Kinesiology Degree Job Types and Salaries in South Africa:

Choosing a career in Kinesiology can lead to a rewarding and diverse range of job opportunities. In South Africa, Kinesiology graduates are in demand across various sectors including healthcare, sports, and corporate wellness. This guide aims to provide high school students and prospective Kinesiology students with a clear understanding of the types of jobs available, the typical salaries, and where they can find employment within the country.

We will cover roles such as Exercise Physiologist, Sports Coach, Rehabilitation Specialist, Fitness Trainer, Occupational Therapist, Biomechanist, and Corporate Wellness Coordinator. For each job, we’ll discuss the job role, expected salary, and specific places of employment in South Africa. Additionally, we’ll look at factors influencing salaries, such as location, experience, and further education or certifications. This comprehensive overview will help you make informed decisions about your educational and professional future in Kinesiology.

Kinesiology Salaries for Various Job Types in South Africa



1. Exercise Physiologist

Job Role: Exercise physiologists develop fitness and exercise programs to improve health, manage chronic diseases, and enhance athletic performance. They work with individuals ranging from athletes to those with medical conditions.

Salary:

  • Entry-level: R180,000 – R240,000 per year
  • Experienced: R300,000 – R400,000 per year

Where You’ll Work:

  • Public and Private Hospitals: such as Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town and Netcare Pretoria East Hospital.
  • Sports Organizations: like the High Performance Centre in Pretoria.
  • Rehabilitation Centers: such as Life Rehabilitation in Durban.

Further Information:

2. Sports Coach

Job Role: Sports coaches train athletes, helping them to develop their skills and reach peak performance. They work in schools, sports clubs, and professional teams.

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Salary:

  • Entry-level: R120,000 – R180,000 per year
  • Experienced: R250,000 – R400,000 per year

Where You’ll Work:

Further Information:

3. Rehabilitation Specialist

Job Role: Rehabilitation specialists work with individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries, helping them regain movement and strength. They often collaborate with physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals.

Salary:

  • Entry-level: R200,000 – R280,000 per year
  • Experienced: R320,000 – R450,000 per year

Where You’ll Work:

  • Rehabilitation Centers: such as Busamed Modderfontein Rehabilitation Hospital in Johannesburg.
  • Private Practices: like MoveWell Physiotherapy in Cape Town.
  • Hospitals: such as Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto.

Further Information:

4. Fitness Trainer/Instructor

Job Role: Fitness trainers and instructors lead individual or group exercise sessions, providing guidance and motivation to help clients achieve their fitness goals.

Salary:

  • Entry-level: R120,000 – R180,000 per year
  • Experienced: R200,000 – R300,000 per year

Where You’ll Work:

  • Gyms and Fitness Centers: such as Virgin Active and Planet Fitness.
  • Corporate Wellness Programs: like Discovery Vitality.
  • Community Centers: such as YMCA Johannesburg.

5. Occupational Therapist

Job Role: Occupational therapists help patients improve their ability to perform daily activities through therapeutic use of everyday activities. They often work in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.

Salary:

  • Entry-level: R240,000 – R320,000 per year
  • Experienced: R400,000 – R600,000 per year

Where You’ll Work:

  • Hospitals: such as Netcare Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg.
  • Rehabilitation Centers: like Amana Rehabilitation Centre in Pretoria.
  • Schools: such as the Johannesburg School for Autism.
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6. Biomechanist

Job Role: Biomechanists study the mechanics of the human body to improve movement and reduce injuries. They work in research settings, sports organizations, and healthcare facilities.

Salary:

  • Entry-level: R220,000 – R300,000 per year
  • Experienced: R350,000 – R500,000 per year

Where You’ll Work:

  • Research Institutions: such as the University of Cape Town’s Sports Science Institute.
  • Sports Organizations: like the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC).
  • Healthcare Facilities: such as the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Cape Town.

7. Corporate Wellness Coordinator

Job Role: Corporate wellness coordinators develop and manage wellness programs in the workplace to promote employee health and well-being.

Salary:

  • Entry-level: R180,000 – R250,000 per year
  • Experienced: R300,000 – R450,000 per year

Where You’ll Work:

  • Corporate Companies: such as Sasol and Standard Bank.
  • Wellness Program Providers: like ICAS South Africa.
  • Health and Wellness Clinics: such as Wellness Warehouse in Cape Town.

Salary Influencing Factors

Salaries for Kinesiology graduates in South Africa can vary based on factors such as:

  • Location: Salaries may be higher in major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
  • Experience: More experienced professionals tend to earn higher salaries.
  • Education and Certifications: Additional qualifications and certifications can enhance earning potential.

A Kinesiology degree offers diverse career paths in South Africa, with competitive salaries and opportunities for growth. Whether you’re interested in working directly with clients, conducting research, or promoting health and wellness, this field provides a rewarding career. For more detailed and up-to-date information, consider visiting job portals and professional organizations related to Kinesiology.