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Exercise Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Analytic Services Inc

Exercise Planner

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$90K - $145K/yr

Participate in planning meetings and develop and present plans documentation * Assist in observer/controller activities and document lessons learned for after action reporting * Support exercise ...

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All JobsExercise JobsExercise Assistant JobsExercise Assistant Jobs in California

Exercise Assistant information

See California salary details

$9

$19

$30

How much do exercise assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 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 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 are Exercise Assistants?

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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Exercise jobs in California? The most popular types of Exercise jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Exercise Assistant jobs in California? For Exercise Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Exercise Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Exercise Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Exercise Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Exercise Assistant job openings:
Exercise Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exercise Assistant job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,596 per year, or $19 per hour.
Exercise Planning Instructor with Security Clearance

Exercise Planning Instructor with Security Clearance

Credence Management Solutions

Lompoc, CA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

At Credence, we support our clients' mission-critical needs, powered by technology. We provide cutting-edge solutions, including AI/ML, enterprise modernization, and advanced intelligence capabilities, to the largest defense and health federal organizations. Through partnership and trust, we increase mission success for warfighters and secure our nation for a better future. We are privately held, are repeatedly recognized as a top place to work, and have been on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list for the last 12 years. We practice servant leadership and believe that by focusing on the success of our clients, team members, and partners, we all achieve greater success. Credence is seeking a qualified Exercise Planning Instructor to support training and readiness initiatives at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB). This role is responsible for developing, instructing, and executing exercise planning curriculum in support of Space Force and DoD mission requirements. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in exercise design, operational planning, and continuity planning, with demonstrated expertise in business continuity, mission assurance, and instructional delivery within DoD or Space/Joint environments. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to ... * Deliver instructor-led training on exercise planning and business continuity methodologies
  • Develop and maintain course materials, lesson plans, and training aids aligned to mission requirements
Provide instruction on exercise lifecycle processes, including: Planning
  • Scenario development
  • Execution
  • After Action Reviews (AARs)
  • Integrate business continuity and continuity of operations (COOP) principles into training scenarios
  • Facilitate tabletop exercises (TTXs), simulations, contingency drills, and mission rehearsals
  • Support development of realistic continuity and operational resilience scenarios
  • Evaluate student performance and provide feedback, coaching, and remediation
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure training aligns with Space Force readiness and resilience objectives
  • Document lessons learned and improvement recommendations
  • Possess working knowledge of the S4S/S7 Training & Exercises Directorate to ensure alignment with directorate priorities and processes
  • Create training products supporting S4S Command Exercises and Wargames
  • Identify and recommend training improvements based on observations, performance trends, and stakeholder feedback
  • Assist with instruction and facilitation in support of S4S/S7 training efforts
  • Plan, coordinate, and participate in activities to identify training needs, gaps, and deficiencies
  • Review lessons learned and after-action reports to extract insights and improvement areas
  • Develop recommendations, training products, and corrective actions to address identified deficiencies
Support S4S/S7 training initiatives and exercise programs as required Requirements Top secret / SCI security clearance is required
  • Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience in lieu of degree)
  • Certified Business Continuity Manager (CBCM - Professional) or equivalent business continuity certification (e.g., DRI CBCM, BCI CBCI/MBCI considered comparable depending on program requirements)
5+ years of experience in: Exercise planning, training, or operational planning
  • Business continuity, COOP, or resilience planning
  • Military or DoD training environments
  • Demonstrated experience in instruction or facilitation roles
  • Strong working knowledge of:
  • Exercise design and evaluation methodologies
  • Continuity of Operations (COOP) and contingency planning
  • S4S/S7 Training & Exercises Directorate processes, priorities, and training support requirements
  • Development of training products supporting command-level exercises and wargames
  • Review and analysis of lessons learned and AARs to identify deficiencies and recommend improvements
Outstanding communication and presentation skills PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Prior experience supporting Space Force, Air Force, or Joint commands
  • Experience integrating continuity planning into operational exercises
  • Background in mission assurance, resilience planning, or emergency management
  • Familiarity with DoD continuity programs and frameworks (COOP, COG, etc.)
  • Experience with after-action reporting and lessons learned processes
Experience supporting S4S/S7 training initiatives, command exercises, or wargame development WORK ENVIRONMENT On-site at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), CA
  • Collaboration with government personnel and mission stakeholders
Fast-paced, mission-critical environment supporting national security and space operations readiness COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
Comprehensive benefits package including: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Professional development opportunities

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