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Physical Education Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Academics West

Physical Education Instructor

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Vary as needed Monday through Friday Job Summary We are seeking a Physical Education Instructor consultant to provide a dynamic adaptive physical educational program for our students. Individual will ...

Academics West

Physical Education Instructor

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Vary as needed Monday through Friday Job Summary We are seeking a Physical Education Instructor consultant to provide a dynamic adaptive physical educational program for our students. Individual will ...

Wellesley College

Physical Education Instructor

Wellesley, MA · On-site

$48K - $66K/yr

Job Posting Title Physical Education Instructor Summary Faculty The Wellesley College Physical Education department is seeking a dynamic, professional Beginner Level Yoga Instructor for a four course ...

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Physical Education Instructor information

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$23.5K

$54.3K

$72K

How much do physical education instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for physical education instructor in the United States is $54,288.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Where do PE teachers get paid the most?

Physical Education instructors tend to earn the highest salaries in regions with higher living costs and larger school districts, such as urban areas and affluent communities. States or districts with specialized programs or higher certification requirements may also offer increased pay for PE teachers.

What are Physical Education Instructors?

Physical Education Instructors are educators who teach students about physical fitness, sports, exercise, and overall health. They design and lead activities that promote physical development, teamwork, and healthy habits. These instructors often work in schools, colleges, or recreational centers, and are responsible for creating lesson plans, assessing student progress, and fostering a positive attitude toward physical activity. Their goal is to help students develop lifelong skills for maintaining physical and mental well-being.

What is the difference between Physical Education Instructor vs Sports Coach?

AspectPhysical Education InstructorSports Coach
CredentialsTeaching certification, CPR certificationRelevant sports certifications, coaching licenses
Work EnvironmentSchools, educational settingsSports teams, athletic facilities
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, school districtsSports organizations, clubs

While both roles involve working with individuals to improve physical activity, a Physical Education Instructor primarily teaches students in schools about fitness, health, and sports skills. A Sports Coach focuses on training athletes, developing game strategies, and improving athletic performance. The roles overlap in certifications and work environments, but their main focus and target audiences differ.

Are PE teachers in high demand?

Physical Education instructors are generally in steady demand in schools, especially as schools prioritize student health and physical activity. Job availability can vary by region and school district, and certifications in health and physical education are often required or preferred.

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

To thrive as a Physical Education Instructor, you need a solid understanding of kinesiology, exercise science, and instructional methods, usually backed by a relevant degree and state teaching certification. Familiarity with fitness assessment tools, lesson planning software, and safety protocols is typically required. Outstanding communication, motivational skills, and adaptability help instructors engage diverse student groups and foster a positive learning environment. These skills and qualities are essential for promoting physical health, student participation, and safe, effective instruction.

What are the other careers for PE teachers?

Physical Education instructors can transition into careers such as fitness trainers, sports coaches, athletic trainers, or health and wellness coaches. They often utilize their knowledge of exercise science, coaching skills, and certifications to work in gyms, sports teams, schools, or community programs.

What are the common challenges faced by Physical Education Instructors in managing diverse student abilities during classes?

Physical Education Instructors often work with students who have varying levels of fitness, coordination, and interest in physical activity. Balancing the needs of advanced athletes with those who may require additional support can be challenging. Instructors must adapt lesson plans, offer differentiated instruction, and create an inclusive environment where all students feel encouraged and safe to participate. Building rapport and maintaining classroom discipline while promoting teamwork and fair play are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the most a PE teacher can make?

The highest salaries for physical education instructors typically occur in senior or administrative roles, such as athletic directors or department heads, with some earning over $100,000 annually. Factors influencing pay include experience, education level, location, and the size of the school or district.
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Physical Education Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physical Education Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,288 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Physical Education Instructor

Physical Education Instructor

Academics West

Brooklyn, NY • On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Flexible schedule

Start date: August 2026
Hours:  Vary as needed Monday through Friday
Job Summary
We are seeking a Physical Education Instructor consultant to provide a dynamic adaptive physical educational program for our students.  Individual will perform fitness assessments, develop training plans, provide education on how to use gym equipment safely, and most importantly, create a fun physical education program. Your primary goal is to help our students reach their fitness objectives while infusing typical physical education programming such as basketball, calisthenics, and small group exercise activities. The ideal candidate is a great teacher with a passion for fitness and enjoys helping children with learning and emotional challenges.
Responsibilities 
  • Perform fitness assessments to understand each student’s current fitness level
  • Create individualized training routines and revise them periodically
  • Demonstrate proper techniques for using equipment
  • Ensure that all gym safety standards and procedures are followed
  • Ensure all students are safe when conducting sports/physical education activities when offsite (e.g., playgrounds and parks)
  • Create and implement appropriate physical education programming to small student groups.
  • Establish and maintain appropriate classroom/gym behavioral expectations based on student population
  • Collaborate with student teachers and administration regarding any student needs
Qualifications
  • High school diploma/GED required
  • Current personal trainer or fitness instructor certification
  • Knowledge of physiology, exercise technique, and body mechanics is preferred 
  • First aid and CPR-certified
  • Positive, motivating, and effective interpersonal communication skills
  • Prior behavior management training preferred (CPI, or other methods)
  • Prior experience working with students who exhibit emotional challenges preferred
  • Consultant role and individual should have their own business documentation and insurance
About Us:
Located in the heart of Lincoln Center-NYC, Academics West is a high-support college preparatory program that services up to 88 students from 1st through 12th grade who exhibit social-emotional challenges and/or learning differences. Our small student-to-teacher ratio in physical education is typically 5:1 which allows us to work more intensively with students, achieving positive outcomes. Clinically Informed Academics (CIA) is an approach infused throughout the curriculum that considers the whole student to formulate effective individualized learning strategies. This approach combines clinical knowledge with academic interventions to help students improve beyond what traditional methods can achieve.
To Apply:

Email 1) a cover letter of interest stating how you learned of the position opening, 2) a current resume to Jeffrey Kassinove, Ph.D. (drk@academicswest.com).
The position will remain open until filled. All applications will be kept confidential, and receipt will be acknowledged via email