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Exercise Science Associates Degree Jobs in Raleigh, NC

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Exercise Science Associates Degree information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$37.9K

$60.8K

$85.1K

How much do exercise science associates degree jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for exercise science associates degree in Raleigh, NC is $60,792.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,800.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can someone do with a degree in exercise science?

An exercise science associates degree prepares individuals for careers such as fitness trainers, personal trainers, physical therapy aides, or health and wellness coaches. Graduates can work in gyms, rehabilitation centers, or community health programs, often requiring certification or additional training for certain roles.

What can you do with an Exercise Science Associate's Degree?

With an Exercise Science Associate's Degree, you can pursue entry-level positions such as fitness trainer, group exercise instructor, physical therapy aide, or wellness coach. Graduates often work in gyms, rehabilitation centers, community health programs, or corporate wellness settings. The degree can also serve as a stepping stone for further education in fields like physical therapy, kinesiology, or sports medicine. Many choose to transfer credits to a bachelor's program to expand their career opportunities.

What can I do with an associate degree in exercise science?

An exercise science associate degree prepares individuals for entry-level roles such as fitness trainers, personal trainers, or physical therapy aides. These positions typically involve working in gyms, clinics, or community settings and may require certification in CPR or personal training. The degree provides foundational knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and exercise techniques to support health and fitness goals.

Is an exercise science degree worth it?

An exercise science associate's degree prepares individuals for entry-level roles such as fitness trainers, wellness coaches, or rehabilitation aides, often requiring certification and practical skills. The degree can lead to employment in gyms, healthcare settings, or sports organizations, but career advancement may require further education or specialized certifications. Its value depends on career goals and the demand for related positions in the local job market.

Which 2 year degree pays the most?

An Exercise Science associate degree can lead to roles such as fitness trainers or physical therapy aides, with salaries typically ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 annually. However, degrees in healthcare support or technology fields like radiologic technology or dental assisting often offer higher starting salaries among two-year degrees.

What types of entry-level positions are commonly available to those with an Exercise Science Associate’s Degree, and how do these roles typically collaborate with other health professionals?

With an Exercise Science Associate’s Degree, common entry-level positions include fitness trainer, physical therapy aide, group exercise instructor, and wellness coach. In these roles, you’ll frequently work as part of a multidisciplinary team—collaborating with physical therapists, nutritionists, and healthcare providers to develop and implement comprehensive wellness and rehabilitation programs. Teamwork and good communication skills are essential, as you’ll need to relay client progress, adapt exercise plans, and ensure safe practice standards. These roles offer a great foundation for gaining practical experience and can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced careers through further education or certification.

What is the difference between Exercise Science Associates Degree vs Personal Trainer?

AspectExercise Science Associates DegreePersonal Trainer
Required CredentialsAssociate degree, certifications like CPRCertification (e.g., NASM, ACE), CPR certification
Work EnvironmentClinics, gyms, sports facilities, research settingsGyms, fitness centers, private clients
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, healthcare, sports organizationsFitness industry, personal training businesses

While both roles involve promoting physical activity, an Exercise Science Associates Degree provides a broader foundation in human physiology and health sciences, often leading to diverse career paths. Personal Trainers focus on designing and implementing workout programs for clients. The degree offers more academic and clinical opportunities, whereas personal training emphasizes practical fitness instruction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive with an Exercise Science Associate’s Degree, and why are they important?

To thrive with an Exercise Science Associate’s Degree, you need foundational knowledge in human anatomy, physiology, and exercise principles, typically gained through accredited coursework. Familiarity with fitness assessment tools, exercise programming software, and CPR/AED certification is commonly expected. Strong interpersonal skills, motivational ability, and effective communication help build client trust and encourage positive behavioral change. These skills and qualifications are crucial for safely guiding clients toward their fitness goals and ensuring a supportive, results-driven environment.
What job categories do people searching Exercise Science Associates Degree jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Exercise Science Associates Degree jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Exercise Science Associates Degree jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Exercise Science Associates Degree job openings:
Infographic showing various Exercise Science Associates Degree job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,792 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

PT Instructor - Exercise Science: Fitness & Wellness

Shaw University

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Do you love working in an academic environment? Do you love teaching and mentoring students, helping to shape the future? If so, we have the job for you! Shaw University is looking for Part Time (Adjunct) Faculty, Exercise Science: Fitness & Wellness. Reporting to the Department Head, the Adjunct Faculty of Exercise Science: Fitness & Wellness teaches traditional and/or non-traditional college-level students, at on-campus and/or off-campus sites on weekdays and/or weeknights and Saturdays. In addition to the utilization of a variety of teaching strategies, full-time teaching faculty must provide student assistance and advice in their subject area, participate in student orientation sessions, pursue scholarly activities and development, engage in service the University and to the community, attend official functions, and serve on faculty committees.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Demonstrates acceptance and support of the mission and goals of the University.
  • Effectively teach knowledge-relevant college-level Exercise Science courses, with a commitment to providing excellence in education.
  • Present course teachings in such a way that students are encouraged to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, to increase motivation, to develop a positive self-image, and to clarify their values.
  • Actively engages in planning, developing, and improving curriculum offerings.
  • On the first day of class, provides each student a copy of a course syllabus that conforms to University-approved requirements.
  • Teaches the course in accordance with the course syllabus.
  • Informs students of the course objectives and requirements, explains the grading system and attendance policy, and provides a bibliography of suggested readings.
  • Participates in orientation sessions conducted each semester by the Department Head or Adult Degree Program Director as applicable.
  • Ensures that undergraduate students are aware of tutorial and support services of the Academic Support Center, which includes advising, tutorials and first year programs, and all other departmental workshops associated with student learning.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Education and/or Experience
  • Master's Degree in Exercise Science or related with at least 18 graduate credits required; Ph.D. in Exercise Science preferred
  • Minimum of two years' experience in academic setting preferred.
  • Administrative experience in an educational setting is desirable.
  • Should relate well with others and promotes a positive demeanor.
  • Demonstrated success teaching at the college level.
  • Recent experience in a higher education setting.
  • Candidates with teaching experience and expertise in an additional area also offered in the assigned department is highly desired.
  • Knowledge and experience in using instructional technology.

Other Competencies
Must have a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the organization. Vision, commitment, and experience in achieving goals and pursuing excellence is critical. Strong oral and written presentation skills. Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team. Excellence in organization, decision-making, problem-solving, and creating a collaborative environment. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Must be able to read, write and speak fluently in English.
If you need an accommodation for the application process, please contact humanresources@shawu.edu. Please upload the following with your application:
- A current, fully complete resume or curriculum vitae
- Unofficial graduate transcripts for credentialing
- An application cover letter with statements of teaching philosophy and research interests
- Three references, which you can provide with your application.
Following the Human Resources office's receipt of a candidate's fully completed application package for a current job opening, then an applicant can be considered for employment, with their application information submitted to the recruiting manager/selection committee for review.
Any potential hire is contingent upon the FINALIST candidate's ordering OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS of the HIGHEST GRADUATE-LEVEL DEGREE(S) awarded to be sent DIRECTLY FROM the awarding institution(s) DIRECTLY TO the Shaw University Human Resources Department at 118 E. South Street, Raleigh, NC 27601. Hand-delivered sealed transcripts will not be considered as official - they must be received directly from the awarding institution(s).
Shaw University, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, is the first historically black institution of higher education in the South and among the oldest in the nation. Founded in 1865 by Henry Martin Tupper, our mission is to advance knowledge, facilitate student learning and achievement, to enhance the spiritual and ethical values of its students, and to transform a diverse community of learners into future global leaders.
We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.