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Applied Exercise Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Education or applied experience in the field of physiology, sports science, or exercise science. Physical Requirements * Ongoing need for employee to see and read information, labels, assess patient ...

Academy of Applied Personal Training Education * AFFA-Aerobics and Fitness Association of America ... ISSA International Sport Sciences Association * NETA - National Exercise Trainers Association

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Applied Exercise Science information

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$39K

$62.5K

$87.5K

How much do applied exercise science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for applied exercise science in the United States is $62,542.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can you do with an applied exercise science degree?

An applied exercise science degree prepares individuals for careers in fitness training, sports coaching, rehabilitation, and health promotion. Graduates can work as personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, physical therapy assistants, or wellness coordinators, often requiring certifications like CPR or specialized licenses. The degree provides knowledge of human movement, anatomy, and exercise programming, suitable for work in gyms, sports teams, clinics, or community health settings.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for professionals in applied exercise science roles?

Professionals in applied exercise science often spend their days assessing clients’ fitness levels, designing personalized exercise programs, and monitoring client progress. They may also conduct fitness testing, provide instruction on proper exercise techniques, and collaborate with other health professionals such as physical therapists or nutritionists to ensure holistic care. Additionally, they often track outcomes and adjust programs based on client feedback and performance, making adaptability and communication key parts of the role.

What is applied exercise science?

Applied Exercise Science is a field focused on the study of how the human body responds and adapts to physical activity, exercise, and sports. Professionals in this area use scientific principles to assess fitness, improve athletic performance, prevent injuries, and promote overall health. This discipline combines knowledge from physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and psychology to create effective exercise programs for individuals and groups. Graduates can work in settings like sports teams, rehabilitation centers, fitness facilities, or pursue further education in allied health professions.

What is the difference between Applied Exercise Science vs Personal Trainer?

AspectApplied Exercise SciencePersonal Trainer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in exercise science or related field; certifications like ACSM or NSCACertification from NASM, ACE, or ISSA; often requires CPR/AED
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, healthcare settings, fitness facilitiesGyms, fitness centers, private clients, outdoor settings
Industry UsageAcademic, research, clinical, sports performancePersonal fitness training, client coaching, health improvement

Applied Exercise Science focuses on research, clinical applications, and sports performance, often requiring advanced degrees and certifications. Personal Trainers primarily work directly with clients to improve fitness and health, typically with certification programs. While both roles promote physical activity, Applied Exercise Science emphasizes scientific understanding and research, whereas Personal Trainers focus on individualized fitness coaching.

What is the highest-paying kinesiology job?

The highest-paying kinesiology-related job is often a sports medicine physician or orthopedic surgeon, but among exercise science roles, exercise physiologists working in clinical or corporate wellness settings can earn high salaries, especially with advanced certifications and experience. Athletic trainers and strength and conditioning coaches in professional sports or high-level institutions also tend to have higher earnings. Salaries vary based on location, education, and specialization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Applied Exercise Science professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Applied Exercise Science professional, you need a solid background in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Experience with fitness assessment tools, exercise prescription software, and certifications like ACSM or NSCA are commonly expected. Strong interpersonal skills, motivational ability, and clear communication help you effectively guide clients and collaborate with healthcare teams. These skills ensure safe, evidence-based training programs that promote optimal health outcomes and client satisfaction.

What jobs can you do as an exercise scientist?

Exercise scientists can work in roles such as exercise physiologists, sports scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, and rehabilitation specialists. They often work in clinical, sports, or fitness settings, utilizing knowledge of human physiology, biomechanics, and exercise programming, sometimes requiring certifications like ACSM or NSCA. These roles involve designing and implementing exercise programs to improve health, performance, or recovery.

What is the highest-paying job in exercise science?

The highest-paying jobs in exercise science typically include sports medicine physicians, exercise physiologists with advanced certifications, and clinical exercise specialists working in healthcare settings. These roles often require advanced degrees, specialized certifications, and extensive experience, with salaries exceeding $70,000 annually depending on location and expertise.
More about Applied Exercise Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Applied Exercise Science jobs? Cities with the most Applied Exercise Science job openings:
What states have the most Applied Exercise Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Applied Exercise Science jobs include:
Infographic showing various Applied Exercise Science job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,542 per year, or $30.1 per hour.
Exercise and Sport Sciences Affiliate Instructor

Exercise and Sport Sciences Affiliate Instructor

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

DepartmentHuman Performance & Sports

By applying to this posting, you are entering an applicant pool for affiliate faculty. Screening of applicants will take place when positions come available. The number of these temporary, part-time, non-tenure track academic positions varies from semester to semester, depending on the needs of the program. As such, not everyone in the applicant pool for this position will be contacted and/or selected to teach.

About the University

Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado's extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today's college students.

Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.

About the Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences

The Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences (ESS) offers undergraduate degrees in Exercise Science and Sport Management. Our Sport Management program is accredited by COSMA, and our Exercise Science program is accredited by CAAHEP-CoAES and recognized by the NSCA's ERP program for Strength and Conditioning. We are comprised of 12 full time faculty members, three staff members and a group of dedicated affiliate/adjunct faculty. We value and maintain a collaborative and inclusive team environment. The Department of ESS supports well equipped labs and we pride itself on outstanding teaching, quality applied research and a learn by doing philosophy.

Position Summary

The Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) invites applications for part-time affiliate faculty teaching positions in our degree program areas of Exercise Science and Sport Management.We are seeking part-time, affiliate instructors in all content areas across the curriculum.

For more information about the Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences, please visit: https://www.msudenver.edu/exercise-sport-sciences.

Responsibilities

An affiliate faculty member's duties may include but are not limited to: teaching assigned classes in person or online by delivering course content to students, preparing course materials and lesson plans, grading student work, providing students with robust feedback in a timely manner, addressing student questions consistent with university, college/school, and department policies, and providing online or in person academic support to students as needed and appropriate for the teaching assignment; providing instruction in assigned classes consistent with the content and learning objectives of the regular course syllabus and, if required, with department course coordination policies; and complying with university-wide student evaluation of instruction policies and peer observation policies. The ability to adapt and learn new modes of instruction is highly encouraged. Candidates need to be sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse student population.

Required Qualifications

  • Successful candidates must have a minimum of a Master's degree in Exercise Science, Sport Management, or a closely related field
  • Teaching experience in the required discipline and content area

Terms of Employment

Affiliate faculty are part-time, at-will employees hired to teach on a per credit hour basis for specific classes, usually on a semester-by-semester basis. Affiliate faculty are not eligible for benefit coverage under the University's benefit program. All such teaching assignments are dependent on budget and enrollment.

Qualified candidates will be expected to teach in person/on campus upon hire.

Salary for Announcement

The final salary is based on the number of credit hours assigned at a rate determined by university policy.
Rate of pay per credit hour assignment can be between $1264 - $1482.

For more information, please view pay rates under the College of Health and Human Sciences (CHHS): Affiliate-Rates-AY-25-26

How to Apply

Candidates must apply online through MSU Denver's career site, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers.Complete applications will include the following materials:

  • Curriculum vitae

  • Cover letter

  • Copies of all unofficial transcripts

  • A list of three professional references and their contact information

Applicants will notice on the application portal there is one location (the resume/cover letter submission field) to upload all required materials. Multiple documents can be submitted into this one field; alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF and upload. Once submitted, you will not be able to edit your application.

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting RepresentativeKatie Lynch Posting Representative Emailklynch24@msudenver.edu Benefits

The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as accessto a long-term disability (LTD) plan.Visit MSU Denver'sbenefits websiteto learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator attotalrewards@msudenver.edu.

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.