practices to provide safe and effective interventions for each individual. Collaborating with other healthcare professionals is also crucial to ensure comprehensive client care.

What is the difference between Kinesiologist vs Physiotherapist?

AspectKinesiologistPhysiotherapist
CredentialsTypically requires a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology or Exercise Science; some regions require certification or registrationRequires a Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy; licensure or registration often mandatory
Work EnvironmentClinics, gyms, sports teams, rehabilitation centers, community health settingsHospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, private practices
Scope of PracticeDesigns exercise programs, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and health promotionDiagnoses and treats injuries, provides manual therapy, and manages physical rehabilitation

While both Kinesiologists and Physiotherapists work in rehabilitation and health promotion, Physiotherapists have a broader scope in diagnosing and treating injuries with manual therapy, whereas Kinesiologists focus on exercise-based rehabilitation and injury prevention. Their roles often complement each other in healthcare settings.

What can you do as a kinesiologist?

A kinesiologist assesses, develops, and implements rehabilitation and fitness programs to improve movement and manage pain. They work with clients to prevent injuries, enhance physical performance, and recover from musculoskeletal issues, often using techniques like exercise therapy and manual therapy. Certification and knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics are essential for this role.

What careers can you do with a kinesiologist?

A kinesiologist can pursue careers in rehabilitation, sports medicine, fitness training, occupational therapy, and healthcare settings. They often work in clinics, gyms, hospitals, or research environments, applying knowledge of human movement and exercise science. Additional certifications may expand career options into specialized fields such as chiropractic or physiotherapy support.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kinesiologist jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Kinesiologist jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Kinesiologist jobs in MN?

For Kinesiologist jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Kinesiologist job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,238 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Sport & Exercise Psychology Assistant/Associate Professor - Kinesiology

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, MN

$87K - $97K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

About the Job
 

The School of Kinesiology in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota seeks to fill a tenure-tenure track Assistant / Associate Professor position in sport and exercise psychology. The successful candidate will have education, expertise, and research accomplishments in sport and/or exercise psychology.  Candidates with expertise in sports medicine and/or rehabilitation psychology will also be considered. The candidate will join an interdisciplinary department committed to excellence in faculty development and mentoring in research, teaching, and service. Successful candidates will demonstrate alignment and ability to build interdisciplinary collaborations across the School of Kinesiologys core areas and research centers and across the University of Minnesota. Candidates will also identify opportunities for alignment with robust resources available within the College of Education and Human Development and across the University of Minnesota that support excellence across research, teaching, and service (e.g., Research Methodology Consulting Center, Center for Educational Innovation, Office for Public Engagement). The candidate would have evidence of commitment to mentoring and training graduate students from diverse backgrounds. This is a 9-month, full-time appointment located on the Minneapolis campus with a target start date of August 30, 2027. 

The budgeted salary range for this position is $87,000 - $97,000 for the rank of Assistant Professor and $103,000 - $113,000 for the rank of Associate Professor. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department. 

Job Responsibilities

This position will be responsible for: 

  • Establishing and maintaining a nationally and internationally recognized independent research program in area of expertise. 

  • Securing internal and external funding for research agenda related to area of expertise. 

  • Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses and developing curriculum in areas of expertise within sport, exercise, sport medicine, and/or rehabilitation psychology and more broadly kinesiology. 

  • Recruiting, supervising, and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in sport, exercise, sport medicine, and/or rehabilitation psychology.

  • Disseminating research through publications and presentations in the scientific community.

  • Providing service to the school, university, community, and profession. 

Qualifications
 

Required Qualifications 

  • An earned doctorate, Ph.D. preferred, in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Psychology, or a closely related field with an emphasis in sport, exercise, sport medicine, and/or rehabilitation psychology. ABD candidates will be considered (Assistant Professor).

  • Record of emerging (Assistant Professor) or sustained (Associate Professor) publication and research productivity in sport, exercise, sport medicine, and/or rehabilitation psychology.

  • Evidence of emerging (Assistant Professor) or sustained (Associate Professor) national and international scholarly reputation in sport, exercise, sport medicine, and/or rehabilitation psychology. 

  • Evidence of potential (Assistant Professor) or documented experience (Associate Professor) of effective teaching skills for graduate and/or undergraduate instruction related to sport, exercise, sport medicine, and/or rehabilitation psychology. 

  • Evidence of effective collaboration with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Potential for (Assistant Professor) or documented evidence of (Associate Professor) success in contributing to academic program development.

  • Demonstration of emerging (Assistant Professor) or current (Associate Professor) extramural grant support. 

  • Evidence of potential (Assistant Professor) or documented (Associate Professor) mentoring of graduate students.

  • Potential for (Assistant Professor) or documented evidence of (Associate Professor) of internal and/or professional leadership

About the Department
 

The School of Kinesiology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has a rich tradition of research and scholarship, combined with excellence in teaching and service. The mission of the School is to enrich the quality of human life by expanding, applying, and disseminating the body of knowledge germane to human movement, physical activity, and their applied systems. The Schools core values of excellence and belonging guide our research, learning, and internal culture to create a positive space for our faculty, staff, and students. Complete information on the School can be found on the website, http://www.cehd.umn.edu/kin. 

About the College 

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college at the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. Thats why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice. https://www.cehd.umn.edu/ 

Pay and Benefits
 

Pay Range: $87,000 - $97,000 for the rank of Assistant Professor and $103,000 - $113,000 for the rank of Associate Professor; depending on education/qualifications/experience 

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
  • Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
  • Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • University HSA contributions
  • Disability and employer-paid life insurance
  • Employee wellbeing program
  • Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
  • Financial counseling services 
  • Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
  • Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply
 

Applications must be submitted online at https://hr.umn.edu/jobs.  Application Deadline: The initial screening of applications will begin on 10/9/2026.
 

This position requires that you attach the following documents as PDFs: 

  1. cover letter 

  2. detailed CV 

  3. Names and contact information of three references who have firsthand experience working with you 

  4. Statement of teaching (1-2 pages) 

  5. Statement of research (1-2 pages) 
     

The teaching and research statements should include experience and interests. References will not be contacted until final rounds of evaluations, and applicants will be notified prior to this. Finalists may be asked to provide additional materials upon request. 

Inquiries

Address questions about the position to Dr. Emily Kringle, ekringle@umn.edu (Search Committee Chair). For general questions about the application process, contact Debbie Janis, djanis@umn.edu. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612)-624-UOHR (8687). 

Diversity
 

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements
 

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. 

About University of Minnesota
 

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, non