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Exercise Physiology Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

... physiology and body mechanics. • Performance of a variety of exercise routines. • Positive and effective interpersonal communication skills. • Ability to operate and troubleshoot audio ...

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Exercise Physiology information

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$12

$27

$46

How much do exercise physiology jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise physiology in Raleigh, NC is $27.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.10 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is exercise physiology?

Exercise physiology is the study of how the body responds and adapts to physical activity and exercise. It involves understanding how different systems—such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular systems—function during movement and training. Exercise physiologists use this knowledge to help people improve fitness, manage chronic diseases, enhance athletic performance, and recover from injuries. They often work in healthcare settings, sports organizations, research, or fitness centers.

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 strong background in human anatomy, physiology, and exercise science, usually supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in exercise physiology or a related field. Familiarity with exercise testing equipment, data analysis software, and, in some cases, certifications such as ACSM-EP are standard requirements. Excellent interpersonal skills, motivational ability, and clear communication are crucial for effectively educating and guiding clients or patients. These skills and qualifications are important to ensure safe, evidence-based interventions and meaningful health outcomes for diverse populations.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by exercise physiologists when designing client programs?

Exercise physiologists often face challenges such as tailoring exercise plans to fit clients with complex medical histories or multiple health conditions, ensuring programs are both safe and effective. Time constraints during assessments and follow-up sessions can also make it difficult to monitor progress and adjust routines. Additionally, motivating clients to adhere to prescribed programs outside of sessions and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care are frequent aspects of the role. Overcoming these challenges requires strong communication skills, up-to-date knowledge of best practices, and adaptability in program design.

What is the difference between Exercise Physiology vs Physical Therapy?

AspectExercise PhysiologyPhysical Therapy
CredentialsCertified Exercise Physiologist (CEP), Bachelor's or Master's in Exercise ScienceLicensed Physical Therapist (PT), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Work EnvironmentClinics, gyms, sports teams, rehabilitation centersHospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab centers
Industry UsageHealth promotion, sports performance, rehabilitationRehabilitation, injury recovery, pain management

Exercise physiologists focus on improving overall fitness, health, and performance through exercise programs, while physical therapists specialize in rehabilitating injuries and restoring mobility. Both roles require related certifications and often work in healthcare or fitness settings, but their primary goals and patient interactions differ.

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 influence earning potential, and many work in clinical, rehabilitation, or fitness environments.

Is exercise physiology a good career?

Exercise physiology is a growing field focused on applying exercise principles to improve health and performance, often requiring certification and knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. It offers opportunities in clinical, sports, and wellness settings, with job stability increasing as awareness of preventive health expands.

What exactly does an exercise physiologist do?

An exercise physiologist assesses individuals' fitness levels and develops personalized exercise programs to improve health, manage chronic diseases, or enhance athletic performance. They often work in clinical, rehabilitation, or fitness settings and may require certification such as the Certified Exercise Physiologist credential.

What jobs come from exercise physiology?

Exercise physiology graduates can pursue careers such as clinical exercise physiologists, sports scientists, rehabilitation specialists, and fitness trainers. These roles often involve assessing physical fitness, developing exercise programs, and working in healthcare, sports, or wellness settings, sometimes requiring certification or licensure. The field emphasizes knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and exercise techniques to improve health and performance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Exercise Physiology jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Exercise Physiology jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Exercise Physiology jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Exercise Physiology job openings:

Infographic showing various Exercise Physiology job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,328 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Pediatric Cardiologist with Interest in Exercise Physiology

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Duke Health rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 256 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Join Duke Pediatric Cardiology!

Duke Children’s Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center
Duke University Medical Center – Durham, North Carolina

The Division of Pediatric Cardiology in the Duke Department of Pediatrics invites applications for a Pediatric Cardiologist with interest or expertise in exercise physiology. This position will be based within Duke Children’s Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. This is an exceptional opportunity to join and help expand a nationally recognized, academically driven pediatric and congenital heart program within a premier academic health system.

Position Overview

The successful candidate will contribute to the clinical, academic, and programmatic growth of pediatric exercise physiology within a comprehensive pediatric and congenital heart program. The role will include participation in the evaluation and management of children, adolescents, and young adults with congenital and acquired heart disease, with particular emphasis on cardiopulmonary exercise testing, functional assessment, exercise counseling, return-to-activity guidance, and longitudinal care for patients with complex cardiovascular conditions.

Qualifications

  • MD or MD/PhD with board certification or eligibility in Pediatric Cardiology
  • Interest, advanced training, or demonstrated experience in exercise physiology, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, preventive cardiology, sports cardiology, or related areas
  • Experience in the clinical evaluation and management of children and young adults with congenital or acquired cardiovascular disease
  • Strong interest in academic medicine, including clinical program development, education, quality improvement, and research

Candidates with experience in cardiopulmonary exercise testing, exercise prescription, Fontan physiology, cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension, syncope, sports participation assessment, or multidisciplinary exercise programs are particularly encouraged to apply.

Clinical and Academic Responsibilities

The Pediatric Cardiologist will:

  • Participate in the clinical evaluation of patients referred for exercise testing, exercise intolerance, syncope, sports clearance, functional limitation, and cardiopulmonary symptoms
  • Support and help grow pediatric exercise physiology services, including cardiopulmonary exercise testing, interpretation of exercise data, exercise counseling, and collaboration with exercise physiologists and multidisciplinary care teams
  • Provide additional clinical service based on interest and program needs, with opportunities in inpatient or outpatient general cardiology, cardiac imaging, pulmonary hypertension, and adult congenital heart disease
  • Participate in the education and mentorship of fellows, residents, medical students, and allied health professionals and contribute to academic work in exercise physiology, outcomes, quality improvement, and clinical research

Programmatic Environment

Duke Children’s Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center serves a large and diverse pediatric and adult congenital population across North Carolina and the Southeast. The program has a longstanding history of excellence in patient care, research, and training, with comprehensive clinical services spanning general cardiology, imaging, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure and transplant, adult congenital heart disease, and cardiothoracic surgery. There is close collaboration with:

  • Division of Pediatric Cardiology
  • Division of Adult Cardiology and Adult Congenital Heart Disease
  • Pediatric and Adult Electrophysiology
  • Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Pediatric Exercise Physiology Laboratory and related multidisciplinary exercise programs
  • Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Program
  • Duke Clinical Research Institute

The role offers a highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment across the Duke campus, with opportunities to build or expand a focused academic niche in exercise physiology while maintaining a broader clinical role aligned with the candidate’s experience and program priorities.

Compensation and Academic Appointment

Duke offers a competitive and flexible compensation plan that rewards clinical productivity and academic achievement. Faculty rank and salary will be commensurate with training, experience, and the focus of the role. Faculty members enjoy comprehensive Duke benefits, including retirement planning, health insurance, CME support, relocation assistance, and tuition assistance for dependent children.

About Duke

Duke University Medical Center is consistently ranked among the nation’s leading academic medical centers. Durham and the Research Triangle region offer an outstanding quality of life, excellent schools, and a vibrant academic and cultural environment.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

PLEASE NOTE: To be considered for this position, please attach your CV, select SUBMIT APPLICATION, and complete the application questions. 

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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