Median pay: $34,000
Top pay: $60,800
10-year job growth: 29%
Total jobs: 10,000
The job:
As a fitness consultant, not only can you craft exercise, weight loss or rehabilitation routines for individuals, but you can also develop broader programs with private gyms, sports teams, community centers and schools. The job is about more than getting someone to do just one more crunch -- it's about designing programs that integrate fitness, wellness and health into a single system. You get the reward of helping everyone, from the young to the elderly, and you get healthier while setting your own schedule, rates and program.
How to switch:
Consultants advertise themselves as experts, and a strong background in fitness is essential. A degree in physical education or health care helps, and certification across a range of disciplines also adds to your credibility. Explore the American Council on Exercise's resources at acefitness.org.
Quality of life ratings:
| Personal satisfaction |
Benefit to society |
Low stress |
Flexibility |
| B |
A |
B |
B |
By Donna Rosato and Tom Ziegler
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