1

Exercise Psychologist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Exercise Psychologist information

See Washington salary details

$12.5K

$105.1K

$451.3K

How much do exercise psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for exercise psychologist in Washington is $105,120.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,300.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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. They often work in clinical, sports, or community settings, utilizing skills in counseling, assessment, and program development, sometimes requiring certification or licensure. This role involves helping clients adopt healthier lifestyles and manage conditions like depression, anxiety, or chronic diseases.

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.

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 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 programs, and often work in clinical or sports settings, requiring knowledge of psychology and exercise science. Certification from relevant professional organizations is typically required.
What cities in Washington are hiring for Exercise Psychologist jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Exercise Psychologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Exercise Psychologist job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,120 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Operational Psychologist - Ramstein, Germany

Valor Healthcare, Inc.

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Valor Healthcare rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
About Valor Healthcare
Valor Healthcare is a veteran- and physician-led provider of healthcare services for deserving, resilient patriots - including those who serve or have served in the military as well as those who devote their careers to government service. We aim to deliver high-quality care in a way that upholds the health of our nation's greatest asset: its people. Valor works hard to earn the trust of those who have faith in us to care for them with respect and through methods that lead to superior clinical outcomes.
Valor is different because of our people.
Our leadership team is comprised of veterans, clinicians, and business leaders dedicated to providing exceptional care and world-class patient experience.
Many of our colleagues have patriots in their families or are patriots themselves, building a company culture and commitment to customer service that is second to none
Position Summary:
The Physical Therapist shall provide comprehensive one-on-one clinical care to personnel assigned to the 435 AGOW focused on improving physical readiness, enhancing durability, reducing injury risk, and optimizing overall mission performance across the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing.
The purpose of this role is to enhance physical performance, reduce injury risk, improve behavioral resilience, optimize cognitive performance, and strengthen mission effectiveness, operational readiness, and long-term durability of assigned personnel.
Core Responsibilities:
  • The Physical Therapist shall provide comprehensive one-on-one clinical care to personnel assigned to the 435 AGOW.
  • Services shall include evaluation, treatment planning, rehabilitation, injury management, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, functional training, and other evidence-based interventions consistent with accepted standards of practice.
  • Personnel may access Physical Therapy services based on provider availability and MTF scheduling procedures.
  • The Physical Therapist may provide education, screening, and consultation at unit locations when requested.
  • Clinical procedures requiring controlled environments shall be performed within approved clinical settings.
  • Dry needling is authorized and shall be performed only within clinical settings and in accordance with MTF privileging requirements.
  • The Physical Therapist shall document all clinical encounters within approved MTF systems in accordance with HIPAA and applicable regulations.
  • The Physical Therapist is authorized to evaluate, recommend, and implement modifications to duty limitations and medical profiles when authorized through 86 MDG credentialing and privileging processes, established clinical guidelines, and applicable Air Force medical policies. All modifications shall be documented within approved MTF systems.
  • The Physical Therapist shall coordinate with CSCS personnel to conduct monthly workshops focused on injury prevention, rehabilitation, recovery strategies, and physical readiness optimization.
  • The Physical Therapist shall provide aggregate, non-identifiable trend observations to leadership regarding general physical readiness and injury trends. No PHI or PII shall be included in such reporting

Requirements
Qualifications
  • The Operational Psychologist possesses a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology from an APA-accredited institution and has successfully completed an APA-accredited internship or residency.
  • The Operational Psychologist shall maintain a current, active, unrestricted license to practice psychology independently within a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
  • The Operational Psychologist shall possess a minimum of four years of experience within a Department of Defense or other Federal behavioral health environment.
  • Experience supporting operational units, deployed environments, personnel assessment and selection programs, or specialized military populations is highly desirable.
  • The Operational Psychologist shall possess and maintain a current Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance throughout the period of performance.
  • The Operational Psychologist shall be capable of obtaining and maintaining proficiency in operational psychology activities including personnel assessment and selection, executive coaching, SERE psychology support, resistance training oversight, behavioral consultation, and other mission-essential operational psychology functions.
  • The Government may facilitate access to training opportunities supporting these requirements.
  • Shall also maintain current CPR and AED certification throughout the period of performance.

Final compensation will be based on relevant factors including work experience, skills, certifications, and internal equity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.
This job is CONTINGENT upon contract award, client approval, completion of a favorable background investigation, and the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust / High Risk clearance.

What Valor Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom