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Entry Level Exercise Science Jobs in Clayton, NC

2027 Intern - Technology

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/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 ...

2027 Intern - Technology

Raleigh, NC

$14.50 - $19.50/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 ...

Entry Level Exercise Science information

See Clayton, NC salary details

$21.3K

$40.7K

$58.3K

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 Clayton, NC is $40,682.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,400.00 and $44,200.00 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 Clayton, NC?

The most popular types of Exercise Science jobs in Clayton, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Exercise Science jobs in Clayton, NC?

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

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Exercise Science jobs in Clayton, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Exercise Science jobs in Clayton, NC are:

What cities near Clayton, NC are hiring for Entry Level Exercise Science jobs?

Cities near Clayton, NC with the most Entry Level Exercise Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Exercise Science job openings in Clayton, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,682 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Exercise Specialist - Duke Fitness Center - part time

Durham, NC • On-site


Dukehealth.org

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 255 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

304th of 895 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Other

Re-posted 9 days ago


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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