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Exercise Psychologist Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Exercise Psychologist information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$10.9K

$91.6K

$393.2K

How much do exercise psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for exercise psychologist in Rochester, NY is $91,576.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,600.00 and $115,400.00 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 near Rochester, NY are hiring for Exercise Psychologist jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Exercise Psychologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Exercise Psychologist job openings in Rochester, NY 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 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,576 per year, or $44 per hour.

Exercise Specialist 1

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY • On-site

$20.30 - $27.41/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New


University Of Rochester rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

10 Miracle Mile Dr, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14623

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

500284 Fitness Science

Work Shift:

UR - Rotating (United States of America)

Range:

UR URCA 205 H

Compensation Range:

$20.30 - $27.41

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

Carries out the planning and implementation of strength and conditioning programs for teams and individuals, as well as testing parameters which allow measurement of improvement throughout exercise prescription. Coaches individuals and teams through daily stretching, strength, speed, agility, power, and conditioning development programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Coaches individuals and teams through daily stretching, strength, speed, agility, power, and conditioning development programs.

  • Designs and maintains virtual exercise plans with remote clients. Updates and enhances exercise database and educational content, maintains organized online resources, such as team groups and program templates, responds to team and individual messages, and updates social media platforms and training platform informational pages.

  • Tests teams and individuals to measure progress throughout training plans. Puts together after-program summaries to share qualitative and quantitative analysis with individuals and head of partnered organizations.

  • Plans, writes, and maintains daily, weekly, and yearly training programs for high school, collegiate, private training groups, and clients.

  • Builds connections with referring personnel. Reaches out to prospective clients to share more information about training and sign up for programs. Shares additional programs with current clients to expand participation and other service options, such as sports psychology and nutrition. Attends team informational sessions and other events with potential organizations to demonstrate services.

  • Plans and organizes training sessions and program operations, including planning and obtaining nutrition for special groups and putting together program summaries.

  • Keeps up to date with latest research findings and coaching methods of strength and conditioning, exercise science, nutritional and mental health. Enhances overall program with continued knowledge base. Attends department continuing education courses as assigned.

  • Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training or related field and less than 1 year relevant experience required

  • Master's degree in related field preferred

  • Or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Basic Foundational Knowledge of strength and conditioning or physical performance training required

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Must be an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist or eligible to sit for the examination, or a comparable credential upon hire required

  • NSCS Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Credential within 1 year required

  • CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation upon hire required

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

Notice: If you are a Current Employee, please log into myURHR to search for and apply to jobs using the Jobs Hub. Your application, if submitted using this portal, cannot be moved forward.

Learn. Discover. Heal. Create.

Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. One of the world's leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries-always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better.

If you're looking for a career in higher education or health care, the University of Rochester may offer the perfect opportunity for your background and goals.

At the University of Rochester, we are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture and are united by a strong commitment to be ever better-Meliora. It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.


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