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Entry Level Exercise Science Jobs in North Carolina

We are seeking a friendly and hardworking individual who is looking for an entry-level career ... An interest in the field of physical therapy and a background in Exercise Science is preferred but ...

... for an entry-level career opportunity in an outpatient setting. This individual would be ... An interest in the field of physical therapy and a background in Exercise Science is preferred but ...

... for an entry-level career opportunity in an outpatient setting. This individual would be ... An interest in the field of physical therapy and a background in Exercise Science is preferred but ...

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Entry Level Exercise Science information

See North Carolina salary details

$22.7K

$43.5K

$62.3K

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

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level exercise science in North Carolina is $43,469.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,800.00 and $47,300.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Exercise Science jobs in North Carolina? The most popular types of Exercise Science jobs in North Carolina are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Exercise Science jobs in North Carolina? For Entry Level Exercise Science jobs in North Carolina, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Entry Level Exercise Science jobs? Cities in North Carolina with the most Entry Level Exercise Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Exercise Science job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,469 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Exercise Specialist - Duke Fitness Center - part time

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

484th of 616 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

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US