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Exercise Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Exercise Physiologist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

... assist in passing of work-related fitness testing (as applicable). Responsibilities Essential Duties and Responsibilities * Evaluating a patient's medical history and current fitness level

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Exercise Assistant information

See California salary details

$9

$19

$30

How much do exercise assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise assistant in California is $19.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.06 and $20.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an exercise assistant?

Exercise Assistants are professionals who support fitness instructors, physical therapists, or exercise programs by helping clients perform exercises safely and effectively. Their responsibilities often include setting up equipment, demonstrating exercises, monitoring participants, and providing encouragement or basic guidance. Exercise Assistants commonly work in gyms, rehabilitation centers, or community wellness programs. They play a key role in ensuring a safe and motivating environment for individuals working towards their fitness or recovery goals.

What are some common challenges exercise assistants face when supporting clients during fitness sessions?

Exercise Assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting workouts to meet individual client needs, especially for those with injuries or limited mobility. They must balance providing encouragement while ensuring safety and proper technique. Additionally, they may need to adjust to varying energy levels and motivation among clients, requiring strong communication and observation skills. Collaborating closely with trainers and other staff is essential to deliver effective support and a positive experience for all participants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exercise assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Exercise Assistant, you need a basic understanding of exercise science, human anatomy, and fitness instruction, usually supported by a relevant certification such as CPR/AED and sometimes a fitness-related qualification. Familiarity with gym equipment, fitness assessment tools, and client management software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, motivation, and the ability to communicate clearly help create a positive environment and encourage client participation. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring client safety, promoting effective workouts, and supporting overall wellness goals.

What is the difference between Exercise Assistant vs Physical Therapy Aide?

AspectExercise AssistantPhysical Therapy Aide
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certification often preferredHigh school diploma; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentGyms, fitness centers, rehabilitation facilitiesPhysical therapy clinics, hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageFitness and rehab industryHealthcare and rehabilitation industry
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in fitness/rehabAssisting physical therapists in patient care

Exercise Assistants and Physical Therapy Aides often work in similar environments, supporting fitness and rehabilitation activities. While both roles require basic certifications and involve assisting clients or patients, Exercise Assistants focus more on fitness and general rehabilitation, whereas Physical Therapy Aides work directly under physical therapists in clinical settings. The choice depends on your career interest in fitness versus healthcare support roles.

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

The most popular types of Exercise jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Exercise Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Exercise Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Exercise Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,596 per year, or $19 per hour.

Exercise Physiologist

Stanford, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Company Description
At Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, we know world-renowned care begins with world-class caring. That's why we combine advanced technologies and breakthrough discoveries with family-centered care. It's why we provide our caregivers with continuing education and state-of-the-art facilities, like the newly remodeled Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. And it's why we need caring, committed people on our team - like you. Join us on our mission to heal humanity, one child and family at a time.
Job ID: P145426-3055
Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
This paragraph summarizes the general nature, level and purpose of the job.
According to the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP), exercise physiology includes the study, assessment and improvement of human biomechanical movement. Exercise physiology is the study of the human body's metabolic response to short- and long-term physical activity for the purposes of increased athletic performance, wellness, and rehabilitation. An exercise physiologist designs and carefully monitors exercise programs that increase patients' endurance and speed their recovery after a heart attack or heart procedure. Exercise physiologists need a degree and professional certification. The Exercise Physiologist is a staff member of the ECHO Department at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.
Under the direct supervision of the Medical Director of the Exercise Physiology lab and the Director of the OP Heart center, the Exercise Physiologist performs appropriate exercise testing for all ages in the Pediatric Heart Center Cardio Pulmonary Lab for children and young adults. This includes both metabolic and non-metabolic testing as well as exercise echoes and cardiac rehabilitation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.
Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct.
Employee must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the PCARES Standards of the Hospital. PCARES is the foundation of Lucile Packard Children's Hospital patient experience and represents the framework for patient and family centered care.
*Supervises and performs exercise testing (including metabolic, non-metabolic, and exercise echoes) on all patients.
*Supervises and trains medical assistants on 6 minute walk testing and report completion.
*Appropriate and timely documentation of exercise testing reports. Including timely presentation to the reading Cardiologist for final read.
*Supervise and participate in Cardiac Rehabilitation program including patient teaching and direction.
*Assists in setting up procedures, policies and protocols or guidelines for the exercise lab.
*Participates in checking and documenting calibration of equipment function. Participates in research projects and provides testing to research patients as needed.
*Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.
Education: Bachelor Degree in exercise physiology, Kinesiology or equivalent. Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology or equivalent preferred.
Experience: One year of experience in exercise physiology. One year of experience in pediatric exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation preferred.
License/Certification: American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certification preferred.
KNOWLEDGE
These are the observable and measurable attributes and skills required to perform successfully the essential functions of the job and are generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education or licensure/certification.
*Broad knowledge of exercise protocols and procedures with a willingness to learn echocardiography.
*Preferred: Proven knowledge base and exercise leadership qualities and ability to relate effectively with medical. Paramedical, and parent/patient individuals.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The Physical Requirements and Working Conditions in which the job is typically performed are available from the Occupational Health Department. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Additional Information
Pay Range
Compensation is based on the level and requirements of the role.
Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Typically, new team members join at the minimum to mid salary range.
Minimum to Midpoint Range (Hourly): $73.13 to $82.95
Stanford Medicine Children's Health (SMCH) strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, SMCH does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and the job requirements, and where applicable, in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.