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Director Exercise Science Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Trinity Health

Group Exercise Instructor

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$18.16 - $28.14/hr

Leads energizing, fun, safe, and educational group classes as directed by Fitness Manager to ... Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. Minimum Experience: * Required: 1 year of experience ...

Trinity Health

Group Exercise Instructor

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$18.16 - $28.14/hr

Leads energizing, fun, safe, and educational group classes as directed by Fitness Manager to ... Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. Minimum Experience: * Required: 1 year of experience ...

Insight

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Meets with the medical director to review and discuss patient progress and patient exercise ... Master's Degree in exercise physiology (Master of Science in Movement Sciences) preferred.

Insight

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Meets with the medical director to review and discuss patient progress and patient exercise ... Master's Degree in exercise physiology (Master of Science in Movement Sciences) preferred.

Career Site

Fitness Director

Chicago, IL

The Fitness Director oversees all day-to-day operations of the facility, including programming ... College degree in Physical Education, Exercise Science, Health Promotion, or related field ...

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Director Exercise Science information

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$11

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How much do director exercise science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for director exercise science in Chicago, IL is $29.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.00 and $31.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest-paying job in exercise science?

The highest-paying roles in exercise science typically include sports medicine physicians, exercise physiologists with advanced certifications, and clinical exercise specialists working in cardiac or pulmonary rehab, often earning six-figure salaries. Executive positions such as director of exercise science or sports performance director can also offer high compensation, especially with extensive experience and advanced degrees. These roles usually require specialized skills, certifications, and experience in clinical or research settings.

What is the highest-paying job in fitness?

The highest-paying jobs in fitness often include roles such as Director of Exercise Science, sports medicine physicians, and high-level athletic trainers, especially those working with professional teams or in clinical settings. These positions typically require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience, and they offer salaries significantly above average in the fitness industry.

What can I do with my degree in exercise science?

A degree in exercise science prepares individuals for careers such as exercise physiologists, personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and rehabilitation specialists. These roles often involve working in fitness centers, healthcare settings, or sports organizations, and may require certifications like ACSM or NSCA. The degree provides a foundation in anatomy, physiology, and fitness assessment, enabling professionals to develop and implement exercise programs for diverse populations.

What does a Director of Exercise Science do?

A Director of Exercise Science oversees programs, research, and staff related to exercise science within an organization, such as a university, fitness center, or health system. They are responsible for developing curricula, managing budgets, leading research initiatives, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. Additionally, they may supervise faculty or trainers, coordinate community outreach, and stay updated with the latest advancements in exercise science. Their goal is to promote physical fitness, wellness, and evidence-based practices through leadership and innovation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Exercise Science, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Exercise Science, you need an advanced degree in exercise science or a related field, extensive experience in program development, and a strong understanding of exercise physiology. Familiarity with research methodologies, statistical analysis software, and relevant certifications such as ACSM or NSCA are often required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills help you guide teams, collaborate across departments, and effectively manage resources. These competencies are crucial for ensuring high-quality program delivery, evidence-based decision-making, and impactful outcomes in health and fitness initiatives.

What is the difference between Director Exercise Science vs Exercise Physiologist?

AspectDirector Exercise ScienceExercise Physiologist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Exercise Science, certifications like ACSM or NSCABachelor's or Master's in Exercise Science, ACSM or NSCA certification
Work EnvironmentResearch settings, academic institutions, sports organizationsClinics, hospitals, fitness centers, rehab facilities
Employer & IndustryUniversities, sports teams, research institutionsHealthcare facilities, wellness centers, rehabilitation clinics

While both roles require similar credentials and certifications, the Director Exercise Science typically oversees research, program development, and strategic planning in academic or sports settings. In contrast, Exercise Physiologists focus on patient assessment, designing exercise programs, and rehabilitation in clinical environments. The roles differ mainly in scope and work environment, with the director holding a leadership position and the physiologist working directly with clients.

How does a Director of Exercise Science typically collaborate with other departments or professionals within an organization?

A Director of Exercise Science frequently works alongside departments such as physical therapy, athletic training, nutrition, and wellness to create comprehensive health programs. This collaboration ensures that exercise protocols are integrated with broader health and wellness strategies, often requiring regular meetings and interdisciplinary project work. The role also involves coordinating with administrative staff to align resources and reporting outcomes to senior leadership, making strong communication and teamwork essential for success.

What is the highest paid job in sports science?

The highest paid jobs in sports science are often senior roles such as Director of Exercise Science or sports performance director, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills in athletic training, sports medicine, or performance analysis.
What are the most commonly searched types of Exercise Science jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Exercise Science jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Exercise Science jobs in Chicago, IL? For Director Exercise Science jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Exercise Science jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Director Exercise Science jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Director Exercise Science jobs near you

Exercise Physiologist

The University of Chicago Medicine

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

University Of Chicago Medicine rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

264th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description


Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system at UChicago Medicine as an Exercise Physiologist in our Cardiac Rehabilitation department.
As an Exercise Physiologist you will be responsible for the design and implementation of comprehensive programs for patients referred to cardiac/ pulmonary rehabilitation. Duties include supervising patient exercise sessions to ensure safe and effective treatments as well as educating patients regarding proper exercise techniques and health fitness topics to facilitate a decrease in participants' cardiac risk factors, an increase in independence with skills for management of disease and associated symptoms, and an increase in functional capacity.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Performs patient evaluations; demonstrates ability to interpret MD referrals. Identifies rehab and stress testing precautions and contraindications. Obtains all pertinent information from patient chart prior to initial evaluation, including significant past medical history, present medical surgical interventions. Demonstrates technical skill and accuracy in performing basic evaluation procedures. Demonstrate ability to recognize abnormal physiological or psychological signs and takes appropriate action• Duties include scheduling appointments, assessing risk factors for heart disease, performing sub maximal exercise test, data entry and counseling participants regarding health fitness issues
  • Demonstrates knowledge and principles of exercise prescription and clinical exercise testing by safely administering cardiopulmonary exercise tests and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation treatment sessions.
  • Duties include assessing risk factors for cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, data entry and counseling participants regarding health fitness issues.
  • Maintains education plans according to AACVPR and ACSM guidelines and in cooperation with departmental and medical leadership.
  • Maintain cardiac or pulmonary rehab records on each patient in the programs. Includes ability to create individual treatment plans (ITPs), write progress reports and discharge summaries. Also includes timely completion of outcome measures to assess program effectiveness.
  • Complies with standards and regulations of regulatory and accrediting agencies such as AACVPR, ACSM, and The Joint Commission. Demonstrates awareness and compliance with hospital policies and procedures.
  • Completes all L1 and annual competencies
  • Collaborates with Supervisor, Director and Program Coordinator on program and site/system initiatives

Qualifications:
  • B.S in Exercise Science/Physiology or related field.
  • Applicants should possess a knowledge of exercise physiology, nutrition, risk factor modification strategies, counseling techniques and use of educational programs and technologies as applied to cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services.
  • EKG interpretation skills
  • Basic computer skills to allow access to operations and patient monitoring are necessary.
  • Physical ability to demonstrate exercise techniques required
  • Requires appropriate interpersonal skills to enable positive interactions with patients/families, the multidisciplinary team and external contacts.
  • BLS
  • ACLS within 6 months of hire

Preferred Qulifications:
  • Master's preferred with experience or training equivalent to that specified for an Exercise Specialist by the American College of Sports Medicine.
  • One year experience in exercise programming, supervision and education of cardiopulmonary rehab patients desirable.

Position Details:
  • Job Type/FTE: Full-Time
  • Shift: Days
  • Unit/Department: Cardiac Rehabilitation - Hyde Park
  • Work Location: Hyde Park
  • CBA Code: Non-Union

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