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Entry Level Exercise Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Exercise Science information

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$25K

$47.8K

$68.5K

How much do entry level exercise science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level exercise science in the United States is $47,831.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of teams or professionals do entry level exercise science roles typically collaborate with?

Entry level exercise science professionals often work closely with personal trainers, physical therapists, athletic coaches, and healthcare providers. Collaboration is key, as you may assist in designing exercise programs, monitoring client progress, or supporting rehabilitation plans. Teamwork helps ensure clients receive holistic and safe guidance, and it also provides a great opportunity for learning from experienced colleagues. Regular communication and coordinated efforts are essential for delivering effective fitness or wellness outcomes.

What is the difference between Entry Level Exercise Science vs Personal Trainer?

AspectEntry Level Exercise SciencePersonal Trainer
CredentialsBachelor's in Exercise Science or related field; certifications like ACSM or NSCACertifications such as NASM, ACE, or ACSM; CPR/AED required
Work EnvironmentClinics, research labs, fitness centers, hospitalsGyms, fitness centers, private clients
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, sports organizations, fitness facilitiesFitness industry, personal training studios, gyms
Job FocusExercise testing, program development, health promotionPersonalized fitness training, client motivation, workout planning

While both roles involve promoting physical activity, Entry Level Exercise Science focuses on health assessment, research, and program development, often in clinical or research settings. Personal Trainers primarily work directly with clients to improve fitness through personalized workouts. The certifications and work environments overlap but differ in scope and focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for entry level exercise science?

To thrive as an Entry Level Exercise Science professional, you need a solid understanding of human anatomy, exercise physiology, and foundational fitness assessment techniques, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in exercise science or a related field. Familiarity with fitness testing equipment, exercise planning software, and certifications such as CPR/AED are often required. Strong interpersonal skills, motivation, and the ability to communicate effectively help build rapport with clients and support behavior change. These skills are crucial for ensuring client safety, designing effective exercise programs, and fostering positive health outcomes.

What careers can I do with an entry level exercise science degree?

An entry-level exercise science degree can lead to careers such as fitness trainer, personal trainer, physical therapy aide, or health and wellness coach. These roles often require knowledge of human anatomy, exercise techniques, and sometimes certification or additional training, and they typically involve working in gyms, clinics, or community health settings.

What can I do with a bachelor of exercise science?

With a bachelor of exercise science, you can pursue roles such as fitness trainer, personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, or rehabilitation assistant. These positions often require knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and exercise programming, and may benefit from certifications like CPR or personal training credentials.

What is an entry level exercise science job?

Entry level exercise science jobs are positions suitable for recent graduates or individuals new to the field of exercise science. Common roles include fitness trainers, personal trainers, physical therapy aides, wellness coordinators, and group exercise instructors. These positions typically involve helping clients improve their physical fitness, demonstrating exercises, monitoring progress, and sometimes assisting healthcare professionals. Entry level roles may be found in gyms, rehabilitation centers, community centers, or corporate wellness programs. They serve as a starting point for gaining experience and advancing into more specialized or supervisory positions.

Is entry level exercise science a useful degree?

An entry-level exercise science degree provides foundational knowledge in human physiology, biomechanics, and health promotion, which can lead to careers in fitness training, rehabilitation, or health education. It often serves as a stepping stone for certifications like personal trainer or strength and conditioning coach, increasing job opportunities in health and fitness industries.
More about Entry Level Exercise Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Exercise Science jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level 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 Entry Level Exercise Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Exercise Science jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Exercise Science job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,831 per year, or $23 per hour.

Adjunct Instructor of Exercise Science

Carroll University

Waukesha, WI • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Description
Adjunct Instructor - ESC460 Exercise Science Capstone
Adjunct Instructor of Exercise Science
Carroll University seeks to hire an Adjunct Instructor of Exercise Science
for Fall 2026
Course : ESC460 A | Exercise Science Capstone
M 8:00 AM - 9:10 AM; T/Th 8:00 AM - 9:50 AM
This course provides students with an opportunity to observe and apply skills learned within the exercise science program under the direction and supervision of the Exercise Science faculty. The course is also designed to prepare students for appropriate professional organization certification exams and for post-graduate study in exercise science or other health-related disciplines such as medicine, physical therapy, cardiac rehab, occupational therapy, and physician assistant.
Position Summary
The Adjunct Instructor provides direct supervision and mentorship to undergraduate Exercise Science students as they apply classroom knowledge in a supervised fitness and wellness setting. Working collaboratively with the course instructor, this position oversees students as they conduct preparticipation screenings, fitness assessments, exercise program design, and personal training sessions with clients participating in the Exercise Science Capstone program. The instructor provides guidance and feedback to support student learning while promoting safe, professional, and evidence-based exercise practices.
Essential Responsibilities
  • Supervise and mentor undergraduate Exercise Science students during fitness assessments and personal training sessions.
  • Review student preparticipation screening forms, exercise programs, documentation, and exercise sessions for safety and appropriateness.
  • Observe student performance and provide instruction, coaching, and constructive feedback.
  • Promote professionalism, effective communication, confidentiality, and ethical practice.
  • Ensure compliance with departmental policies, HIPAA requirements, and risk management procedures.
  • Evaluate student performance and communicate student progress and concerns with the course instructor.
  • Assist with emergency response in accordance with established procedures.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, or a closely related field. Master's degree preferred.
  • Current certification through ACSM, NSCA, ACE, NASM, or another nationally recognized fitness or exercise organization.
  • Experience in personal training, strength and conditioning, fitness, wellness, or a related exercise setting.
  • Current CPR/AED certification (or ability to obtain prior to employment).
  • Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position (Pre-employment physical is required).
  • Strong communication, organizational, and instructional skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous experience teaching, mentoring, or supervising students, interns, or fitness professionals.
  • Experience working with diverse populations in fitness or wellness settings.

Physical Requirements
The instructor must be able to:
  • Stand and walk for extended periods during laboratory and exercise sessions.
  • Bend, stoop, reach, and demonstrate proper exercise techniques and equipment use.
  • Occasionally lift, carry, push, or move exercise equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and program participants.
  • Respond appropriately during emergency situations, including performing CPR and operating an AED.

The Program: The mission of the Exercise Science Program at Carroll University is to develop entry-level professionals who can perform a range of health/fitness assessments and prescribe evidence-based interventions across various populations and abilities. Students will possess strong critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills appropriate for multiple settings. The program will prepare students for professional certification exams (ACSM, NSCA) and postgraduate study in exercise science or other related disciplines.
The College: The College of Health Sciences offers undergraduate and graduate programs through seven departments: Athletic Training, Human Movement Sciences, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, and Public Health. The mission of the College of Health Sciences is to educate students to be innovative professionals who collaborate to serve the health needs of their communities. The College of Health Sciences currently accounts for ~60% of University enrollment. A dynamic and growing entity, College wide foci include interprofessional education and practice, the integrated approach to health, innovative learning and healthcare technologies, community partnerships and service to medically underserved populations. To support these initiatives the University has recently renovated a medical arts building to house and support its service learning and Community Health Service programs and partnered with the Waukesha Free Clinic at Carroll University. The College supports the interdisciplinary nature of health science education and has received federal and private foundation grant awards to support these, as well as program specific initiatives.
Carroll University: Founded in 1846, Carroll University is an independent, co-educational comprehensive university grounded in the liberal arts tradition. The Pioneer Core general education curriculum has a strong emphasis on developing intercultural awareness, including cross-cultural immersion experiences. Carroll University is located in suburban Waukesha, 16 miles west of Milwaukee and 60 miles east of Madison. The University serves approximately 3521 students. The University though intentionally ecumenical and non- sectarian in approach, is related to the Presbyterian Church, USA. Candidates must be willing and able to support and advance the University mission.
Application: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. As part of your application, please submit a cover letter, CV and examples of teaching effectiveness. If you have past course evaluations, please submit several that demonstrate your teaching effectiveness. In lieu of course evaluations, a letter from your current supervisor attesting to your skills in the classroom environment.
Requirements
As part of your application, please submit a cover letter, CV and examples of teaching effectiveness. If you have past course evaluations, please submit several that demonstrate your teaching effectiveness. In lieu of course evaluations, a letter from your current supervisor attesting to your skills in the classroom environment.
Carroll University makes employment opportunities available to qualified individuals whose skills and experience make them suitable candidates for placement. Candidates must be willing and able to support and advance the University mission.
Carroll University does not discriminate in any manner contrary to law or justice on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or veteran's status in administration of programs or in the employment of faculty and staff.
The employment opportunities list is updated periodically based on openings. Applications will be accepted only for vacancies currently listed. All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.