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Exercise Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Catholic Health

Exercise Physiologist

Greenvale, NY

$30.51 - $45.77/hr

Exp. in clinical research in fitness/cardiac rehab preferred. 6 mos. of exercise testing/leadership in cardiac rehab req'd. * BLS and ACLS required. * ACSM certified exercise test technologist or ...

McLaren Bay Region

Exercise Physiologist

Bay City, MI · On-site

Advises patients about nutrition and ongoing exercise regimens; may teach classes and conduct research. * Provides quality, personalized evidence-based care and proven interventions. * Evaluates ...

Riverside

$18.20 - $23.68/hr

Uses research and participant feedback to continuously develop programs. * The Exercise Specialist is responsible for closing the loop for all patients referred to Clinical Wellness. This includes ...

Riverside Health System

Exercise Specialist

Gloucester, VA · On-site

$18.20 - $23.68/hr

Uses research and participant feedback to continuously develop programs. * The Exercise Specialist is responsible for closing the loop for all patients referred to Clinical Wellness. This includes ...

Cleveland Clinic

Exercise Specialist

Akron, OH

$15.75 - $21.65/hr

Join Cleveland Clinic where research and surgery are advanced, technology is leading-edge, patient ... Make regular rounds of the exercise floor to ensure safety andassistmembers and guests with ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Exercise Physiologist

Long Branch, NJ · On-site

$29.75 - $40.30/hr

Job Title: Exercise Physiologist Location: Monmouth Medical Center Department Name: Cardiac ... and research to address both the clinical and social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Exercise Physiologist

Long Branch, NJ · On-site

$29.75 - $40.30/hr

Job Title: Exercise Physiologist Location: Monmouth Medical Center Department Name: Cardiac ... and research to address both the clinical and social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health ...

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Exercise Research information

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$28K

$90.4K

$154K

How much do exercise research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for exercise research in the United States is $90,419.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in exercise science?

The highest paying jobs in exercise science typically include exercise physiologists, sports medicine physicians, and clinical exercise specialists, especially those with advanced certifications and experience working in healthcare or research settings. These roles often require advanced degrees and specialized skills, and salaries can exceed $70,000 annually depending on location and expertise.

Is it hard to find a job as an exercise physiologist?

Finding a job as an exercise physiologist can be competitive, but opportunities are available in hospitals, clinics, and fitness centers. Certification from the American College of Sports Medicine or the National Strength and Conditioning Association can improve job prospects, and strong communication skills are essential in this field.

What is exercise research?

Exercise research is the scientific study of physical activity, its effects on the human body, and how exercise can be used to prevent or treat health conditions. Researchers in this field investigate topics like exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports performance, rehabilitation, and the psychological impacts of physical activity. The goal is to understand how different types, intensities, and frequencies of exercise influence health, fitness, and overall well-being. Exercise research informs guidelines for physical activity and helps develop interventions to improve public health.

How to become a fitness researcher?

To become a fitness researcher, typically a bachelor's degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or doctoral degree for advanced roles. Skills in data analysis, research methodology, and familiarity with laboratory equipment or fitness testing tools are important, along with experience conducting scientific studies. Certification in personal training or exercise testing can also enhance job prospects.

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

To thrive as an Exercise Researcher, you need a strong background in exercise science, physiology, research methodology, and typically a relevant advanced degree such as a master's or PhD. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R), laboratory equipment, and human performance testing tools is essential. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills set outstanding researchers apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing rigorous studies, accurately analyzing data, and effectively communicating findings to advance the field.

What Are Jobs in Exercise Research?

Jobs in exercise research include exercise physiologists who research the human body and how it responds and adapts to exercise. As an exercise physiologist, you examine the human response to exercise. Your responsibilities involve the study of subjects in controlled lab settings. You develop tests to prove a thesis by recording physical, metabolic, and development information. Other duties can include working in an exercise science department at a research institute or post-secondary school. Keeping up to date on current peer-reviewed exercise science research is a critical part of your job. As a researcher, you travel to various locations to research and test subjects.

Is there a high demand for exercise physiologists?

Exercise physiologists are in growing demand due to increased awareness of preventive healthcare and chronic disease management. Employment is expected to grow faster than average, especially in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and fitness centers, often requiring certification and specialized knowledge of exercise testing and rehabilitation.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in exercise research, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in exercise research often encounter challenges such as recruiting a sufficient and diverse participant pool, ensuring compliance with study protocols, and controlling for external variables that may affect outcomes. These challenges are typically addressed through strategic partnerships with local fitness centers or clinics, the use of robust study designs, and careful data management. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including statisticians and clinicians, also helps ensure methodological rigor and the reliability of research findings.

What is the difference between Exercise Research vs Exercise Physiologist?

AspectExercise ResearchExercise Physiologist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (Master's/PhD), research certificationsBachelor's or Master's degree in exercise science, certification (e.g., ACSM)
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, healthcare institutionsClinics, hospitals, fitness centers, community health programs
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, research institutions, government agenciesHealthcare, fitness, rehabilitation facilities
Primary FocusConducting studies, developing exercise protocols, advancing scientific knowledgeDesigning and implementing exercise programs for health and rehabilitation

Exercise Research focuses on scientific studies and developing new exercise protocols, often within academic or research settings. In contrast, Exercise Physiologists apply this knowledge directly to patient care and fitness programs. Both roles require related credentials but serve different purposes within the health and fitness industry.

More about Exercise Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Exercise Research jobs? Cities with the most Exercise Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Exercise Research jobs? The most popular types of Exercise Research jobs are:
What states have the most Exercise Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Exercise Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Exercise Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Exercise Research jobs are:
Exercise Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exercise Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,419 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

Exercise Physiologist

McLaren Greater Lansing

Lansing, MI

Other

Posted 3 days ago

McLaren Health Care rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 210 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

523rd of 877 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Position Summary: 

Analyzes patients' fitness in order to help them improve their health or maintain good health. Assists patients with heart disease and other chronic conditions, like diabetes or pulmonary (lung) disease, to regain their health. May also work with amateur and professional athletes to boost their performance or recover from injuries. Provides a full range of exercise physiology services, including assessment, treatment planning and therapeutic interventions in an interdisciplinary environment consistent with professional practices and ethical standards.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities as Assigned:

  1. Evaluates a person's overall health with special attention to cardiovascular function and metabolism.
  2. Conducts diagnostic procedures like exercise stress tests to evaluate patients' health.
  3. Develops individualized exercise prescriptions to increase physical fitness, strength, endurance and flexibility.
  4. Designs customized exercise programs to meet health care needs and athletic performance goals.
  5. Administers exercise prescriptions designed to improve mobility and flexibility, hasten recovery from injury and help patients live with disabilities.
  6. Advises patients about nutrition and ongoing exercise regimens; may teach classes and conduct research.
  7. Provides quality, personalized and evidence-based care and proven interventions.
  8. Evaluates results of exercise program by observing, noting and evaluating patient's progress; recommending and implementing adjustments and modifications.
  9. Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs.
  10. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies. May develop and conduct in-service training programs.
  11. Complies with federal, state, and local legal and certification requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions.
  12. Performs other related duties as required and directed.

Lead Essential Functions and Responsibilities (If classified in a Lead Role):

              1. Assists in quality control and performance improvement activities.

              2. Contributes to performance feedback, hiring decisions.

              3. Ensures standards are met (quality, timeliness, customer service, etc.).

              4. Evaluates and tests new procedures/processes.

              5. Orients and/or trains new staff.

              6. Problem solving capabilities.

              7. Subject matter expert/technical leadership.

              8. Work flow/distribution of work.

              9. Assists in assuring compliance with all regulatory and other agency requirements, laws, and statutes pertaining to the operation of the department.

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in exercise science or physiology.
  • BLS certified within 30 days of hire. 

Preferred: 

  • Certification through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP).
  • Master's degree.
Additional Information
  • Schedule: Part-time
  • Requisition ID: 26001506
  • Daily Work Times: 8a-430p
  • Hours Per Pay Period: 40
  • On Call: No
  • Weekends: Yes

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