kinesiologist
Snapshot
Are you fascinated by how the body moves and how to optimize human performance? As a kinesiologist, you’ll apply scientific principles to improve movement, rehabilitation, and overall well-being, impacting lives through practical solutions.
Kinesiologists are movement specialists who analyze and improve human motion. Your work involves studying the mechanics of the body, considering factors like physiology, neurology, and biology. You'll use scientific data and methods to develop strategies that enhance mobility, address limitations, and promote optimal physical function. This role often requires a blend of analytical skills, practical application, and a commitment to helping individuals achieve their movement goals.
- • Assess and analyze human movement patterns to identify areas for improvement or rehabilitation.
- • Develop and implement exercise programs and interventions tailored to individual needs and goals.
- • Conduct research and stay current with advancements in kinesiology and related fields.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Health professionals — 68 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Estonia and 6 more.
Longest-running shortage: Belgium, 3 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
Explore More
Find your career path and explore the science behind our recommendations.
Could kinesiologist fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Concern for Others?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Self-Control?
Future Outlook for kinesiologist
The outlook for kinesiologist reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could kinesiologist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could kinesiologist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- apply safety procedures in laboratory
- correct potentially harmful movements
- interact professionally in research and professional environments
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- manage open publications
- assess physical conditions of clients
- demonstrate disciplinary expertise
Tasks most exposed to automation
- gather experimental data
- synthesise information
- apply for research funding
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Healthcare & Human Services
A typical day as a kinesiologist
09 09:00 · Morning apply for research funding
10 10:30 · Mid-morning apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
12 12:00 · Midday apply safety procedures in laboratory
14 14:00 · Afternoon correct potentially harmful movements
15 15:30 · Late afternoon manage intellectual property rights
17 17:00 · Wrap-up operate open source software
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
-
kinesiology
The study of human movement, performance and function, the sciences of biomechanics, anatomy, physiology and neuroscience.
-
nutrition
The science that investigates the various substances and nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, tannins, anthocyanins, vitamins, and minerals) and their interaction in food products.
- biology
- biomechanics
- human anatomy
-
manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.
-
perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
-
apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
-
apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
-
promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.
-
integrate gender dimension in research
Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).
-
draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.
-
disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
-
publish academic research
Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.
-
write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
-
perform laboratory tests
Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
-
calibrate laboratory equipment
Calibrate laboratory equipment by comparing between measurements: one of known magnitude or correctness, made with a trusted device and a second measurement from another piece of laboratory equipment. Make the measurements in as similar a way as possible.
-
gather experimental data
Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.
-
synthesise information
Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.
-
manage research data
Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.
-
assess physical conditions of clients
Check the new clients' health conditions to assess their suitability for participation.
-
interact professionally in research and professional environments
Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.
-
operate open source software
Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
Take the free Career DNA assessment to see how kinesiologist aligns with your interests, work style, and future path. In less than 10 minutes, you will get a personalized fit signal and a roadmap for what to do next.
Scan to continue on mobileGrowth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does kinesiologist fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of settings do kinesiologists typically work in?
- Kinesiologists find employment in diverse settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, sports facilities, fitness centers, research institutions, and private practices. Many also choose to establish their own self-business, offering personalized movement assessments and training programs.
- Do I need a specific background to become a kinesiologist?
- A strong foundation in science, particularly biology, physiology, and anatomy, is crucial. Most kinesiologists hold a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology or a related field. Further specialization often involves additional training and experience.
- What skills are essential for success as a kinesiologist?
- Beyond scientific knowledge, essential skills include strong analytical abilities, communication skills (to effectively educate clients), problem-solving skills (to develop tailored interventions), and the ability to motivate and inspire others to achieve their movement goals. Attention to detail and ethical practice are also vital.
- Kinesiologist — is there a shortage in Europe?
- Yes. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a shortage was reported in 10 of the 11 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany and 6 more. Belgium has reported one for 3 consecutive years. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Kinesiologist — what does it pay in the United States?
- $58,160 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $43,060 to $81,310. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.