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Director Exercise Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Saintfrancis

Exercise Specialist

Yale, MI

Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science or relevant field. Master's degree preferred. Licensure ... maintenance as directed. Support unit/hospital goals by attending inservices, meeting unit ...

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$11

$28

$69

How much do director exercise science jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for director exercise science in the United States is $28.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $30.29 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.
More about Director Exercise Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Exercise Science jobs? Cities with the most Director Exercise Science job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Exercise Science jobs? The most popular types of Exercise Science jobs are:
What states have the most Director Exercise Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Exercise Science jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Exercise Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Exercise Science jobs are:
Director Exercise Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Exercise Science job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,715 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Stretch Practitioner- Exercise Science/PTA

Stretch Practitioner- Exercise Science/PTA

Stretch Zone

Columbus, OH • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 19 days ago

Stretch Zone rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Benefits:
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Training & development

ACTIVELY HIRING! Full or Part Time FITNESS PROFESSIONALS AND EXERCISE SCIENCE MAJORS! PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANTS OR PHYSICAL THERAPY STUDENTS
Attention! Health, Wellness, Fitness Professionals, and Recent GRADS!!
Looking for DYNAMIC individuals in the Health, Wellness, and Fitness Professions, and Exercise Science Majors or related field with college level anatomy and physiology credit course work who want to be on the forefront of a movement that is sweeping the nation. If selected all trainees must pass a week of training where they will learn and test out on our modalities.
Compensation & Benefits: $18-20/hr to start
  • Monthly bonus opportunities if advancing into sales certified position
  • Schedule: FULL or PART TIME
  • 20-40 hours per week
  • Monday - Saturday availability 7am - 8pm, working 6-8 hour shifts

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities
  • AA or BS in Exercise Science or a Related Field with Anatomy & Physiology coursework (Highly Recommended)
  • Fitness industry experience (Highly recommended)
  • Energetic, forward thinking and creative individual with high ethical standards and an appropriate professional image.
  • Well organized and self-directed team player
  • Good educator who is trustworthy and willing to share information
  • Detail oriented individual
  • Strategic contributor in long and short range strategic planning
  • Effective listening skills necessary to elicit options and ideas in support of team relationship

About Stretch Zone: Stretch Zone Is the world's leading source and educator for today's advanced practitioner-assisted stretching, built to provide performance enhancement modalities for health practitioners, massage therapists, trainers and athletes alike, Stretch Zone Method is a proven course of innovative stretching techniques.
This Company Describes Its Culture as: BE MINDFUL
Company's website: www.stretchzone.com
Job Types: Part-time, Full-time
Pay: $18-20/hr depending on experience
Schedule:
  • 4 hour shift
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends as needed

Supplemental pay types for sales certified stretch practitioners:
  • Bonus pay

Application Question(s):
  • Do you have any college level course work in Anatomy & Physiology?

Work Location: In person
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Expected hours: 20 - 40 per week
Benefits:
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunities for advancement

Schedule:
  • 4 hour shift
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):
  • Do you have any college level course work in Anatomy & Physiology?

Work Location: In person
Compensation: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Most stretching methodologies try to wait out, overpower, trick, or ignore the stretch reflex. The proven way to increase performance and mobility is to work with the stretch reflex with the revolutionary techniques available through the Stretch Zone® Methodology (SZM). The SZM Practitioner identifies any postural and movement limitations, then tries to correct or mitigate them through specific applied stretching sessions. With a balanced system the customer will reach their true maximum potential, whether they are an professional athlete, weekend warrior, couch potato, or suffering from chronic pain or illness.
A career with Stretch Zone® means not just meeting and maintaining a level of excellence, but continually improving in skill, to further one's expertise and to advance the industry. As a minimum prerequisite to SZM we recommend a personal training certification in ACE, NASM, ACSM, NSCA or NCSF and/or a license in therapeutic massage or other accredited body work.

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