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Exercise Physiologist Salary Jobs in Rochester, NY

Head Athletic Trainer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$71K - $96K/yr

Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will ... Bachelor's, Masters or Doctoral degree in Athletic Training, Exercise Physiology, or Bachelor's in ...

Exercise Physiologist Salary information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$12

$27

$46

How much do exercise physiologist salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise physiologist salary in Rochester, NY is $27.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $33.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary of an exercise physiologist?

The average salary of an exercise physiologist in the United States typically ranges from $45,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on factors such as education, experience, location, and type of employer. Those working in hospitals or for government agencies may earn more than those in fitness centers or private practices. Advanced certifications and higher degrees can also lead to higher salaries. Salary can also vary based on demand in different regions.

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

To thrive as an Exercise Physiologist, you need a solid background in exercise science, anatomy, and physiology, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with fitness assessment tools, exercise testing equipment, and often certification from organizations like ACSM is important. Strong interpersonal skills, motivational abilities, and effective communication help build trust and compliance with clients or patients. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing safe exercise programs, supporting health goals, and ensuring positive outcomes for diverse populations.

What are some common challenges exercise physiologists face in clinical settings and how can they effectively address them?

Exercise Physiologists working in clinical environments often encounter challenges such as motivating patients with chronic conditions, adapting exercise plans for individuals with complex medical histories, and balancing administrative tasks with direct patient care. To address these challenges, many professionals prioritize ongoing education, collaborate closely with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, and develop strong communication skills to foster patient adherence. Staying current with evidence-based practices and building rapport with patients are also key strategies for success in this role.

What is the difference between Exercise Physiologist Salary vs Physical Therapist Salary?

AspectExercise PhysiologistPhysical Therapist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Exercise Science or related field; certification (e.g., ACSM)Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree; licensure required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, fitness centers, rehab facilitiesHospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, sports, wellness industriesHealthcare, rehabilitation, outpatient care

Exercise Physiologists and Physical Therapists share some credentials and work environments, but Physical Therapists typically require advanced degrees and licensure. Exercise Physiologists focus on fitness and rehabilitation, often in wellness settings, while Physical Therapists provide more extensive rehabilitation services. Salary differences reflect these roles' education and responsibilities.

Are exercise physiologists in high demand?

Exercise physiologists are in growing demand due to increased awareness of preventive healthcare and chronic disease management. Employment opportunities are expected to expand as healthcare facilities, rehabilitation centers, and fitness organizations seek professionals with specialized knowledge in exercise science and patient care.

Is an exercise physiologist a good career?

An exercise physiologist is a healthcare professional who develops and implements exercise programs to improve health and manage chronic conditions. The career typically offers a stable job outlook, opportunities for specialization, and requires certification such as the ACSM or NSCA. It involves working in clinical, fitness, or rehabilitation settings and often requires strong communication and knowledge of human physiology.

What kind of job can you get as an exercise physiologist?

An exercise physiologist typically works in clinical, rehabilitation, or fitness settings, designing and implementing exercise programs to improve cardiovascular health, strength, and overall fitness. They may work with patients recovering from injury or managing chronic conditions and often require certification and knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and exercise science.

Where do exercise physiologists make the most money?

Exercise physiologists tend to earn higher salaries in metropolitan areas with a high cost of living and greater healthcare demand, such as major cities or regions with advanced medical facilities. States with higher average wages for healthcare professionals, like California, New York, and Massachusetts, also typically offer higher pay for this role. Experience, certifications, and working in specialized clinical settings can further increase earning potential.

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Exercise Physiologist Salary jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Exercise Physiologist Salary job openings:

Infographic showing various Exercise Physiologist Salary job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,188 per year, or $28 per hour.

Exercise Physiologiest

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY • On-site

$49K - $69K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


University Of Rochester rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

129th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

140 Canal View Blvd, Ste 104, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14623

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

500708 CVSL RCPG & Cardiac Rehab

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URC 208

Compensation Range:

$49,916.00 - $69,883.00

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

Prepares to meet the eligibility requirements necessary to sit for the ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) examination or the Certified Cardiac Rehab Professional by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR - CCRP) certification examination. Independently manages patient cases after 6 months of experience, focusing on low- to moderate-risk populations only. Provides quantitative evaluation of the patient's fitness level, including aerobic capacity and muscle endurance/flexibility. Develops individualized fitness prescriptions for center and home physical reconditioning programs. Monitors and supervises patient progress throughout the program and during follow-up.

Essential Functions:

  • Monitors group exercise sessions and daily progress through the prescribed program.

  • Works to facilitate compliance/motivational levels and to progress patients through the program to achieve desired goals and objectives.Reviews medical history, physical assessment, and exercise test data and develops personalized exercise prescriptions and modifies prescriptions as needed based on patient response.

  • Completes CMS/AACVPR required 30-day Individualized Treatment Plans (ITP) reports to ensure program compliance.

  • Completes daily telemetry system-based exercise session reports for patients. Reviews for accuracy, signs them, and sends them electronically into EPIC. Completes billing/charge entry for each patient’s daily sessions.

  • Participates in case management conferences. Participates in Quality Assurance Committee. Participates in weekly patient progress reviews.

  • Other duties as assigned

Minimum Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology/Science or Kinesiology, curriculum dependent and prior internship/observation experience in Cardiac Rehab or Clinical Cardiology required.

  • Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Master’s degree in Exercise Science/Physiology or related field preferred.

  • Experience in fitness testing and development of personalized exercise prescriptions required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills required.

Licenses and Certifications:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) training resulting in receipt of ACLS certification within 12 months, or within additional six months, if granted, if initial exam is unsuccessful, required.

  • Certification by the American College of Sports Medicine with Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) within 12 months, or within additional six months, if granted, if initial exam is unsuccessful, required or;

  • Certified Cardiac Rehab Professional by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR-CCRP) certification within 12 months, or within additional six months, if granted, if initial exam is unsuccessful, required.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

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Learn. Discover. Heal. Create.

Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. One of the world’s leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries—always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better.

If you’re looking for a career in higher education or health care, the University of Rochester may offer the perfect opportunity for your background and goals.

At the University of Rochester, we are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture and are united by a strong commitment to be ever better—Meliora. It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.


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