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Physical Education Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities PHYSICAL EDUCATION (PE) TEACHER Salaried Exempt: $61,354 - $76,693/year for CREDENTIALED teachers - dependent on experience Non-Credentialed pay scale to be determined based on ...

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How much do physical education jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for physical education in the United States is $22.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a physical education teacher?

Physical Education (PE) teachers are educators who specialize in teaching students about physical fitness, sports, and healthy lifestyles. They design and lead activities that promote physical development, teamwork, and overall well-being. PE teachers often work in schools and are responsible for creating lesson plans, assessing student performance, and fostering a positive attitude toward physical activity. Their goal is to help students develop lifelong habits of physical health and wellness.

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

To thrive as a Physical Education Teacher, you need a solid understanding of exercise science, instructional strategies, and child development, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in physical education and relevant state teaching certification. Familiarity with fitness assessment tools, curriculum planning software, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong communication, motivation, and classroom management skills help engage students and foster a positive learning environment. These qualifications ensure that students gain lifelong fitness habits in a safe, inclusive, and effective manner.

What are some common challenges faced by physical education teachers in managing diverse student abilities during classes?

Physical Education teachers often encounter students with varying fitness levels, physical abilities, and interests, making it challenging to design activities that engage everyone. To address this, teachers frequently differentiate instruction and adapt games or exercises so all students can participate safely and meaningfully. Building an inclusive environment and using creative teaching strategies helps ensure every student feels motivated and supported, regardless of their skill level. Collaboration with colleagues and ongoing professional development are also essential for staying up-to-date with best practices in inclusive physical education.

What is the difference between Physical Education vs Physical Therapist?

AspectPhysical EducationPhysical Therapist
Required CredentialsDegree in Physical Education or related fieldDoctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) license
Work EnvironmentSchools, sports facilities, community centersClinics, hospitals, rehab centers
Industry UsageEducation, sports, recreationHealthcare, rehabilitation
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

Physical Education focuses on teaching students about physical activity, fitness, and sports, often within educational settings. Physical Therapists diagnose and treat injuries, helping patients recover mobility. While both roles involve physical activity, their credentials, work environments, and industry applications differ significantly.

What are some careers in physical education?

Careers in physical education include physical education teachers, sports coaches, fitness trainers, athletic trainers, and recreation directors. These roles often require knowledge of exercise science, coaching skills, and relevant certifications or licenses. They typically involve working in schools, sports facilities, gyms, or community centers.

What else can I do with my physical education degree?

A physical education degree can lead to careers in coaching, fitness training, sports management, physical therapy assistance, or health education. It also provides a foundation for certifications in personal training, athletic training, or teaching, and often involves skills in communication, organization, and physical fitness assessment.

What jobs can I get with a physical education degree?

A physical education degree can lead to careers such as physical education teacher, sports coach, fitness trainer, personal trainer, athletic trainer, or recreation director. These roles often require knowledge of exercise science, coaching skills, and sometimes certifications or licenses, and typically involve working in schools, gyms, sports teams, or community centers.

Which job is best for physical education?

The best jobs for physical education graduates include physical education teacher, sports coach, fitness trainer, and recreation director. These roles typically require relevant certifications, strong communication skills, and a passion for promoting health and fitness. Opportunities are available in schools, sports organizations, gyms, and community centers.
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What cities are hiring for Physical Education jobs?

Cities with the most Physical Education job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Physical Education jobs?

The most popular types of Physical Education jobs are:

What states have the most Physical Education jobs?

States with the most job openings for Physical Education jobs include:

Infographic showing various Physical Education job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,198 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Physical Education/Health Teacher

Pawtucket, RI • On-site

TIDES FAMILY SERVICES INC
Individual, Family and Community Social Assistance • 11 - 50 employees

$50K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description

Tides Family Services is a nonprofit organization that is committed to providing comprehensive support and resources to children, adolescents, and families facing various challenges. The overall mission of Tides is to provide services and supports that allow youth to live in a community-based setting. An "Agency Without Walls" our services are delivered in homes, communities, schools...wherever our youth are. 


Position Summary: Tides Family Services is seeking a Physical Education and Health Teacher to develop and implement innovative PE programs tailored for students with moderate to severe trauma and behavioral needs. The role involves facilitating physical fitness, safety habits, and motor skills development as specified in individual IEPs. The teacher will use engaging instructional practices, diverse assessments, and questioning techniques to motivate and support all students. Additionally, the teacher will promote healthy lifestyle behaviors and social skills, ensuring modifications are safe and appropriate.


Essential Functions:

  • Provide an appropriate and innovative PE program designed to meet individual students with moderate to severe trauma and behavioral needs, as specified on the IEP, facilitating physical fitness, safety habits, good health, neuro-muscular, coordination, balance, strength, mobility, gross motor skills, perceptual motor skills, and sports and games achievement.
  • Use instructional practices that are likely to challenge, motivate, and engage all trauma informed students and facilitate equitable, active student participation.
  • Establish a productive learning environment culture in which all students are respected.
  • Use of a variety of assessments during instruction to inform teacher of student progress.
  • Enable students in the development of an appreciation for the importance of Physical Education and Health.
  • Assist students with developing healthy lifestyle behaviors and social skills.
  • Utilize knowledge of exercise physiology to allow for the safe modification of expectations in PE that safely meet the needs and abilities of students.
  • Use a variety of questioning and discussion techniques during instruction.
  • Commit to professional growth, participating actively in department meetings, faculty meetings, and professional development initiatives.
  • Participate in the extracurricular activities hosted at Tides' School, collaborate within the team, and meet all professional responsibilities.
  • Communicate effectively with students, families and colleagues.
  • Engage families in their children's education by building relationships and maintaining regular communication. 
  • Meet client engagement productivity expectations as outlined by program or supervisor.  

Requirements

  • Physical educational experience with a minimum of 3-6 years' experience in academia in  K-12, charter or other non-traditional schools.
  • A demonstrated solid track record of providing adaptive physical education that ensures excellence in physical education, health and therapeutic lessons for students.
  • Capacity for intellectual, physical and social development of at-risk youth, through a comprehensive program that promotes academic  excellence and prepares its students for success in school and in life.
  • Skilled in instructional methods and materials that are deemed appropriate for accomplishing identified goals and objectives.
  • Enable students in the development of an appreciation for the importance of Physical Education and Health.
  • RIDE Certified elementary or secondary Physical Education - Health teacher 
  • RIDE Certified in Adaptive Physical Education elementary or secondary
  • Physical Education Certification completed or in process
  • Valid driver's license and registered/inspected vehicle - Required

Salary Range: $50,000-$68,500

Compensation will be determined based on the candidate's experience, education, language capacity, skills, and other qualifications relevant to the role, in alignment with organizational parity guidelines and market conditions.  


The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to satisfactorily perform essential duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Tides Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values our diverse workforce and encourages all mission driven candidates to apply.  We are a PBN Best Place to Work recipient, a Safe Zone Certified Employer, and a Veteran Friendly Employer. Join our team!