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Exercise Physiologist Starting Salary Jobs in Riverside, CA

Care Manager - Registered Nurse

Orange, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

The base salary range for this role is $100,000 to $120,000 and reflects the range of experience ... Provide education and coaching around medications, medical conditions, diet, exercise, and ...

Analyst, EHR

Ontario, CA ยท On-site

$70K/yr

Starting salary: $70,304+/yr OVERVIEW OF POSITION: Represents the user interface functionality ... Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality pertaining to work environment. * Ability to ...

Analyst, EHR

Ontario, CA ยท On-site

$70K/yr

Starting salary: $70,304+/yr OVERVIEW OF POSITION: Represents the user interface functionality ... Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality pertaining to work environment. * Ability to ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 4, 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 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.

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 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.

Are exercise physiologists in high demand?

Exercise physiologists are in growing demand due to increasing awareness of preventive healthcare and chronic disease management. Employment opportunities are expected to expand as healthcare providers emphasize rehabilitation, fitness, and wellness programs, often requiring certification and specialized knowledge of exercise techniques.

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 practical experience can improve employment prospects.

Is it worth becoming an exercise physiologist?

Exercise physiologists typically earn a median starting salary around $40,000 to $50,000 annually, with potential for higher earnings with experience and advanced certifications. The role involves working with clients to improve health and fitness, often requiring knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and exercise programming. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in health promotion and rehabilitation, but salary growth depends on location, specialization, and work setting.

Where do exercise physiologists make the most money?

Exercise physiologists tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services, such as metropolitan areas and states with robust healthcare industries. Salaries can also increase with advanced certifications, specialized skills, and experience working in hospitals, sports medicine clinics, or corporate wellness programs.

What job categories do people searching Exercise Physiologist Starting Salary jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Exercise Physiologist Starting Salary jobs in Riverside, CA are:

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:

Social Skills Facilitator

Easterseals Southern California

Ontario, CA โ€ข On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provides instruction within a social skills group and facilitates social targets using evidence-based practices.

  • Generates progress reports, records data, and maintains accurate session notes and billing for social skills participants.

  • Analyzes data from social skills groups to assess clinical effectiveness and updates progress towards goals.


Job description

Easterseals Southern California transforms lives every day. For over a century, Easterseals has championed inclusion and independence-delivering essential services like early childhood programs, autism services, employment and independent living support to more than 29,000 people each year. Through advocacy and education, we break barriers and create opportunities for the one-in-four Americans with disabilities.
Starting salary $70,304 per year.
OVERVIEW OF POSITION:
Under direct supervision, provides instruction within a social skills group; collaborates with the Social Skills Lead in trial exposures; and monitors progress of participants. Contributes to regular lesson planning; writes session notes; and provides training to caregivers and Behavior Interventionists. Analyzes and adjusts treatment plans; generates goals designed to improve social deficits and teach self-regulation of problem behavior. Maintains productivity as set forth by the agency.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Provides direct instruction; facilitates social targets utilizing Behavior Skills Training (BST) and various other evidenced based practices to ensure acquisition of skills. Assists Social Skills Lead with trial exposures of new participants.
  • Generates progress reports treatment plans for the Social Skills Lead; plans, facilitates and leads activities within a social skills group; records data, generates session notes and maintains accurate billing of all assigned social skills participants.
  • Analyzes data from the social skills group for clinical effectiveness. Updates progress towards goals; provides training to caregivers and Behavior Interventionists within the group. Attends planning meetings and contributes to the schedule of activities and routines.
  • Acts as a liaison between organization and families receiving treatment.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:
  • Master's degree in ABA or related field.

EXPERIENCE:
  • 1-2 years of professional experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in a multi-disciplinary team setting.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
  • Expert knowledge of scientifically-validated methodologies and behavioral analytic approaches found to benefit children with ASD; familiar with current related research findings.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)
  • Ability to remain committed to a minimum of 6 month assignment in the Social Skills Group.
  • Able to interpret and implement policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Able to consistently demonstrate good judgment and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to maintain customer service orientation and professionalism in all interactions.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, through oral and written skills, and work cooperatively with a variety of individuals and groups. Must relate well to children and their families and maintain positive affect.
  • Ability to exercise discretion, demonstrate good judgement, and maintain a high level of confidentiality to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation.
  • Ability to pass a post-offer physical examination and a TB test.
  • Ability to provide proof of required vaccinations or positive titer showing immunity. A signed declination may be acceptable for certain vaccinations.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a criminal record/fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation per Easterseals of Southern California and/or program requirements.
  • Ability to travel locally; maintain driving record in compliance with Transportation Safety Standards; maintain auto insurance and vehicle registration.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ADA:
  • Carrying/Lifting:

Occasional
  • Standing:

Occasional
  • Sitting:

Frequent
  • Walking:

Occasional
  • Travel:

Occasional
  • Repetitive Motion/Activity:

Keyboard activity, telephone use, writing.
  • Visual Acuity:

Ability to view computer monitor and read newsprint.
  • Environmental Exposure:

Good working conditions with almost complete absence of disagreeable elements. Exposure to unpleasant or hazardous working conditions (noise, heat, dust, bodily fluids, etc.) less than 5% of work time.