Kinesiology Degree Programs in Washington, DC (2026)
Quick answer: The Washington metro employs about 10,440 exercise trainers and group fitness instructors (BLS OEWS, May 2025), and licensing is set at the state level, through target employers on the certification they require.
Compare kinesiology programs enrolling now:
Licensing
Licensing is a state matter, not a city one. 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.
See the District of Columbia licensing and pay overview for the statewide picture, and confirm current requirements with target employers on the certification they require.
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 within 250 miles of this 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 Washington
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors in the Washington area earn a median $46,190 per year, below the national median of $47,160 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Kinesiology Pay in Washington, DC
| Metric | Washington metro | District of Columbia | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $46,190 | $39,210 | $47,160 |
| 10th percentile | $28,070 | $37,080 | $28,800 |
| 25th percentile | $36,220 | $37,340 | $35,280 |
| 75th percentile | $62,400 | $64,640 | $61,730 |
| 90th percentile | $79,720 | $80,610 | $83,100 |
| Employment | 10,440 | 1,480 | 322,930 |
| Location quotient | 1.6 | - | 1.00 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. Metro figures cover the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan statistical area.
What the Numbers Say About This Market
The Washington median of $46,190 is below the national median of $47,160, and above the District of Columbia statewide median of $39,210 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The metro’s location quotient of 1.6 means exercise trainers and group fitness instructors are more concentrated here than in the average U.S. labor market (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Higher concentration generally means more employers competing for the same people, and an easier job change later.
Fitness employment tracks population and disposable income; clinical exercise roles follow hospital systems and rehabilitation providers.
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 Washington?
The median annual wage for exercise trainers and group fitness instructors in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area is $46,190, below the national median of $47,160 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
How many exercise trainers and group fitness instructors work in the Washington area?
The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area employs about 10,440 exercise trainers and group fitness instructors (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Do exercise trainers and group fitness instructors in Washington need a license?
Licensing is handled at state level rather than by city. 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. Confirm current requirements with target employers on the certification they require.
Can I study kinesiology online from Washington?
The academic portion of these programs is widely available online for working adults, while labs, clinical hours or supervised field work are completed in person. Check that the program's accreditation satisfies target employers on the certification they require.
Is Washington a better market than the rest of District of Columbia?
The Washington metro median is $46,190 against a statewide median of $39,210 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Compare that gap with the difference in living costs before treating it as a raise.
Related
- Kinesiology degree programs in District of Columbia - statewide pay, licensing and metro comparison
- Kinesiology programs and how to choose one
- Personal Trainer career profile - the trade career this degree path builds on
- All online degree paths for tradespeople
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/.