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Entry Level Exercise Physiologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fitness Educator

Roxbury, MA · On-site +1

$13K - $78K/yr

Description Greater Clarity is seeking an Entry-Level Fitness Educator to join our HR department ... Understanding of exercise physiology and nutrition * Experience with fitness coaching and support

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Entry Level Exercise Physiologist information

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How much do entry level exercise physiologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level exercise physiologist in the United States is $28.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $33.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Entry-Level Exercise Physiologist Do?

As an entry-level exercise physiologist, your duties are to help plan and assist clients with fitness programs designed to improve their lifestyle or help them recover from traumatic injuries or long-term conditions which inhibit their ability to exercise and strengthen their bodies. Your responsibilities are to work with each of your clients to assess their current physiological capabilities. You then develop a plan with them and guide them through the process, assisting them throughout the program. You also help them understand the nutritional aspects of their lifestyle and how it can contribute to improving mobility and exercise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Exercise Physiologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Exercise Physiologist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in exercise physiology or a related field, along with a solid understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and exercise prescription. Familiarity with fitness assessment tools, metabolic carts, and possibly certifications like ACSM EP-C are commonly expected. Strong interpersonal communication, motivational skills, and attention to detail help build rapport with clients and ensure effective, individualized programs. These competencies are vital for promoting safe, evidence-based interventions that support clients in achieving their health and fitness goals.

What does an entry level exercise physiologist do?

An entry level exercise physiologist works with individuals to improve their physical fitness, health, and overall well-being through exercise and lifestyle programs. They assess clients' fitness levels, develop personalized exercise plans, and monitor progress to help prevent or manage chronic diseases. Often employed in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, fitness facilities, or research settings, they collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective interventions tailored to each client's needs.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level exercise physiologists, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level exercise physiologists often face challenges such as building client trust, adapting exercise plans for diverse populations, and effectively communicating complex information to clients with varying levels of health literacy. To overcome these challenges, it's important to seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, participate in continuous professional development, and actively seek feedback. Being proactive in learning about new protocols and refining interpersonal skills will help you grow more confident in assessing and guiding clients toward their fitness or rehabilitation goals.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Exercise Physiologist jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Exercise Physiologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Exercise Physiologist jobs? The most popular types of Exercise Physiologist jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Exercise Physiologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Exercise Physiologist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Exercise Physiologist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Exercise Physiologist jobs are:
Exercise Specialist - Duke Fitness Center - part time

Exercise Specialist - Duke Fitness Center - part time

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

Part-time

Posted 23 days ago


Duke University rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

437th of 536 rated colleges and universities


Job description

General Description of the Job Class
The Duke Health and Fitness Center is seeking a highly qualified exercise specialist to join our team. Responsibilities include to provide safety for clinical members during exercise sessions and to triage symptoms and vitals for members pre/during/post exercise sessions and providing personal training sessions to a diverse member population. Supporting group fitness classes on land and in pool is an added support.
Work Performed
Level I - Participate in screening individuals' medical histories and current Health status to identify major health risk factors; administer fitness testing procedures and counsel individuals regarding test results and us of exercise equipment, assist with fitness-related educational programs. - Population usually low risk, even though risk factors exist. Entry level work with medical programs, scripts must be co-signed by level 3 Exercise Specialist, Exercise Physiologist or supervisor. Level II - Plan, coordinate and implement the development of exercise and related programs for a variety of special populations and clinical programs. - Perform a wide variety of fitness assessments and/or non-invasive cardiopulmonary tests according to work site. - Responsible for developing safe exercise prescriptions, goal setting and exercise progression for low, medium and high-risk patients. - Able to teach variety of land and water based group exercise for low, medium and high risk clients as required by work site. - Requires co-sign / oversight by Level 3 Exercise Specialist, Exercise Physiologist or supervisor. Level III - Responsible for all exercise requirements indicated in cardiac rehab state license, AACVPR national and ACSM guidelines as applicable to work site. - Able to teach most/all offered land and water based group exercise for low, medium and high risk clients as required by work site. - Recognizes symptom changes & signs of problems. - Knows appropriate medical response / processes. - Initiates first responder care. - Active in program certification process and regulatory agency review as applicable to work site. - Understands care management and interacts as patient advocate for appropriate referrals (non-physician) to other professionals or community services as indicated. - Function as a Team Leader and performs charge responsibilities
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
N/A
Level Characteristics
Level I: • All exercise scripts have to be co-signed by higher-level ES • Lower risk responsibilities. • Significant on the job training takes place at this level. Level II: • Higher level of function and autonomy, but still needs oversight. May have some "charge duty" responsibilities, but not full supervisory responsibility. Level III: • Functions independently in all diagnostic / clinical tasks. • Higher-level function regarding program oversight. • No co-signatures required (unless future national policy requires EP signature.) • Maximum level attained without master's degree or RCEP credential.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in exercise science or related field required.
Experience
Level I: No previous experience required.Level II: Minimum 1-year applicable experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted. Level III: Minimum 2 yrs. applicable experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
Degrees, Licensures, Certifications
Level I: BLS certification Level II: BLS; ACSM certification (must attain certification within 1 year of hire) Level III: BLS (ACLS preferred), ACSM Clinical Certification as Exercise Specialist required
Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

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10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US