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How much do exercise science degree jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise science degree in the United States is $28.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $33.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can you do with an Exercise Science degree?

An Exercise Science degree can open doors to various career paths in health, fitness, rehabilitation, and sports. Graduates often work as personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, exercise physiologists, or wellness coordinators. Some pursue advanced degrees for roles in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or athletic training. The degree provides a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and movement science, which is valuable in both clinical and non-clinical settings.

What types of career paths can graduates with an Exercise Science degree pursue, and how do these roles typically interact with other professionals?

Graduates with an Exercise Science degree can pursue diverse career paths, including roles as exercise physiologists, fitness trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, wellness coordinators, and rehabilitation specialists. These professionals often collaborate closely with healthcare providers, physical therapists, nutritionists, and athletic coaches to design effective fitness or rehabilitation programs. The collaborative nature of the work encourages continuous learning and exposes professionals to multidisciplinary teams, which can open doors to advanced roles in clinical, corporate wellness, or sports performance settings. Such teamwork also helps develop strong communication and leadership skills, valuable for career advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive with an Exercise Science degree, and why are they important?

To thrive with an Exercise Science degree, you need a strong understanding of human anatomy, physiology, exercise prescription, and often a bachelor's degree in exercise science or a related field. Familiarity with fitness assessment tools, laboratory equipment, and certifications such as ACSM or NSCA are commonly required for many roles. Excellent communication, motivational skills, and adaptability help professionals connect with clients and tailor programs effectively. These skills and qualifications are crucial for promoting health, maximizing physical performance, and ensuring client safety in fitness and rehabilitation settings.

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

AspectExercise Science DegreePersonal Trainer
Required CredentialsDegree in exercise science or related field; certifications may enhance prospectsCertification from organizations like NASM, ACE, or ACSM
Work EnvironmentUniversities, research labs, healthcare settings, fitness facilitiesGyms, fitness centers, private clients, outdoor settings
Industry UsageAcademic, research, clinical, and fitness industriesPersonal fitness training, client coaching, health clubs

While an Exercise Science Degree provides a broad foundation in human movement, health, and research, a Personal Trainer certification focuses on practical fitness coaching and client interaction. Both roles are integral to the fitness industry, but the degree offers more diverse career options, including research and healthcare, whereas personal trainers primarily work directly with clients to improve fitness levels.

Is an exercise science degree worth it?

An exercise science degree prepares individuals for careers in fitness training, sports performance, and health promotion, often requiring certifications like ACSM or NSCA. The degree can lead to job opportunities in gyms, clinics, and research settings, with salary potential varying based on experience and specialization.
More about Exercise Science Degree jobs

What cities are hiring for Exercise Science Degree jobs?

Cities with the most Exercise Science Degree job openings:

What states have the most Exercise Science Degree jobs?

States with the most job openings for Exercise Science Degree jobs include:

Exercise Science Degree jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exercise Science Degree job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,974 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Part-Time Health & Exercise Science Instructor

Belleville, IL • On-site

Southwestern Illinois College
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

152nd of 627 rated colleges and universities

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Southwestern Illinois Collegeexternal

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

ANNOUNCEMENT
Southwestern Illinois College is accepting applications for part-time instructors for the Health & Exercise Science (HES) department. Part-time instructors are hired on an as-needed basis. Your application will be placed in a pool for review as part-time teaching assignments become available.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Part-time/adjunct faculty in HES are responsible for teaching the objectives for each course assigned, the assessment of student learning, and reporting of student progress as required by the college.
QUALIFICATIONS
Qualifications depend on the course taught. Please see below for minimum qualifications for the various courses taught in the Health and Exercise Science department.
HES 151 Personal Health and Wellness: Master's Degree in Health Science or Physical Education with concentration in Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology.
HES 152 First Aid - Medical Self Help: Master's degree in Health Science, Health Education, Physical Education, or Nursing and Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Certification.
HES 154 Nutrition, Exercise, and Weight: Master's degree in Physical Education or Nutrition Management with coursework in nutrition and exercise prescription.
HES 155 Physical Fitness and Wellness: Master's Degree in Physical Education or Exercise Science with an emphasis in fitness.
HES 156 Individual Exercise and Health: Master's Degree in Physical Education or Exercise Science with an emphasis in fitness.
HES 158 Consumer Health: Master's Degree in Health Science or Physical Education with concentration in Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology.
HES 170 Introduction to Exercise Science: Master's Degree in Physical Education with concentration in PE Pedagogy, Exercise Science or Sports Management.
PAY AND HOURS
Salary varies based on educational level and number of units taught.
BENEFITS AND PERKS
Benefit availability and eligibility may vary from the summary listed below. Please visit www.swic.edu for more information.
• Retirement savings plan through State Universities Retirement System of Illinois and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) savings plan
• Eligibility for medical coverage as outline in the Affordable Care Act
• Employee Assistance Program, employee discounts, gym access, additional voluntary benefits and more!
WORK LOCATION
Health & Exercise Science department courses are offered at the SWIC Belleville, Sam Wolf Granite City and Red Bud Campuses.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications will be reviewed as assignments become available. See online job posting for close date.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Required application materials, such as resume, cover letter and references, should be attached to your application. Other required application materials i.e., unofficial transcripts, etc., should be attached after your application has been submitted ( official college transcripts must be provided at the time of hire). Go to your My Job Applications page from the careers home page of your account.
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