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Exercise Physiologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Physiologist-Exercise

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

... Physiologist in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program in Palo Alto, California and is responsible for independently assessing, developing, implementing, and evaluating individualized exercise and ...

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Exercise Physiologist information

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$12

$27

$46

How much do exercise physiologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise physiologist in California 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 do exercise physiologists do?

Exercise Physiologists are health professionals who assist their patients in improving their lifestyles and maintaining good health. They may work with patients who have heart disease, diabetes, or pulmonary disease to regain their strength and health. Sometimes they also work with amateur and professional athletes, providing training and tips to optimize their performance and prevent injury. Exercise Physiologists evaluate their patient’s health using stress tests and other examinations to assess cardiovascular function and metabolism. After reviewing the results, they design fitness plans to achieve their patient’s goals.

How much does an exercise physiologist make annually?

An exercise physiologist typically earns an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and work setting. Certification and specialized skills can also influence earning potential.

What is the difference between Exercise Physiologist vs Physical Therapist?

AspectExercise PhysiologistPhysical Therapist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Exercise Science, certification (e.g., ACSM)Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), state licensure
Work EnvironmentFitness centers, rehab clinics, hospitalsHospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab centers
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, sports, wellness industriesHealthcare, rehabilitation services

Exercise Physiologists focus on improving physical fitness and managing chronic diseases through exercise programs, often working in wellness and rehab settings. Physical Therapists diagnose and treat injuries, providing hands-on therapy and rehabilitation. While both roles promote health and recovery, their credentials, scope, and work environments differ significantly.

What are some common challenges exercise physiologists face when working with diverse patient populations?

Exercise Physiologists often encounter challenges such as adapting exercise plans to accommodate patients with varying medical conditions, ages, and fitness levels. Communication is key, as explaining complex exercise concepts in a clear and motivating way can be difficult, especially when clients have different backgrounds or language barriers. Additionally, collaborating with multidisciplinary healthcare teams and staying updated on the latest research and protocols ensures individualized, evidence-based care. These challenges require flexibility, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills.

Is being an exercise physiologist a good career?

Exercise physiologists analyze and develop exercise programs to improve health and manage chronic conditions. The profession offers opportunities in healthcare, rehabilitation, and fitness settings, often requiring certification and strong interpersonal skills. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in health promotion and patient care.

What jobs can you do with exercise physiology?

Exercise physiologists can work in clinical settings, rehabilitation centers, sports teams, fitness facilities, and research institutions. They design and implement exercise programs to improve health, assist in injury recovery, and enhance athletic performance, often requiring certification and knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.

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, human physiology, and anatomy, usually supported by a relevant degree and professional certification such as ACSM-EP or CEP. Familiarity with exercise testing equipment, biometric tracking tools, and health assessment software is crucial for daily tasks. Strong interpersonal skills, motivational abilities, and clear communication help in building client trust and promoting healthy behavior change. These skills ensure accurate assessments, effective program development, and positive client outcomes in clinical and fitness settings.

What can you do as an exercise physiologist?

An exercise physiologist designs and implements exercise programs to improve health, fitness, and recovery for patients with chronic diseases or injuries. They assess physical fitness, monitor progress, and may work in clinical, rehabilitation, or fitness settings, often requiring certification and knowledge of human physiology and exercise science.
More about Exercise Physiologist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Exercise Physiologist jobs in California? The most popular types of Exercise Physiologist jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Exercise Physiologist jobs in California? For Exercise Physiologist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Exercise Physiologist jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Exercise Physiologist jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Exercise Physiologist jobs? Cities in California with the most Exercise Physiologist job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Exercise Physiologist jobs in CA? For Exercise Physiologist jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Exercise Physiologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exercise Physiologist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,202 per year, or $28 per hour.

Exercise Physiologist, Cardiac Rehab

University of California San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$87K - $108K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

University Of California San Diego rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

156th of 616 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Payroll Title:
HOSP LAB TCHN 3 Department:
La Jolla Cardiac Rehab Hiring Pay Scale
$39.48 - $49.10 / Hour Worksite:
Jacobs Medical Center Appointment Type:
Career Appointment Percent:
100% Union:
EX Contract Total Openings:
2 Work Schedule:
Days, 10-Hour Shifts, Monday-Friday
#139551 Exercise Physiologist, Cardiac Rehab
Initial Review Date: Thu 8/6/2026
Apply Now
UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.
UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 5/07/26 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.
Reassignment Applicants : Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.
DESCRIPTION
The Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Wellness Center at UC San Diego Health offers Intensive and Standard Cardiac Rehabilitation and other wellness programs that are designed to help patients with and without heart disease lead healthier lives.
As part of our multidisciplinary team, the Clinical Exercise Physiologist is responsible for direct patient care activities including supervising cardiac rehabilitation patients, conducting initial orientation visits, developing and implementing exercise prescriptions, case management, performing fitness evaluations and educating patients on risk factor reduction, behavior intervention and lifestyle change.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, or Kinesiology.
  • Must obtain ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification within six months of hire.
  • BART or BLS at time of hire with commitment to get BART within six (6) months of hire date.
  • Minimum of two years experience as an Exercise Physiologist in Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation.
  • Understanding and ability to apply exercise principles for variety of adult patient populations.
  • Ability to perform exercise testing parameters such as body fat, heart rate, and blood pressure.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Master's degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology or related field.
  • Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP).
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
  • Must be able to take call, work other shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays at the need of the department.
  • Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $87,404 - $108,743 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $41.86 - $52.08
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
Apply Now
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements. If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.
UC San Diego Health is the only academic health system in the San Diego region, providing leading-edge care in patient care, biomedical research, education, and community service. Our facilities include two university hospitals, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, the only Burn Center in the county, and dozens of outpatient clinics. We invite you to join our team!
Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.
To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community .
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 status under state or federal law.
For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an 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; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

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