1

Exercise Physiologist Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a highly skilled Exercise Physiologist (EP) to join our Occupational Health and Wellness team at a Department of Energy (DOE) facility. This role focuses heavily on individual ...

Athletic Training, Chiropractic, Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Fitness Management, Human Performance, Kinesiology, Nutrition, Physical Education, Physical Therapy, Sports Management, Sports ...

Current group exercise instructor certification from a nationally accredited certifying organization is required or must be obtained within six months after hire * Current CPR and First Aid ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Exercise Physiologist information

See Kentucky salary details

$11

$24

$41

How much do exercise physiologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise physiologist in Kentucky is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.93 and $29.42 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.

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 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.

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.

How much does an exercise physiologist make annually?

An exercise physiologist's average annual salary in the United States is around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, certification, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on location, specialization, and whether they work in clinical, fitness, or research environments.

Is being an exercise physiologist a good career?

Exercise physiologists assess 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 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.

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 most commonly searched types of Exercise Physiologist jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Exercise Physiologist jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Exercise Physiologist jobs in Kentucky?

For Exercise Physiologist jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Exercise Physiologist jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Exercise Physiologist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Exercise Physiologist jobs in KY?

For Exercise Physiologist jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Exercise Physiologist job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, and 37% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,221 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Exercise Physiologist

HealthWorks Medical

Kevil, KY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled Exercise Physiologist (EP) to join our Occupational Health and Wellness team at a Department of Energy (DOE) facility. This role focuses heavily on individual performance, occupational safety, injury prevention, and physical readiness of Protective Force personnel, Firefighters, and emergency response teams.  The Exercise Physiologist will design, implement, and monitor physical fitness and training programs for site Protective Force personnel. Operating under the clinical oversight and direction of the Medical Director,            this role ensures all security personnel meet and maintain the rigorous physical readiness standards mandated by CFR Part 1046.

This position provides an opportunity to apply exercise science, performance testing, and conditioning principles in a unique occupation             setting supporting Protective Force Personnel, Firefighters, and emergency response team.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance: Demonstrated knowledge of, or ability to learn, federal physical readiness standards under DOE directives and 10 CFR 1046.16

Reporting Structure: Ability to communicate complex physiological data and assessment results clearly to the PPMD, management, and individual security officers.

Tactical Conditioning: Designing, supervising, and implementing advanced strength, endurance, and agility programs tailored for tactical athletes and first responders.

 Develop individualized exercise prescriptions and progressive conditioning programs based on fitness assessments, job demands, and individual performance

Physical Readiness Testing: Administer, score, interpret, and document standardized Physical Ability/ Readiness Tests in accordance with applicable DOE code of federal regulations (CFR) and facility requirements.

Biometric Performance Assessments: Conduct metabolic testing, cardiorespiratory (VO2 Max) evaluations, stress testing, and body composition analyses.  Track client vitals like heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels during testing.

Clinical Collaboration: Coordinate directly with the PPMD and Designated Physicians to review medical clearances, restriction parameters, and individualized fitness-for-duty plans.

Injury Prevention: Deliver training on injury prevention, proper biomechanics, and operational conditioning to optimize force readiness and reduce workplace injuries.

Teach proper lifting form to prevent injuries

 Remedial Training: Design and supervise structured remedial physical conditioning programs for personnel who fail to meet readiness standards or require physical rehabilitation.

 Structural Reports: Develop lesson plans, track fitness metrics, maintain accurate participant records, and generate routine reports on individual and workforce physical readiness and progress

 Health Education: Deliver training on nutrition, hydration, sleep hygiene, and stress management for high-performance personnel.

Facility Oversight: Maintain, calibrate, and ensure safety protocols for all testing and training equipment within the facility’s training center.

Education:  Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or a closely related field.
Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience individual or group fitness training, first responders, military, or other physically demanding
                     occupations
                    Experience conducting VO2max, metabolic body composition,or physical readiness testing 

                   Experience developing strength and conditioning programs, able to provide professional guidance and ongoing counseling
                   on nutrition, healthy eating habits, and lifestyle modifications

 Required Qualifications
   Certified Personal Trainer certification from an NCCA –accredited organization
   Must possess or be able to obtain a valid BLS certification
 Core Competencies:
  Ability to interpret and apply DOE/NNSA physical readiness standards
  Knowledge of medical certification and disqualification procedures
 Capacity to work under the Medical Directors oversight and in compliance with DOE/NNSA policies
 Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel,PowerPoint, Outlook)
 Strong interpersonal communication skills                                                                                                                                                                                             Excellent verbal coaching abilities                                                                                                                                                                                                           Highly organized with strong time-management and prioritization capabilities
 Attention to detail
 Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Working Conditions & Physical Demands
 Must be able to demonstrate exercises and lift 50 pounds.
 Work environment includes indoor training facilities and occasional outdoor training