Exercise Physiologist Salaries and Careers

Name: Sharleen Jones
Job Title:Exercise Physiologist/Wellness Consultant
Where: Moose Jaw, Canada
Employer: Self-Employed
Years of Experience: 10
Education: University of Regina. Bachelor of Physical Activity Studies. Additional  certification as Certified Personal Trainer, Professional Fitness and Lifestyle Consultant, Certified Exercise Physiologist.
Annual Salary: See PayScale's Research Center to find the average salary of a personal trainer and exercise physiologist salaries.

As more and more people look to "tone-up," fitness gurus are "tuning-in" to learn how to become a personal trainer, get certified as an exercise physiologist, or pursue other careers related to health and fitness. The fitness industry is a booming, multi-billion dollar industry. This means a positive outlook for the job growth rate of an exercise physiologist. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fitness workers can expect a 27 percent growth in employment opportunities over the next 10 years. And while one career choice is to work at a club like 24 Hour Fitness, a wide range of career options exist outside of the corporate fitness world. Sharleen Jones is a certified personal trainer who is actually her own boss. Read on for her inside scoop on how to become a personal trainer, and check out PayScale's exercise physiologist and personal trainer salary data for more information on the average salary of a personal trainer and salary for exercise physiologist. 

How would you describe your job as a Certified Personal Trainer?
Sharleen: I provide clients with extensive lifestyle management programs based on their own genetic profile. Once they have enrolled in my program I coach and support them through their lifestyle changes. An initial consultation involves a thorough needs analysis, which gages a client's genetic dominances, past and present lifestyle habits, health challenges, goals and other special considerations.

Based on the analysis, I then recommend a "lifestyle plan" that will best meet their needs. A "lifestyle plan" will include elements of personal coaching, group support, teleconference support, web support, personalized exercise programs, personalized supplementation packages, restorative skincare programs, hydration programs, biofeedback stress management, comprehensive lifestyle education, goal achievement rewards like manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, etc.

Once, a "lifestyle plan" has been decided upon, the next step is to provide the client with a customized nutrition, exercise, and supplementation program. I'll also have a thorough orientation appointment with them to get them started off on the right foot. Over the ensuing 6 months I have regular contact with the client on a predetermined schedule through email, telephone or in-person communication. We'll review the previous program period, and create an action-plan for the upcoming week/month. I also offer in-person group services and group teleconference support, on a weekly basis, and I daily monitor an online forum for 24 hour client support.

As I am self-employed, my paycheck is dependent on how much business I generate. So, I do daily activities to generate business by putting up posters in my community, emailing specials to existing and potential clients, and offering free wellness newsletters and seminars. Local joint venture partnerships are a critical part of my business for referrals, so I also spend time developing and maintaining those types of business partnerships.

PayScale: How did you get started as a Certified Personal Trainer ?
Sharleen: I have always loved anything to do with health and wellness so it was a no-brainer to go into an activity-related field. I have always known that this is the area I wanted to work in. I am absolutely passionate about improving the health and lives of the people around me. After working in several related jobs I came to a few conclusions: I like to be independent with my work, I like to work with clients who are proactive and self-motivated, and I want to have a large sphere of influence. I want to be able to reach people all over the world, not limit it to my own little community.

By working in various jobs in my industry, I also learned first-hand some of the limitations of our line of work, and I wanted to be able to offer other health and wellness professionals an opportunity to work independently. So, last year I made the decision to work on my own and created a brand new fat loss and athletic performance program called The Balanced Body System. Not only are we helping change the lives of clients but we also offer an incredible opportunity for anyone with a passion for health and wellness to have a viable and thriving independent business that isn't dependent on fee-for-service, which can be full of hassles.

Freelance Writing Jobs - One Writer's Inspiring Story

Name: Cheryl Wright
Job Title: Freelance Writer
Where: My home, FL, Trinidad and Tobago
Employer: Employers are a thing of the past. Now I only have clients who pay and clients who don't.
Years of Experience: 10
Prior Experience: Administrative work in the interior design field which involved writing letters, reports, and decorating programs for clients.
Education: GCE O Level certificate - St. Joseph's Convent, St. Joseph Pitman's Secretarial Certificates - St. Mary's Secretarial Collage Interior Decorating and Design Diploma - Penn Foster Career School Freelance Writing Diploma - Penn Foster Career School
Annual Salary: Use the PayScale Resource Center to find a list of job salaries for writers, including freelance writing jobs.

Cheryl Wright loves her freelance writing job. And what's not to like? She's able to make a living from her passion, help people in the process, and instead of a cubical surrounding her office space, Cheryl has the Caribbean. Sound like an ideal work environment? Of course it does. But before you go drifting off into dreams of a freelance writing paradise, be sure to do some thorough investigation.

In this Salary Story, Cheryl Wright shares her thoughts, feelings and the challenges that face her as a freelance writer. With freelancing comes freedom, but it also requires hard work and self-motivation. Read on for an inside look at the practices of a successful freelance writer. Then find out if a writing career is right for you. With PayScale's salary data, you can find the average salary range for a copy writer,  salary range for grant writer and a writer's average salary in other industries.

PayScale: How would you describe your Freelance Writing job?
Cheryl: I’ve long since stopped writing the decorating features and columns that launched my freelance writing career. I broadened my horizons and found my true voice. Now lifestyle articles, as I call them, are my specialty. They include inspiration, motivation, setting goals, finding and pursuing one’s dreams, self-care and so on. My weekly inspirational column, Wright Words of Wisdom, in a Sunday pullout magazine, allows me to write on the topics that interest me and are common to women. My three blogs are the perfect avenues for me to share some of my more personal thoughts on life, writing and my Christian faith. My work can be found on content sites like Author Nation, Syndicated Journalist and Triond.

I enjoy writing feature articles, but I would always choose the option to write a regular column. I thrive on the discipline required to produce work on a regular, tight deadline. Response from readers is a real boost to my confidence and undeniable sparks of inspiration. I’ve thought about copywriting and commercial writing but they are not for me, at least not right now. I enjoy the personal touch in the writing that I do.

PayScale: How did you decide to become a Freelance Writer?
Cheryl: After receiving my diploma in interior decorating and design, my passion soared and I sought to fill a void in a local print magazine. After two years I realized that my childhood dream to be a writer had become a reality. That’s when I began exploring the world of freelance writing. So I parlayed my experience writing a decorating column into a reputation for consistency, dependability and professionalism and my publication success increased. When my first personal essay was published online, the response from readers propelled me to define my true voice and enhance my penchant for a more personal and conversational writing style. I found my true voice and my home. My column, blogs and articles on content sites have a faithful and growing readership and I remain passionate about the topics I write about.

IT Business Analyst Career Summary

Name: Connie Wirtanen
Job Title: IT Business Analyst
Where: St. Paul, MN
Employer: US Bank
Years of Experience: 16
Education: Cardinal Stritch University, Minnesota State - Mankato
Relevant Work Experience: Business Analyst, Functional Analyst, Software Support, Accounting Manager, Accountant
Annual Salary: Use PayScale's Resource Center to find the median salary of business analyst, to review IT salary survey data, and to find salaries for accounting/auditing careers. 

Have you ever been referred to as a god at work? IT Business Analyst Connie Wirtananen has. While this is probably an exaggeration, it does convey the impact an IT Business Analyst can have in creating overall business efficiency. Similar to an auditing career or accounting job, an IT Business Analyst closely examines company details. But rather than looking for financial faux pas, an IT Business Analyst investigates problems that occur within business systems. Once these problem areas have been identified, a Business Analyst recommends IT solutions to help the company achieve its goals.

The following business analyst career summary is only one example of many job options available to those interested in information technology. Check out IT salaries by industry to explore IT salaries within business or health care fields. Also, if you're wondering how international IT positions compare, check out PayScale's India IT salary report.

IT Business Analyst Job Description:
Connie: I serve as am expert for assigned functional applications, support development of business impact analysis categories and perform ongoing IT maintenance. I provide project and release support, including research, business analysis, test plan construction, test case construction, test execution, issue resolution and status reporting related to application changes. I also interface with internal and external resources to ensure successful completion of testing in accordance with the needs of project sponsors and stakeholders.

PayScale: How did you get started as an IT Business Analyst?
Connie: A friend thought I should leave the accounting world and join the IT world. It was the best career move I ever made. Being an IT Business Analyst, I get to apply my interest in technology to create visible results within my company.

Average Teacher Salaries - Middle School Teacher

Name: Ann King
Job Title: Middle School Teacher
Where: Covington, WA
Employer: Kent School District
Years of Experience: 12
Education: University of North Texas - Bachelor's and Master's degrees.
Annual Salary: Use the PayScale Resource Center to explore average teacher salaries, including the average income for an elementary teacher.

Certain teachers stand out in our minds when we reminisce about our school days. And the most memorable teachers are often the ones who can inspire and ignite an appetite for knowledge. But what does it take to inspire a child's interest in learning?  For starters, it requires passion. Teaching can be a difficult, thankless job at times, with average teacher salaries falling below the salary level for jobs requiring an equal amount of education. However, there is a great sense of honor and reward that comes from teaching children.

If you're interested in becoming a teacher, this interview with Ann King shares an inside look at life as a teacher. If you're inspired and curious, you can explore middle school teacher salaries by state to see how teacher salaries compare by state. For instance, you could compare Illinois teacher salaries to New York and New Jersey teacher salaries.

PayScale: How would you describe your job, or a typical day, as a Middle School Teacher?
Ann: My contract day starts at 7:45. School is out at 3:01pm, but my contract day doesn't end until 3:15pm. On the way in, I check my mailbox on the way to meetings. One morning a week, I have a meeting with the social studies department. Two mornings a week, I meet with a team of teachers to discuss students and pressing matters. I often have staff meetings, parent meetings, and meetings regarding special education early in the morning. The meetings are usually over by 8:10 or 8:15.  Then, before I head to class, I check my email to be sure that I'm not missing anything. I encourage parents to email because it's much more efficient than talking on the phone.

My day is ruled by the bell. You have to try to take your bathroom breaks during passing time (3-4 minutes) because you don't want to leave the classroom unsupervised. At 8:30, the first class bell rings and I usually go stand outside my door to monitor the halls. My first class begins at 8:35 and each class is 55 minutes long. I begin my first class with a "journal write" while I take attendance and deal with students who were absent, etc.  Lunch is sometimes spent working at my desk.  We only have a half an hour for lunch. I'm always the last one out of the classroom, and try to be the first one back.  I try to monitor the halls between classes because that's usually where fights occur.

I teach five classes a day and have a conference period. One hour a day is not enough to plan lessons, contact parents, and grade papers. So, I often do this work outside the contracted time. It's great to have assignments that the students can "trade and grade". Sometimes you have to do "check mark" grades because you just don't have time to read every word.

I've also done extracurricular activities for which I get paid. I directed school plays for four years, and was grossly underpaid. Every year they would cut my stipend, even though my plays got bigger and better, and I made more money for the school. Most districts work the other way - the longer you do it, the more you make. Currently, I am the spirit club adviser. I hold a one hour meeting once a week and plan and run the pep assemblies. I also take a group of students to Washington, DC for five days during spring break. Often, coaches ask for help at sporting events keeping score or running the scoreboard, and I also help chaperone dances after school.

PayScale: How did you decide to become a Middle School Teacher?
Ann: I don't remember this, but my family tells me when I was in grade school and my younger nieces would come over, I would line them up on the couch and play teacher. I've always loved to read and learn. My favorite subjects were always English (it was easy for me) and social studies classes - especially history and geography. When I was in my earlier 20's, I met some women who were teachers. Later, after I had my first child, I got bored with staying home but didn't want to work so I decided to go to college (I had no degree).

At first I thought I would take business courses, but then thought I might as well go after something I might really enjoy and decided to go into teaching. I figured that way my schedule would match my children's. It was a good choice. I was able to spend every summer with my children, as well as holidays and breaks. I've got memories from those times that are priceless.

Since I'm a social studies teacher, it was difficult to find a job at first. There is an excess of social studies teachers, but a shortage of math and special education teachers. I was a substitute teacher for two years before finding my first job.