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Exercise Physiologist Starting Salary Jobs in Riverside, CA

BCBA Social Skills Lead

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$78K/yr

Starting salary $78,000 annually. OVERVIEW OF POSITION: Under general supervision, monitors and ... Ability to exercise discretion, demonstrate good judgement, and maintain a high level of ...

Fitness Instructor

Rialto, CA ยท On-site

$22.79 - $25.13/hr

Salary: $22.79 - $25.13 Hourly Location : Rialto, CA Job Type: Part-Time Job Number: 23-032 ... Completion of 12 units of college level course work in Athletic Training, Exercise Physiology ...

Project Manager

Ontario, CA ยท On-site

$113K - $131K/yr

Hiring Salary Range: $113,300.00-$131,325.00 annual salary (starting salary will be within this ... Demonstrated ability to exercise sound independent judgment. PROFILE OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE The ...

Starting salary $70,304 annually. OVERVIEW OF POSITION: Under direct supervision, provides ... Ability to exercise discretion, demonstrate good judgement, and maintain a high level of ...

Starting salary $70,304 annually. OVERVIEW OF POSITION: Under direct supervision, provides ... Ability to exercise discretion, demonstrate good judgement, and maintain a high level of ...

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Exercise Physiologist Starting Salary information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$13

$29

$49

How much do exercise physiologist starting salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise physiologist starting salary in Riverside, CA is $29.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.59 and $35.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the starting salary for an exercise physiologist?

The starting salary for an exercise physiologist typically ranges from $40,000 to $50,000 per year in the United States, depending on factors such as location, education, and type of employer. Entry-level positions in hospitals, fitness centers, and rehabilitation facilities may offer salaries at the lower end of this range, while positions in metropolitan areas or specialized clinics may offer higher starting pay. Earning potential can increase with experience, certifications, and advanced degrees.

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

AspectExercise Physiologist Starting SalaryPhysical Therapist Starting Salary
Average Salary$45,000 - $55,000$70,000 - $80,000
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, certification (e.g., ACSM)Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), licensure
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, rehab centersHospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices

While both Exercise Physiologists and Physical Therapists work in healthcare settings focused on rehabilitation and fitness, Physical Therapists typically earn higher starting salaries due to advanced degrees and licensure requirements. Exercise Physiologists often have a bachelor's degree and certification, making their entry-level pay lower but still vital in patient care and wellness programs.

Is it worth becoming an exercise physiologist?

Exercise physiologists typically earn a starting salary that varies by location and experience, with median wages around $50,000 to $60,000 annually. The role involves working with clients to improve health and fitness, often requiring certification such as the ACSM or NSCA, and offers opportunities in healthcare, rehabilitation, and fitness settings. The career can be rewarding for those interested in health sciences and helping others, with potential for salary growth with experience and advanced credentials.

Is it hard to find a job as an exercise physiologist?

Finding a job as an exercise physiologist can be competitive, but opportunities are available in hospitals, clinics, and fitness centers. Having relevant certifications, such as the Certified Exercise Physiologist credential, and strong interpersonal skills can improve employment prospects.

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 grounding in exercise science, anatomy, and physiology, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in exercise physiology or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as metabolic carts, ECG machines, and specialized fitness assessment software, as well as certifications like ACSM-EP or ASEP, is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, motivational skills, and the ability to tailor programs to individual client needs are valuable soft skills. These competencies are essential for developing effective exercise plans, ensuring client safety, and helping clients achieve optimal health outcomes.

Where do exercise physiologists make the most money?

Exercise physiologists tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services, such as metropolitan areas and states with robust healthcare industries. They often earn more in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or sports medicine facilities, especially when they hold advanced certifications or specialize in cardiac or orthopedic rehabilitation.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for an entry-level exercise physiologist?

As an entry-level Exercise Physiologist, you can expect to start in roles such as clinical support, cardiac rehabilitation, or fitness program design. With experience, many professionals advance to supervisory or managerial positions, specialize in areas like sports performance or chronic disease management, or pursue additional certifications such as ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist. Ongoing education and networking can also open doors to research, teaching, or consulting roles. Career growth often depends on both hands-on experience and your willingness to seek continuing education or advanced degrees.

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Exercise Physiologist Starting Salary jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Exercise Physiologist Starting Salary job openings:

Clinical Exercise Physiologist (Part-Time)

UC Irvine

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

UCI Department of Environmental and Occupational Health

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.

The Department of Environmental and Occupational Health is a regional leader in research, training, and advocacy for a wide range of topics related to environmental health science and occupational medicine. It is one of the only academic departments that conduct research and provide training in occupational and environmental health science in Orange County. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that environmental factors contribute to 23% of all deaths worldwide and 36% of deaths among children younger than 14 years, underscoring the need for trained professionals to address the major contribution of environmental factors to disease and mortality. As a dynamic and growing department, it strives to respond to this urgent and ongoing need by engaging a robust and diverse community of mission-driven students and faculty.

Your Role on the Team

Under general direction, the incumbent will assist with the execution of fitness evaluations as broadly outlined by academic supervisors. The testing will include, but is not limited to, cardio respiratory stress testing (with and without oxygen uptake measurements), muscular strength and endurance, abdominal endurance, flexibility and body composition measurements. Other measurements may include basic physiological parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight, pulmonary function and resting 12-lead ECG). Monitor patient symptoms, blood pressure and EKG tracing during treadmill testing. Use judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness in making testing decisions, consulting with the academic supervisor on a case by case basis.

What It Takes to be Successful

Required: Knowledge of American College of Sports Medicine Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription Ability to accommodate and manage a variety of testing situations and clients Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills Excellent verbal and written English language skills Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification Experience in administering and interpreting 12 lead EKG treadmill tests Preferred: NIOSH Spirometry Certification (will train)

Total Rewards In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks.

Conditions of Employment: The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment: Background Check and Live Scan Employment Misconduct* Legal Right to work in the United States Vaccination Policies Smoking and Tobacco Policy Drug Free Environment *Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer. The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements. California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act E-Verify Pre-Placement Health Evaluation Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu. Consideration for Work Authorization Sponsorship Must be able to provide proof of work authorization