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Global Insight Network

What degree do you need to be a PE coach?

Author

Matthew Alvarez

Updated on April 14, 2026

A bachelor's degree — preferably in physical education, kinesiology or physiology, physical therapy, or nutrition and health — is a minimum education requirement for beginning physical education teachers at the middle- and high-school levels.

Similarly, you may ask, what qualifications does a PE teacher need?

Key PE Teacher Qualifications

  • GCSEs (A-C) in English and maths (and science, if you teach in middle schools)
  • Passes (before starting ITET) in numeracy and literacy skills exams.
  • You'll also undergo enhanced background checks by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

Similarly, can you teach PE without a degree? Education Requirements for Teaching PE

Those who wish to teach Physical Education in the public sector are required to possess at least a Bachelor's Degree as well as a state-issued license to teach P.E. Licensure can be attained through the completion of a teacher education program focused on health and fitness.

Beside above, how long does it take to become a PE coach?

Most physical education teachers are certified and hold a four-year degree in teaching exercise science or related subjects. Some may have a master's degree in physical education. Many PE teachers also participate in coaching activities for school sports teams and may also be faculty advisors for student clubs.

Is a PE teacher a good career?

Job Prospects for PE Teachers

Salaries are also good, with high school teachers earning an average annual salary of $65,930. As you improve your academic credentials with a master's degree and hands-on teaching experience, your earnings are likely to increase as well.

Related Question Answers

How much does a PE teacher make a month?

What Is the Average Physical Education Teacher Salary by State
State Annual Salary Monthly Pay
New York $45,910 $3,826
South Dakota $45,365 $3,780
Maryland $44,837 $3,736
Oregon $44,826 $3,735

What does a PE teacher do on a daily basis?

On a daily basis, Adapted Physical Education Specialists prepare lesson plans in accordance with individualized education plans (IEPs) and the functional abilities or needs of students. They maintain thorough student records to document attendance, participation, or progress, ensuring confidentiality of all records.

Do PE teachers get paid the same?

Physical education teachers make about the same salary as any other teacher in the public school system. Physical education teachers might also earn extra money coaching sports teams, especially at the high school level.

Can you become a PE teacher online?

Enrolling in an online physical education degree can help you make a career of coaching, training, and teaching. If your goal is to become a physical education (PE) instructor in the public school system, check with your local state education department about licensing before starting any program.

How many hours does a PE teacher work?

Your working hours are based on a 35-hour week, working in a classroom 9.00am to 3.30pm or 4.00pm. You would use the rest of the time for preparation and marking. You may have to do some preparation and assessment work at home, in the evenings or at weekends.

What can I do with a PE degree?

Some careers that you could consider doing with PE include:
  • Sports science.
  • PE teacher.
  • Physiotherapist.
  • Professional sportsperson.
  • Sports coach/consultant.
  • Sports policy at local and national level.
  • Diet and fitness instructor.
  • Personal trainer.

How long does it take to get a PE degree?

To become licensed, engineers must complete a four-year college degree, work under a Professional Engineer for at least four years, pass two intensive competency exams and earn a license from their state's licensure board.

Can you be a PE teacher with an associate's degree?

The associate's degree will not qualify you to teach physical education at a K-12 school level. An associate's degree in kinesiology will prepare you for a four-year degree program and train you for immediate employment.

Do you have to go to college to be a PE teacher?

All states now require candidates for physical education teaching jobs to possess, at a minimum, a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Bachelor's degrees in physical education may be obtained within an approved teacher preparation program or outside of a state-approved program.

What is the starting salary for a physical education teacher?

An early career Physical Education Teacher with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $40,811 based on 261 salaries. A mid-career Physical Education Teacher with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $45,631 based on 145 salaries.

What makes an effective PE teacher?

Great PE teachers strive to inspire a love of sports and nutrition in their students. They also create a welcoming environment in which every student feels respected and valued, both by the teacher and by other students.

How much does a PE teacher make in California?

As of Jan 10, 2021, the average annual pay for a PE Teacher in California is $32,857 an year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $15.80 an hour. This is the equivalent of $632/week or $2,738/month.

How much does a middle school gym teacher make?

The average salary for a Physical Education Teacher is $45.71 per hour in Alberta, which is 94% above the national average.

What is a PE coach?

As a PE coach, you'll organize, plan and implement lessons on physical activity, fitness and exercise. You may teach students games, such as kickball or four corners, or instruct them in activities like gymnastics or calisthenics. As a coach, you'll evaluate players' abilities, skills and talents.

How many years of school does it take to be a teacher?

It typically takes between four and five years to become a teacher. That is the length of time required to complete a bachelor's degree, which is the minimum qualification for teachers, whether they are teaching elementary, middle school or high school.

Can I teach college with a Masters?

There are quite a few people who wish to teach at a college or university, and they may not have time in their lives for a full doctorate. Teachers at most college hold doctorates, but there are many instances in which teachers with a master's degree may work at that level.

Is a physical education degree hard?

Contrary to its perception, Phys Ed is a tough degree that is in no way "elementary" in its course load requirements. Classes for nearly every Phys Ed program include kinesiology, chemistry, calculus, anatomy and physiology. Many programs also allow students to specialize in either teaching or health and wellness.

Which states require a masters to teach?

Now, there are only three states that require teachers to earn a master's degree (or its equivalent) for license advancement, according to the National Council on Teacher Quality—Connecticut, Maryland, and New York.

Are PE teachers happy?

Physical education teachers rate their happiness above average. As it turns out, physical education teachers rate their career happiness 3.5 out of 5 stars which puts them in the top 32% of careers.

How much do college PE teachers make?

According to Career Explorer, the median annual salary for physical education teachers is $39,293. The lowest 20% earn $33,513 and the highest 20% earn $62,289.

What does a PE assistant do?

PE teaching assistants may support the whole class, by helping lead activities, or be assigned to work with one or more special needs students. Teaching assistants may provide behavioral support to students whose behavior is inappropriate or disturbs the class.

What are the cons of physical education?

P.E. classes can expose the school to lawsuits. P.E. classes can expose the school to a lawsuit if a child is injured or dies, especially if the incident resulted from faulty equipment, or while the class was being taught by a substitute teacher.

Why are PE teachers Fat?

Many PE teachers only know exercise and sports, not nutrition, which is the other side of the coin to fitness. Many out-of-shape PE teachers are older, and may either have health problems that contribute to weight gain, or have health problems that limit the amount and kinds of exercise they can perform.