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Exercise Psychologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Exercise Psychologist information

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$10.9K

$92K

$395.1K

How much do exercise psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for exercise psychologist in Virginia is $92,017.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,900.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an exercise psychologist?

Exercise psychologists are professionals who study how physical activity affects mental health and overall well-being. They use psychological principles to help individuals improve their motivation, performance, and adherence to exercise programs. These specialists often work with people recovering from illness or injury, as well as athletes and the general public, to promote healthy lifestyle changes and address psychological barriers to physical activity.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an exercise psychologist?

To thrive as an Exercise Psychologist, you need expertise in psychology, exercise science, and behavioral change, generally supported by a degree in psychology or sports/exercise psychology and relevant licensure or certification. Familiarity with assessment tools, data analysis software, and intervention planning platforms is common in the role. Strong interpersonal skills, motivational abilities, and cultural sensitivity help build rapport and effectively guide clients through behavior modification. These skills ensure evidence-based interventions, foster client engagement, and promote lasting positive changes in physical and mental health.

How does an exercise psychologist collaborate with other healthcare professionals?

Exercise psychologists often work closely with physicians, physical therapists, and dietitians to develop comprehensive wellness plans for patients. They contribute psychological expertise to address barriers such as motivation and adherence to exercise regimens, ensuring interventions are tailored to individual needs. Regular interdisciplinary meetings and shared progress reports are common, fostering a collaborative environment focused on holistic patient care. This teamwork not only enhances patient outcomes but also supports professional growth and learning within the role.

What is the difference between Exercise Psychologist vs Sports Psychologist?

AspectExercise PsychologistSports Psychologist
CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Psychology, certification in exercise or health psychologyMaster's or Doctorate in Psychology, specialized sports psychology certification
Work EnvironmentHealthcare settings, fitness centers, rehabilitation clinicsSports teams, athletic organizations, private practice
Industry UsageHealth promotion, rehabilitation, improving exercise adherenceEnhancing athletic performance, mental resilience for athletes

Exercise Psychologists focus on using psychological principles to promote physical activity, improve health, and aid recovery. Sports Psychologists specialize in mental skills training to enhance athletic performance and help athletes cope with competition stress. While both roles require similar credentials, their work environments and client focus differ, with Exercise Psychologists often working in healthcare and fitness settings, and Sports Psychologists working with athletes and sports teams.

What can you do with an exercise psychologist degree?

An exercise psychologist degree prepares individuals to work with clients to improve physical activity, mental health, and overall well-being through behavioral strategies and exercise programs. Graduates can work in clinical, sports, or community settings, often requiring certification or licensure, and utilize skills in counseling, assessment, and program development.

What does an exercise psychologist do?

An exercise psychologist specializes in using physical activity to improve mental health, motivation, and behavior. They assess clients' psychological readiness, develop tailored exercise plans, and often work in clinical or sports settings, requiring knowledge of psychology and exercise science. Certification or advanced training in health psychology or behavioral therapy is common for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Exercise Psychologist jobs in Virginia?

For Exercise Psychologist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Exercise Psychologist jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Exercise Psychologist jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Exercise Psychologist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Exercise Psychologist job openings:

Exercise Psychologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exercise Psychologist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,017 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Assistant Professor- Sport & Exercise Psychology

Bridgewater College

Bridgewater, VA • On-site

$57K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Bridgewater College invites applications for a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Health and Human Sciences (Sport & Exercise Psychology) position beginning August 10, 2026.
We are seeking an educator with expertise in sport and exercise psychology and experience in coaching or coaching education. The successful candidate will prepare students to understand the mental, motivational, and performance-related aspects of sport, exercise, and coaching in a student-centered learning environment.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Teach undergraduate courses in sport psychology, coaching, and related Health and Human Sciences areas based on departmental needs and your expertise
  • Connect course content to real-world coaching, athlete development, and performance settings
  • Advise, mentor, and recruit students interested in sport, exercise, health, and coaching careers
  • Contribute to curriculum assessment, program development, and continuous improvement
  • Participate in departmental, school, College, and professional service
  • Help foster a collaborative and engaging learning environment for students

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Earned terminal degree in a health sciences field with a specialization in Sport and Exercise Psychology, such as a Ph.D. or Ed.D.
  • Experience in coaching or coaching education
  • Ability to teach undergraduate courses in sport psychology and coaching
  • Strong communication skills and commitment to student-centered teaching

WHAT WE OFFER
  • Competitive salary
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Tuition benefits for eligible dependents
  • A collaborative academic environment

GENERAL INFORMATION: Bridgewater College was founded in 1880 as a coeducational liberal arts college to serve the local community. Located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, just minutes outside of Harrisonburg and within driving distance of Charlottesville, Washington D.C., and Richmond, Bridgewater is home to a total student body of approximately 1,450 from 27 states and 19 countries. Bridgewater students study more than 60 majors and minors, in addition to four graduate programs and 10 pre-professional programs. Bridgewater College is an NCAA DIII school with approximately 40 percent of its students participating in intercollegiate athletics on 26 teams. To learn more about Bridgewater College, visit: bridgewater.edu
APPLY: Complete the online application.
DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Email humanresources@bridgewater.edu
COMMITMENT TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: Bridgewater College, an equal opportunity provider and employer, is a welcoming and vibrant workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Non-Discrimination Notice: https://www.bridgewater.edu/legal/non-discrimination-notice/
ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT AND ANNUAL FIRE SAFETY REPORT: The Bridgewater College Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report summarizes policies on campus security and personal safety, crime prevention, fire safety, and crime reporting, and includes crime and fire statistics for the past three years:https://bridgewater.app.box.com/s/4ma6tlh30y8cat9un192ugo3dm6n29y9
To request a printed copy, please call 540-828-5761
E-VERIFY AND RIGHT TO WORK:
https://bridgewater.box.com/s/479yflkelh9xjxi32ekzbre2wer5fsmz
https://bridgewater.box.com/s/zqyfln3uwpfebahz4drdc37afh4du3im
Bridgewater College has partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to obtain resources to enhance the College's facilities, including the recent addition to and renovation of the College's primary athletic facility. The College is posting the following Notice as required by federal law for organizations which benefit from the USDA's funding program:
NOTICE
If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax at (202) 690-7442, or email at program.intake@usda.gov.

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