Online Kinesiology Degree in District of Columbia: Salary, Schools & Outlook (2026)
Quick answer: District of Columbia employs about 1,480 exercise trainers and group fitness instructors (BLS OEWS, May 2025), and licensing runs through target employers on the certification they require. Programs, the careers this degree opens, and what they pay are below.
Compare kinesiology programs enrolling now:
Licensing and Credentials in District of Columbia
Kinesiology itself is not licensed. Fitness and clinical exercise roles typically ask for widely recognized industry certifications alongside or instead of the degree, and clinical settings weight the exercise science coursework; requirements genuinely vary by employer and setting.
Requirements are set at state level and are amended periodically. Before you enroll in any program, confirm with target employers on the certification they require that the specific program you are considering satisfies the education requirement, and ask what it accepts from any training you have already completed. Get the answer in writing.
Earning the Degree While You Work
Most people reading this already have a job in the field, and the practical question is whether the credential can be earned without leaving it. Programs designed for working adults deliver the academic portion online or in the evening, while any labs, clinical hours or supervised field experience happen in person and locally. Prior college credit, military training, apprenticeship coursework and industry certifications can all shorten the path, so request a written transfer credit evaluation before you commit to any school.
Schools Near You
Schools in our database near this area, ranked by BOC Score. The list favors schools with a related program on record, but program availability and delivery format change, so confirm directly with any school that it currently offers the program you want.
We do not have campus-based schools on record for this exact area right now. School availability changes as programs open and close, and many programs in this field enroll online - see the main program page for options that are not tied to your location. Know a school we missed? Tell us.
What Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors Earn in District of Columbia
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors in District of Columbia earn a median $39,210 per year, below the national median of $47,160 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Kinesiology Pay and Employment in District of Columbia at a Glance
| Metric | District of Columbia | National | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $39,210 | $47,160 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 10th percentile | $37,080 | $28,800 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 25th percentile | $37,340 | $35,280 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 75th percentile | $64,640 | $61,730 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 90th percentile | $80,610 | $83,100 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Employment | 1,480 | 322,930 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Location quotient | 1.01 | 1.00 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Projected change (2024-34) | not published by state | 11.9% | BLS Employment Projections, 2024-34 |
How District of Columbia Pay Compares to the Rest of the Country
The District of Columbia median of $39,210 sits below the national median of $47,160 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Percentiles matter more than the midpoint when you are deciding whether a degree pays for itself: the 10th percentile is roughly where people start, and the 90th is what the top of the local market looks like after years of experience.
A location quotient of 1.01 puts District of Columbia slightly above the national average, so the occupation is a little more common here than in the typical state (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The measure compares how concentrated the occupation is here against the national average of 1.00.
Where the Jobs Are in District of Columbia
| Metro area | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $46,190 | 10,440 |
Figures: BLS OEWS, May 2025. Fitness employment tracks population and disposable income; clinical exercise roles follow hospital systems and rehabilitation providers.
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors Wages by Metro Area in District of Columbia
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), exercise trainers and group fitness instructors wages in District of Columbia vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 10,440 | $46,190 | $52,140 | $28,070 | $79,720 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
All District of Columbia Metro Areas With Published Data
Wage and employment figures describe the occupation as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, not the graduates of any particular program, and individual outcomes may vary. Licensing rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible state board before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do exercise trainers and group fitness instructors make in District of Columbia?
The median annual wage for exercise trainers and group fitness instructors in District of Columbia is $39,210, below the national median of $47,160 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The middle of the range runs from $37,340 at the 25th percentile to $64,640 at the 75th.
How many exercise trainers and group fitness instructors work in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia holds about 1,480 exercise professional jobs (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Nationally the occupation employs 322,930, and BLS projects about 74,200 openings per year through 2034 (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-34).
Do I need a license to work as a exercise professional in District of Columbia?
Kinesiology itself is not licensed. Fitness and clinical exercise roles typically ask for widely recognized industry certifications alongside or instead of the degree, and clinical settings weight the exercise science coursework; requirements genuinely vary by employer and setting. Requirements are set at the state level and change periodically, so confirm the current rules with target employers on the certification they require before you enroll in any program.
Can I earn a kinesiology bachelor's or master's online while working in District of Columbia?
Often yes. Programs built for working adults deliver coursework online or in the evenings, though any required labs, clinical hours or supervised field experience are completed in person. Confirm that the program's accreditation satisfies target employers on the certification they require.
What is the highest-paying area of District of Columbia for exercise trainers and group fitness instructors?
Among District of Columbia metro areas with published data, Washington reports the highest median at $46,190 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Is District of Columbia a good state for exercise trainers and group fitness instructors?
On pay, the state median of $39,210 sits below the national $47,160 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). A location quotient of 1.01 means the occupation is more concentrated here than in the average state. Weigh that against cost of living and how concentrated the work is near where you actually want to live.
Related Guides
- Kinesiology programs and how to choose one - the national guide to this degree
- Personal Trainer career profile - the trade career this degree path builds on
- All online degree paths for tradespeople
- Trade careers that require a 4-year degree
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 - Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors (SOC 39-9031), national, state and metropolitan estimates
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2024-34
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook - education and licensing requirements
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.