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Contract Exercise Physiologist Jobs in California

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Contract Exercise Physiologist information

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$12

$27

$46

How much do contract exercise physiologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract 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 contract exercise physiologist?

Contract exercise physiologists are professionals who specialize in designing and implementing exercise programs to improve patients' health, typically working on a contractual basis rather than as full-time employees. They may be hired by hospitals, clinics, fitness centers, or corporate wellness programs to assess clients' fitness levels, develop tailored exercise plans, and monitor progress. Their work often focuses on individuals with chronic diseases or injuries, helping them recover physical function and promote overall wellness. The contract nature of their employment allows for flexibility and the ability to work with multiple organizations or clients.

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

To thrive as a Contract Exercise Physiologist, you need a solid background in exercise science, physiology, and program design, typically supported by a relevant degree and certification such as ACSM or NSCA. Familiarity with fitness assessment tools, data management software, and health monitoring systems is commonly required. Excellent interpersonal skills, motivation, and adaptability help build rapport and tailor programs to diverse client needs. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering effective health interventions, ensuring client safety, and maintaining professional credibility in varied contract settings.

What are some common challenges faced by contract exercise physiologists when working with diverse client populations?

Contract exercise physiologists often encounter the challenge of adapting exercise programs to suit clients with varying health backgrounds, fitness levels, and goals. Since contract roles may involve working across multiple sites or with different organizations, flexibility and strong communication skills are essential to quickly build rapport and understand each client’s unique needs. Additionally, contract professionals must be adept at managing their own schedules and maintaining thorough documentation to ensure continuity of care and compliance with industry standards. Collaborating effectively with healthcare providers and other fitness professionals is also important to deliver well-rounded support for clients.

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

AspectContract Exercise PhysiologistCardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
CredentialsExercise Science degree, certification (e.g., ACSM, NSCA)Exercise Science degree, certification, plus specialized cardiac rehab training
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, sports facilities, outpatient centersHospitals, cardiac rehab centers, outpatient clinics
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, fitness centers, sports organizationsHospitals, cardiac rehab programs, healthcare systems

Both roles involve designing exercise programs for health and recovery, often requiring similar certifications. However, Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialists focus specifically on patients recovering from heart conditions, often working within cardiac rehab programs, while Contract Exercise Physiologists may work in broader settings with diverse populations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Exercise Physiologist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Exercise Physiologist jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Exercise Physiologist jobs in California?

For Contract Exercise Physiologist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Exercise Physiologist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Exercise Physiologist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Exercise Physiologist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Exercise Physiologist job openings:

Contract Exercise Physiologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Exercise Physiologist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,202 per year, or $28 per hour.

Exercise Physiologist, Cardiac Rehab

University of California San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$87K - $108K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago

University Of California San Diego rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

165th of 620 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Payroll Title:
HOSP LAB TCHN 3 Department:
La Jolla Cardiac Rehab Hiring Pay Scale
$39.48 - $49.10 / Hour Worksite:
Jacobs Medical Center Appointment Type:
Career Appointment Percent:
100% Union:
EX Contract Total Openings:
2 Work Schedule:
Days, 10-Hour Shifts, Monday-Friday
#139551 Exercise Physiologist, Cardiac Rehab
Filing Deadline: Mon 8/24/2026
Apply Now
UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.
UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 5/07/26 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.
Reassignment Applicants : Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.
DESCRIPTION
The Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Wellness Center at UC San Diego Health offers Intensive and Standard Cardiac Rehabilitation and other wellness programs that are designed to help patients with and without heart disease lead healthier lives.
As part of our multidisciplinary team, the Clinical Exercise Physiologist is responsible for direct patient care activities including supervising cardiac rehabilitation patients, conducting initial orientation visits, developing and implementing exercise prescriptions, case management, performing fitness evaluations and educating patients on risk factor reduction, behavior intervention and lifestyle change.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, or Kinesiology.
  • Must obtain ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification within six months of hire.
  • BART or BLS at time of hire with commitment to get BART within six (6) months of hire date.
  • Minimum of two years experience as an Exercise Physiologist in Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation.
  • Understanding and ability to apply exercise principles for variety of adult patient populations.
  • Ability to perform exercise testing parameters such as body fat, heart rate, and blood pressure.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Master's degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology or related field.
  • Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP).
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
  • Must be able to take call, work other shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays at the need of the department.
  • Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $87,404 - $108,743 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $41.86 - $52.08
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
Apply Now
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements. If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.
UC San Diego Health is the only academic health system in the San Diego region, providing leading-edge care in patient care, biomedical research, education, and community service. Our facilities include two university hospitals, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, the only Burn Center in the county, and dozens of outpatient clinics. We invite you to join our team!
Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.
To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community .
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

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