1

Cardiac Exercise Physiologist Jobs in California

Exercise Physiologist (Per Diem)

Marina, CA · On-site

$49.01 - $65.57/hr

The Exercise Physiologist (EP) reports to the coordinator of the Cardiopulmonary Wellness Program ... for patients with cardiac, pulmonary, and other chronic diseases. Responsible for orienting ...

Per Diem Exercise Physiologist

Visalia, CA · On-site

$23.37 - $35.05/hr

... 7593 Cardiac Rehabilitation To screen/program members to safe and effective exercises ... Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, or Kinesiology. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES ...

... 7593 Cardiac Rehabilitation To screen/program members to safe and effective exercises ... Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, or Kinesiology. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

New

Per Diem Exercise Physiologist

Visalia, CA · On-site

$23.37 - $35.05/hr

... 7593 Cardiac Rehabilitation To screen/program members to safe and effective exercises ... Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, or Kinesiology. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Cardiac Exercise Physiologist information

See California salary details

$12

$27

$46

How much do cardiac exercise physiologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for cardiac exercise physiologist in California is $27.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $33.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cardiac exercise physiologist?

A Cardiac Exercise Physiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in designing and supervising exercise programs for individuals with heart conditions. They assess patients' cardiovascular health, develop safe exercise routines, and monitor progress to help improve heart function and overall fitness. These specialists often work as part of a cardiac rehabilitation team in hospitals, clinics, or wellness centers, helping patients recover after heart attacks, surgeries, or manage chronic heart diseases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cardiac exercise physiologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cardiac Exercise Physiologist, you need a solid understanding of exercise physiology, cardiac anatomy, and rehabilitation principles, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree and professional certification (such as ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist). Familiarity with ECG interpretation, metabolic testing equipment, and electronic health records is essential for monitoring and documenting patient progress. Outstanding interpersonal communication, empathy, and the ability to motivate patients set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are critical for safely guiding cardiac patients through rehabilitation and promoting positive health outcomes.

How does a cardiac exercise physiologist collaborate with other healthcare professionals in a cardiac rehabilitation setting?

Cardiac Exercise Physiologists work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including cardiologists, nurses, physical therapists, and dietitians, to develop and implement tailored exercise programs for patients recovering from cardiac events. They regularly communicate patient progress, share assessment findings, and adjust exercise prescriptions based on input from the broader care team. This collaborative approach ensures that each patient's rehabilitation plan is safe, effective, and aligned with their overall treatment goals, fostering a supportive work environment and comprehensive patient care.

What is the difference between Cardiac Exercise Physiologist vs Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist?

AspectCardiac Exercise PhysiologistCardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
CredentialsCertified Exercise Physiologist, ACSM or CSEP certificationCertified in cardiac rehab, often with additional certifications
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, fitness centersRehabilitation centers, hospitals, outpatient programs
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, fitness, cardiac rehab programsHospitals, rehab clinics, cardiac centers

Both roles focus on cardiac health, but Cardiac Exercise Physiologists primarily design exercise programs, while Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialists often oversee comprehensive rehab programs, including education and counseling.

What jobs can I do with a cardiac exercise physiologist degree?

A cardiac exercise physiologist can work in hospitals, cardiac rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, or fitness facilities, designing and supervising exercise programs for patients with heart conditions. They often collaborate with healthcare teams, utilize exercise testing equipment, and may obtain certifications such as ACSM or CSEP to enhance employment opportunities.

Where do cardiac exercise physiologists make the most money?

Cardiac exercise physiologists tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for specialized healthcare services, such as urban areas or states with advanced healthcare infrastructure. Salaries can also increase with experience, certifications, and working in hospital or private clinic settings. Overall, geographic location significantly influences earning potential for this role.
Infographic showing various Cardiac Exercise Physiologist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,202 per year, or $28 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Company Description

At Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, we know world-renowned care begins with world-class caring. That's why we combine advanced technologies and breakthrough discoveries with family-centered care. It's why we provide our caregivers with continuing education and state-of-the-art facilities, like the newly remodeled Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. And it's why we need caring, committed people on our team - like you. Join us on our mission to heal humanity, one child and family at a time.
Job ID: P145426-3055

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

This paragraph summarizes the general nature, level and purpose of the job.

According to the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP), exercise physiology includes the study, assessment and improvement of human biomechanical movement. Exercise physiology is the study of the human body's metabolic response to short- and long-term physical activity for the purposes of increased athletic performance, wellness, and rehabilitation. An exercise physiologist designs and carefully monitors exercise programs that increase patients' endurance and speed their recovery after a heart attack or heart procedure. Exercise physiologists need a degree and professional certification. The Exercise Physiologist is a staff member of the ECHO Department at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.

Under the direct supervision of the Medical Director of the Exercise Physiology lab and the Director of the OP Heart center, the Exercise Physiologist performs appropriate exercise testing for all ages in the Pediatric Heart Center Cardio Pulmonary Lab for children and young adults. This includes both metabolic and non-metabolic testing as well as exercise echoes and cardiac rehabilitation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.

Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct.

Employee must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the PCARES Standards of the Hospital. PCARES is the foundation of Lucile Packard Children's Hospital patient experience and represents the framework for patient and family centered care.

*Supervises and performs exercise testing (including metabolic, non-metabolic, and exercise echoes) on all patients.
*Supervises and trains medical assistants on 6 minute walk testing and report completion.
*Appropriate and timely documentation of exercise testing reports. Including timely presentation to the reading Cardiologist for final read.
*Supervise and participate in Cardiac Rehabilitation program including patient teaching and direction.
*Assists in setting up procedures, policies and protocols or guidelines for the exercise lab.
*Participates in checking and documenting calibration of equipment function. Participates in research projects and provides testing to research patients as needed.
*Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.

Education: Bachelor Degree in exercise physiology, Kinesiology or equivalent. Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology or equivalent preferred.

Experience: One year of experience in exercise physiology. One year of experience in pediatric exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation preferred.

License/Certification: American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certification preferred.

KNOWLEDGE

These are the observable and measurable attributes and skills required to perform successfully the essential functions of the job and are generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education or licensure/certification.

*Broad knowledge of exercise protocols and procedures with a willingness to learn echocardiography.
*Preferred: Proven knowledge base and exercise leadership qualities and ability to relate effectively with medical. Paramedical, and parent/patient individuals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The Physical Requirements and Working Conditions in which the job is typically performed are available from the Occupational Health Department. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.


Additional Information

Pay Range
Compensation is based on the level and requirements of the role.
Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Typically, new team members join at the minimum to mid salary range.
Minimum to Midpoint Range (Hourly): $73.13 to $82.95

Stanford Medicine Children's Health (SMCH) strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, SMCH does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and the job requirements, and where applicable, in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.