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Exercise Physiology Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Exercise Physiologist in the Stress Lab is responsible for performing diagnostic cardiovascular ... Master's degree in Exercise Physiology preferred. LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: American Heart Association ...

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Exercise Physiology Lab information

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How much do exercise physiology lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise physiology lab in the United States is $25.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Exercise Physiology Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Exercise Physiology Lab Technician, you need a solid background in exercise science or physiology, often supported by a related degree or certification such as ACSM or NSCA. Familiarity with lab equipment, metabolic carts, ECG systems, and data analysis software is essential. Attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork are vital soft skills for ensuring accurate testing and collaborating with participants and colleagues. These skills ensure precise data collection, participant safety, and effective research or clinical outcomes in exercise physiology settings.

What are typical daily tasks for professionals working in an Exercise Physiology Lab?

In an Exercise Physiology Lab, daily tasks often include conducting fitness assessments, administering exercise tests, collecting and analyzing physiological data, and calibrating lab equipment. Team members frequently collaborate with researchers, clinicians, or athletic staff to design exercise protocols and interpret results. Additionally, professionals may assist in writing reports, maintaining participant records, and ensuring all procedures follow safety and ethical guidelines. The role offers opportunities to work closely with diverse populations and contribute to advancing exercise science.

What is an Exercise Physiology Lab?

An Exercise Physiology Lab is a specialized facility where scientists and health professionals study how the human body responds to physical activity and exercise. These labs are equipped with tools to measure things like heart rate, oxygen consumption, muscle strength, and body composition. Research and testing in these labs help improve athletic performance, monitor health, and develop exercise programs for various populations. Exercise Physiology Labs are also commonly used in academic, clinical, and sports settings.

What is the difference between Exercise Physiology Lab vs Exercise Physiologist?

AspectExercise Physiology LabExercise Physiologist
CredentialsOften requires certification or training in exercise testing and lab proceduresRequires certification such as ACSM or NSCA, with a focus on clinical and performance assessments
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, or clinical testing centersClinics, hospitals, sports facilities, or private practices
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, healthcare, sports scienceHealthcare, sports teams, rehabilitation centers
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding lab-based testing roles and proceduresPatient/client assessment and exercise prescription

The main difference is that Exercise Physiology Labs focus on conducting controlled testing and research in lab settings, while Exercise Physiologists work directly with clients or patients to develop exercise programs in clinical or sports environments. Both roles require related certifications but serve different functions within the health and fitness industry.

More about Exercise Physiology Lab jobs
Infographic showing various Exercise Physiology Lab job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,516 per year, or $25.2 per hour.
Exercise Physiologist Lead

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital Of Chicago rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 991 rated hospitals


Job description

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.
Day (United States of America)
Location
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Job Description
General Summary:
Assists cardiopulmonary exercise lab leadership in the coordination of exercise lab initiatives. Serves as a key resource to the heart center department and department of pulmonary medicine by assuming responsibility for important programmatic functions and the implementation of strategic initiatives regarding current practices, as well as growth and development of exercise lab services.
Performs responsibilities of an exercise physiologist while acting as a leader and resource to other exercise physiologists. Maintains current knowledge of protocols and equipment. Educates staff to department policies and procedures. Possesses a strong awareness of daily operations, workflow, and staffing. Maintains inventory and orders supplies within budget guidelines. Coordinates student clinical rotations and training of exercise physiologists.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Performs exercise physiologist level I, II and III job functions
  • Demonstrates clinical competence by working independently and consistently providing high quality services and treatment in a manner that assures patient safety and assists in diagnosis, treatment or therapies of the patient on and off site.
  • Serves as the primary staff resource for the exercise lab supporting physicians, exercise physiologists and administrators. Includes the following responsibilities:
  • Facilitates exercise physiologist schedule and ensures appropriate staffing coverage for various EST clinic sites.
  • Communicates effectively and efficiently with all cardiopulmonary lab staff members to provide general updates and changes to procedure or policies.
  • Promotes and facilitates educational opportunities which will enhance the knowledge and expertise of the cardiopulmonary lab staff members.
  • Acts as a liaison between pulmonary physicians, cardiologists, cardiology APN's and cardiology AA's to communicate changes to cardiopulmonary lab policies, procedures and protocols.
  • Frequently communicates and meets with lead pulmonary function technician to facilitate exercise physiologist coverage in PFT lab.
  • Frequently communicates with cardiology and pulmonary medicine exercise lab medical directors to discuss ongoing initiatives, program development, policies, procedures, and protocols.
  • Orders appropriate supplies and equipment for all EST clinic sites and ensure proper back up equipment to prevent clinic cancellations due to equipment malfunction.
  • Is the direct preceptor for new exercise physiologist employees and facilitates training and education during the 90-day probationary period to ensure employee competency.
  • Works directly with the EST lab physician directors and cardiopulmonary lab leadership to advance the strategic initiatives of the cardiopulmonary labs.
  • Is the direct supervisor for all internship candidates, working directly with the student and the University to ensure all internship requirements are successfully fulfilled. Completes appropriate documents for intern progress reports and assessments. Actively communicates with university contacts and coordinates university site visits.
  • Helps to create and implement process change with manager. Holds the team accountable to new process changes.
  • Takes initiative and proposes new programs and ideas which will enhance the growth of the cardiopulmonary labs.
  • Participates in project management and program development initiatives pertaining to exercise lab programs and services
  • Maintains appropriate templates, schedules and databases for research and lab compliance.
  • Lead exercise physiologist for research testing and protocol development
  • Tracks scheduling of ESTs to ensure proper scheduling of appointments and booking of clinics.
  • Works with directors of the cardiology and pulmonary labs to develop new policies and procedures which enhance quality of care and integrity of the cardiopulmonary exercise lab.
  • Works directly with cardiology and pulmonary medicine administrative supervisors
  • Works with the Biomedical Engineers to ensure all equipment is maintained properly and is serviced in a timely manner. Ensures follow up on equipment recalls and equipment repair.
  • Work on daily break fixes in the lab including lab equipment/software, communication surrounding template edits, equipment tracking and monitoring, competency checks, policy updates
  • Consistently demonstrates the ability to mentor in an area of expertise. Acts as a role model to students, other healthcare professionals, and the community at large.
  • Assumes other administrative responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by cardiopulmonary lab leadership.
  • Part of the clinical leadership team and takes an active role in listening, coaching, mentoring current staff to help them achieve their goals. Participates in leadership courses to help develop as a leader and expanding our clinical team.
  • Actively participates in professional seminars.
  • Assists with NIOSH course coordination and planning
  • Engages in abstract presentations and other initiatives which highlight department initiatives and programming.
  • Receives positive feedback from performance appraisal about experience and skill. demonstrating the ability to set and accomplish a yearly goal within the division and/or department. Plays an integral role in maintaining or expanding department services or volumes.
  • Other job functions as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Master's degree in exercise physiology or related field. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered in lieu of the degree when the experience has been directly related to the duties of the job.
  • Minimum of 5 years of related experience, 3 years pediatric specific experience required.
  • American College of Sports Medicine Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification required.
  • Approved NIOSH course practicum instructor and course lecturer
  • Proven ability to develop effective systems of coordination, tracking and monitoring.
  • Ability to work well in a team environment and with different personalities and educational levels.
  • Ability to handle a variety of responsibilities simultaneously and without constant direction.
  • Strong analytical, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills required.
  • Working knowledge and skills in Microsoft computer software applications and database technologies.
  • Ability to establish priorities and react promptly to a large variety of requests and needs.
  • Strong ability to work under pressure and manage stressful situations.
  • Strong leadership skills required to delegate tasks as needed.
  • Basic Life Support Certification required.
  • PALS & ACLS certification required within 6 months of hire.
  • Must acquire spirometry certification from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) within 6 months of hire.
  • Ability to travel to outreach sites.

Education
Master's Degree (Required)
(ACSM-CEP) - ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist - American College of Sports Medicine, (BLS) - Basic Life Support - American Heart Association
Pay Range
$31.50-$51.50 Hourly
At Lurie Children's, we are committed to competitive and fair compensation aligned with market rates and internal equity, reflecting individual contributions, experience, and expertise. The pay range for this job indicates minimum and maximum targets for the position. Ranges are regularly reviewed to stay aligned with market conditions. In addition to base salary, Lurie Children's offer a comprehensive rewards package that may include differentials for some hourly employees, leadership incentives for select roles, health and retirement benefits, and wellbeing programs. For more details on other compensation, consult your recruiter or click the following link to learn more about our benefits.
Benefit Statement
For full time and part time employees who work 20 or more hours per week we offer a generous benefits package that includes:
Medical, dental and vision insurance
Employer paid group term life and disability
Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account
Flexible Spending Accounts
Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave
403(b) with a 5% employer match
Various voluntary benefits:
  • Supplemental Life, AD&D and Disability
  • Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage
  • Tuition assistance
  • Student loan servicing and support
  • Adoption benefits
  • Backup Childcare and Eldercare
  • Employee Assistance Program, and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members
  • Discount on services at Lurie Children's facilities
  • Discount purchasing program

There's a Place for You with Us
At Lurie Children's, we embrace and celebrate building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints - recognizing that different life experiences strengthen our workplace and the care we provide to the Chicago community and beyond. We treat everyone fairly, appreciate differences, and make meaningful connections that foster belonging. This is a place where you can be your best, so we can give our best to the patients and families who trust us with their care.
Lurie Children's and its affiliates are equal employment opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Support email: peoplequestions@luriechildrens.org

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