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Entry Level Exercise Science Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Software Engineer (C#/React)

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

Wellness benefit for gym membership or exercise equipment * Learning allowance for classes ... Bachelor's degree (Computer Science or Engineering) or related experience * 2 - 4 years of ...

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Software Engineer (C#/React)

Chicago, IL · On-site

Wellness benefit for gym membership or exercise equipment * Learning allowance for classes ... Bachelor's degree (Computer Science or Engineering) or related experience * 2 - 4 years of ...

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Software Engineer (C#/React)

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

Wellness benefit for gym membership or exercise equipment * Learning allowance for classes ... Bachelor's degree (Computer Science or Engineering) or related experience * 2 - 4 years of ...

Cccis

Financial Intelligence Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

Finance, Accounting, Economics, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Industrial ... Interest in how a business operates end to end Why This Role Most entry-level finance roles give ...

Resideo

Firmware Engineer I

Aurora, IL · Hybrid

Entry-level professional role responsible for supporting embedded systems firmware development ... Science, or related discipline. Knowledge of and experience with 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit ...

Resideo

Firmware Engineer I

Aurora, IL · On-site

Entry-level professional role responsible for supporting embedded systems firmware development ... Science, or related discipline. • Knowledge of and experience with 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit ...

FTI Consulting

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

... to exercise your entrepreneurial spirit in the workplace? FTI Consulting is looking to invest in ... The internship program at FTI Consulting serves as a key pathway to entry-level consultant ...

FTI Consulting

2027 Intern - Technology

Edwardsville, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

... to exercise your entrepreneurial spirit in the workplace? FTI Consulting is looking to invest in ... The internship program at FTI Consulting serves as a key pathway to entry-level consultant ...

FTI Consulting

2027 Intern - Technology

Joliet, IL

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

... to exercise your entrepreneurial spirit in the workplace? FTI Consulting is looking to invest in ... The internship program at FTI Consulting serves as a key pathway to entry-level consultant ...

FTI Consulting

2027 Intern - Technology

Aurora, IL

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

... to exercise your entrepreneurial spirit in the workplace? FTI Consulting is looking to invest in ... The internship program at FTI Consulting serves as a key pathway to entry-level consultant ...

FTI Consulting

2027 Intern - Technology

Dekalb, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

... to exercise your entrepreneurial spirit in the workplace? FTI Consulting is looking to invest in ... The internship program at FTI Consulting serves as a key pathway to entry-level consultant ...

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All JobsExercise Science JobsEntry Level Exercise Science JobsEntry Level Exercise Science Jobs in Illinois

Entry Level Exercise Science information

See Illinois salary details

$24.2K

$46.3K

$66.4K

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

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level exercise science in Illinois is $46,349.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,200.00 and $50,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

How to get into entry level exercise science?

To enter an entry-level exercise science position, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field. Gaining practical experience through internships, developing knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, and obtaining certifications like CPR or personal trainer credentials can improve job prospects.

Is entry level exercise science a useful degree?

An entry-level exercise science degree provides foundational knowledge in human movement, anatomy, and physiology, which can lead to careers in fitness training, rehabilitation, or health promotion. 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.

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, exercise programming, and sometimes certification in CPR or personal training. Career options include working in gyms, sports teams, clinics, or wellness centers.

What jobs can I get with just an entry level exercise science degree?

Entry level exercise science graduates can pursue roles such as fitness trainers, personal trainers, or rehabilitation assistants, often working in gyms, clinics, or community centers. These positions typically require knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and basic training techniques, and may benefit from certifications like CPR or personal training credentials.

What jobs can I get with only an entry level exercise science degree?

Entry level exercise science graduates can pursue roles such as fitness trainers, personal trainers, or health and wellness coaches, often working in gyms, fitness centers, or community programs. These positions typically require knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and basic training techniques, and may benefit from certification such as CPR or personal training credentials.

What are the most commonly searched types of Exercise Science jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Exercise Science jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Exercise Science jobs in Illinois?

For Entry Level Exercise Science jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Exercise Science jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Exercise Science jobs in Illinois are:

Entry Level Exercise Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Exercise Science job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,349 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Clinical Assistant

Springfield, IL • On-site

Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthotics
Outpatient Health Care • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthoticsexternal

$19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Location: Springfield, Illinois
Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site
Starting Pay: $19.00 per hour
Start a Career Where Healthcare Meets Hands-On Problem-Solving
Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics is hiring a Clinical Assistant for our Springfield clinic.
This is an entry-level opportunity for someone who wants to work directly with patients, learn specialized clinical skills, and build a long-term career in orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics. You will work alongside certified clinicians while gaining experience with patient care, orthotic fitting, therapeutic footwear, casting, medical-device preparation, and clinical documentation.
Previous O&P experience is not required. We are looking for someone who is dependable, compassionate, comfortable working with their hands, and motivated to learn.
This position could be a strong fit for:
  • Certified Nursing Assistants
  • Medical Assistants
  • Physical Therapy or Rehabilitation Aides
  • Athletic Trainers
  • Kinesiology or Exercise Science graduates
  • Individuals with other hands-on healthcare experience

Why Consider This Opportunity?
  • Receive hands-on training and mentorship from certified O&P clinicians.
  • Work directly with patients in a specialized outpatient setting.
  • Learn how orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic devices are prepared, fitted, and adjusted.
  • Gain supervised clinical experience that may apply toward future certification requirements.
  • Receive financial assistance for approved certification courses and examinations.
  • Follow a structured pathway toward greater clinical responsibility and advancement.
  • Join an established, growing healthcare organization committed to employee development and patient outcomes.

What You'll Do
  • Assist certified clinicians with patient measurements, evaluations, device preparation, fitting support, and follow-up care within your training and permitted scope.
  • Help patients and caregivers understand device use, wear schedules, care instructions, and follow-up expectations.
  • Identify fit, comfort, or device concerns and communicate them promptly to the supervising clinician.
  • Support casting, basic lab work, therapeutic footwear services, device preparation, and minor adjustments as trained.
  • Complete accurate and timely clinical documentation supporting patient care, reimbursement, and compliance.
  • Assist with inventory management, supply coordination, and clinic organization.
  • Maintain a clean and safe clinical environment in accordance with HIPAA, OSHA, Medicare, infection-control, and organizational standards.
  • Participate actively in training, mentorship, and ongoing performance feedback.

All clinical activities are performed under the direction and supervision of an appropriately credentialed clinician and in accordance with applicable state regulations and certification standards.
Your O&P Career Pathway
This position is designed to help a motivated employee develop specialized skills and explore several professional pathways within orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics.
Depending on your interests, performance, education, and completion of applicable certification requirements, potential pathways may include:
  • ABC Certified Fitter-orthotics (CFo)
  • ABC Certified Pedorthist (C.Ped.)
  • ABC Certified Orthotic Assistant (COA)
  • ABC Certified Prosthetic Assistant (CPA)
  • ABC Certified Prosthetic-Orthotic Assistant (CPOA)

For individuals whose long-term goal is to become an ABC-Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO), this role offers valuable exposure to the profession before pursuing the required accredited graduate education, NCOPE-accredited residency, and ABC certification examinations.
Certification eligibility and advancement are subject to applicable education, supervised-experience, examination, performance, and organizational requirements.
What You'll Bring
Required
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Strong interest in healthcare, direct patient care, and professional development.
  • Comfort working directly with patients in a hands-on clinical environment.
  • Manual dexterity and an interest in learning how medical devices are prepared, fitted, and adjusted.
  • Basic computer and documentation skills.
  • Strong communication, organization, reliability, and follow-through.
  • Willingness to accept coaching and apply feedback.
  • Ability to stand, bend, and assist patients throughout the workday.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when required.
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Preferred
  • Experience as a CNA, Medical Assistant, rehabilitation aide, Physical Therapy Aide, Athletic Trainer, or in another patient-care role.
  • Coursework or a degree in kinesiology, exercise science, biology, athletic training, or a related field.
  • Experience in a hospital, rehabilitation center, outpatient clinic, or medical office.
  • Familiarity with orthotics, prosthetics, therapeutic footwear, durable medical equipment, or electronic health records.
  • Demonstrated interest in pursuing professional certification in O&P or pedorthics.

Compensation and Benefits
  • Starting pay of $19.00 per hour.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Paid time off and paid holidays.
  • Company-matched 401(k) retirement plan.
  • Structured clinical mentorship and training.
  • Financial assistance for approved coursework and certification examinations.
  • Opportunities for advancement as skills and credentials are developed.

About Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics
For more than two decades, Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics has helped patients restore mobility and improve their quality of life through personalized prosthetic and orthotic care.
We offer the stability of an established clinical organization, the momentum of continued growth, and opportunities for employees to develop meaningful careers while making a difference in the communities we serve.
Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

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