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Exercise Professional Jobs in Waco, TX (NOW HIRING)

Exercise Physiologist

Waco, TX · On-site

$21.36/hr

Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online ... Clinical Exercise Programming: Design, implement, and supervise personalized therapeutic exercise ...

Direct Support Professional

Temple, TX · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist people with their personal hygiene and support individuals who can have behavioral challenges and ...

Direct Support Professional

Temple, TX · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist people with their personal hygiene and support individuals who can have behavioral challenges and ...

Strong interest and/or experience in a health-related field (exercise science/kinesiology/fitness) * Outstanding communication and customer service skills * High level of professionalism and ...

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Exercise Professional information

See Waco, TX salary details

$11

$25

$42

How much do exercise professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise professional in Waco, TX is $25.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.37 and $30.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an exercise professional?

Exercise professionals are trained individuals who design, lead, and assess physical activity programs to help people improve their fitness, health, and overall well-being. They may work in a variety of settings, such as gyms, health clubs, rehabilitation centers, or private practice. Their expertise includes developing safe and effective exercise plans tailored to individual needs, providing motivation and instruction, and ensuring proper technique to prevent injury. Exercise professionals often hold certifications in fields like personal training, group fitness, or exercise physiology, and they stay current with best practices through ongoing education.

How does an exercise professional typically collaborate with other healthcare providers in a fitness or wellness setting?

Exercise Professionals often work closely with physical therapists, physicians, and nutritionists to develop comprehensive wellness plans for clients. This collaboration ensures that exercise programs are safe, effective, and tailored to individuals' unique health needs or medical conditions. Regular communication and case discussions are common, especially when working with clients recovering from injury or managing chronic illnesses. Building strong relationships with these professionals can also open pathways for referrals and professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exercise professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Exercise Professional, you need a solid understanding of exercise science, anatomy, and program design, typically supported by a degree in kinesiology or a related field and relevant certifications like ACSM or NASM. Familiarity with fitness assessment tools, exercise equipment, and health-tracking software is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, motivation, and the ability to communicate clearly help build client trust and encourage adherence to fitness programs. These skills ensure clients achieve their fitness goals safely and effectively while fostering long-term engagement.

What is the difference between Exercise Professional vs Personal Trainer?

AspectExercise ProfessionalPersonal Trainer
CertificationsCPR/AED, fitness certifications (e.g., ACE, NASM)CPR/AED, specialized personal training certifications
Work EnvironmentGyms, fitness centers, community programsGyms, private studios, client homes
Employer & Industry UsageFitness facilities, health clubs, wellness programsPersonal training studios, gyms, independent practice

Exercise Professionals and Personal Trainers often share similar certifications and work environments, focusing on helping clients improve fitness. However, Exercise Professionals may have broader roles, including group classes or wellness coaching, while Personal Trainers typically work one-on-one with clients. Both roles are vital in the fitness industry and often overlap in duties and credentials.

What jobs pay you to exercise?

Exercise professionals, such as personal trainers, fitness instructors, and athletic coaches, are paid to exercise as part of their job. They often work in gyms, fitness centers, or sports teams, and may need certifications like NASM or ACE. These roles typically involve leading workouts, providing training plans, and motivating clients or athletes.
Infographic showing various Exercise Professional job openings in Waco, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,355 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Exercise Physiologist

Ascension

Waco, TX • On-site

$21.36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Ascension Healthcare rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 1,047 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

421st of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Your future role at a glance 

Location: Waco, TX

Facility: Ascension Providence

Department: Cardiac Rehabilitation

Schedule: Days | Full-time | Monday - Friday, 6:30am - 5pm


Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 97,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you’ll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.


Benefits that help you thrive
  • Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
  • Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
  • Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
  • Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
  • Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
  • Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
  • Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more


How you’ll make an impact in this role
  • Clinical Exercise Programming: Design, implement, and supervise personalized therapeutic exercise plans, adjusting protocols based on patient status, medication regimens, and real-time physiological responses.
  • Assessment & Diagnostics: Conduct comprehensive pre- and post-rehabilitation testing and data analysis to evaluate patient progress and ensure the clinical efficacy of treatment plans.
  • Risk Management & Education: Expertly identify contraindications and abnormal responses to exercise, providing immediate clinical intervention while delivering health education to patients and the community.
  • Operational Leadership: Oversee department activities and equipment maintenance in the absence of management, ensuring high standards of record-keeping, scheduling, and regulatory compliance.

What minimum requirements you’ll need

Licensure / Certification / Registration:

  • BLS Provider obtained within 1 Month (30 days) of hire date or job transfer date required. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.
  • Exercise Physiologist specializing in Strength & Conditioning credentialed from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) preferred.

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree preferred.

Equal employment opportunity employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

Fraud prevention notice

Prospective applicants should be vigilant against fraudulent job offers and interview requests. Scammers may use sophisticated tactics to impersonate Ascension employees. To ensure your safety, please remember: Ascension will never ask for payment or to provide banking or financial information as part of the job application or hiring process. Our legitimate email communications will always come from an @ascension.org email address; do not trust other domains, and an official offer will only be extended to candidates who have completed a job application through our authorized applicant tracking system.

E-Verify statement

Employer does not participate in E-Verify and therefore cannot employ STEM OPT candidates.


What Ascension Healthcare employees say

Pay

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About Ascension

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ascension is a leading non-profit, faith-based national health system made up of over 150,000 associates and 2,600 sites of care, including more than 140 hospitals and 40 senior living communities in 19 states.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and outpatient health care

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

St. Louis, MO, US