Adapted Physical Education Specialists
Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed
Provide individualized physical education instruction or services to children, youth, or adults with exceptional physical needs due to gross motor developmental delays or other impairments.
Median pay: $76,580/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +1.1% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 2,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Adapt instructional techniques to the age and skill levels of students.
• Instruct students, using adapted physical education techniques, to improve physical fitness, gross motor skills, perceptual motor skills, or sports and game achievement.
• Provide individual or small groups of students with adapted physical education instruction that meets desired physical needs or goals.
• Provide students positive feedback to encourage them and help them develop an appreciation for physical education.
• Establish and maintain standards of behavior to create safe, orderly, and effective environments for learning.
• Provide adapted physical education services to students with intellectual disabilities, autism, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic impairments, or other disabling condition.
• Assess students' physical progress or needs.
• Assist in screening or placement of students in adapted physical education programs.
What's the median pay for Adapted Physical Education Specialists?
The median pay for Adapted Physical Education Specialists is $76,580 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Adapted Physical Education Specialists?
Employment for Adapted Physical Education Specialists is projected to change +1.1% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Adapted Physical Education Specialists?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Adapted Physical Education Specialists?
About 2,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.