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Exercise Science Wellness Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

ST CHARLES PARK DISTRICT

Wellness Coach

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

The Wellness Coach must have the ability to effectively educate and demonstrate to members these ... College degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology or Exercise Physiology preferred, Prefer work ...

Trinityhealth

Group Exercise Instructor

Melrose Park, IL

$18.16 - $28.14/hr

Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. Minimum Experience: * Required: 1 year of experience teaching group wellness classes. Licensure/Certifications: * Required: Personal training or group exercise ...

Trinity Health

Group Exercise Instructor

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$18.16 - $28.14/hr

Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. Minimum Experience: * Required: 1 year of experience teaching group wellness classes. Licensure/Certifications: * Required: Personal training or group exercise ...

Trinity Health

Group Exercise Instructor

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$18.16 - $28.14/hr

Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. Minimum Experience: * Required: 1 year of experience teaching group wellness classes. Licensure/Certifications: * Required: Personal training or group exercise ...

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All JobsExercise Science Wellness JobsExercise Science Wellness Jobs in Illinois

Exercise Science Wellness information

See Illinois salary details

$12

$27

$46

How much do exercise science wellness jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise science wellness in Illinois is $27.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.05 and $32.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectExercise Science WellnessPersonal Trainer
CredentialsDegree in Exercise Science or related field, certifications like ACSM or NSCACertification from NASM, ACE, or similar organizations
Work EnvironmentHealthcare settings, wellness programs, research facilitiesGyms, fitness centers, private training
Industry UsageHealth promotion, rehabilitation, researchPersonal fitness coaching, client-specific training

Exercise Science Wellness professionals focus on health promotion, rehabilitation, and research, often requiring degrees and advanced certifications. Personal Trainers primarily work in fitness centers, providing individualized training. While both roles promote physical activity, Exercise Science Wellness has a broader scope including health sciences, whereas Personal Trainers focus on fitness coaching.

What are common challenges faced by exercise science wellness professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Exercise Science Wellness often encounter challenges such as motivating clients with varying fitness levels, staying updated with evolving evidence-based practices, and balancing administrative duties with hands-on client work. To address these challenges, it's helpful to develop strong communication skills, pursue ongoing professional development, and leverage technology for scheduling and client tracking. Building a supportive network with colleagues can also foster knowledge sharing and provide practical strategies for client engagement and program adherence.

What jobs can you do as an exercise science wellness professional?

Exercise science wellness professionals can work as personal trainers, fitness instructors, strength and conditioning coaches, wellness coaches, or health educators. They often work in gyms, fitness centers, corporate wellness programs, or healthcare settings, utilizing certifications and knowledge of exercise programming and anatomy. These roles typically require knowledge of exercise techniques, client assessment, and motivation skills.

What is an exercise science wellness professional?

Exercise Science Wellness professionals are experts who use scientific principles to improve physical fitness, health, and overall well-being. They design and implement exercise programs, conduct fitness assessments, and educate individuals or groups on healthy lifestyle habits. These professionals often work in settings like gyms, wellness centers, healthcare facilities, or corporate wellness programs. Their goal is to help people prevent illness, recover from injuries, and achieve optimal health through movement and exercise.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an exercise science wellness professional?

To thrive as an Exercise Science Wellness professional, you need a solid background in human physiology, kinesiology, and health promotion, typically supported by a degree in exercise science or a related field. Familiarity with fitness assessment tools, exercise prescription software, and certifications such as ACSM or NASM is common in the industry. Strong interpersonal skills, motivation techniques, and the ability to educate and inspire clients are valuable soft skills. These competencies are crucial for safely guiding clients toward their wellness goals and ensuring effective, evidence-based interventions.

What can I do with an exercise science and wellness degree?

An exercise science and wellness degree prepares individuals for careers such as personal trainers, fitness instructors, strength and conditioning coaches, wellness coordinators, and health educators. These roles often involve working in gyms, community health settings, or corporate wellness programs, and may require certifications like CPR or personal training credentials. The degree provides knowledge of human physiology, nutrition, and exercise programming essential for promoting health and fitness.
What are popular job titles related to Exercise Science Wellness jobs in Illinois? For Exercise Science Wellness jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Exercise Science Wellness jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Exercise Science Wellness jobs in Illinois are:
Exercise Science Wellness jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exercise Science Wellness job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,148 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Part-Time Health & Exercise Science Instructor

Southwestern Illinois College

Belleville, IL • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Southwestern Illinois College rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 616 rated colleges and universities

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.
Southwestern Illinois College
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