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Exercise Science Wellness Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Exercise Therapist

George, IA · On-site

$21.88 - $33.77/hr

... Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a related field (enrollment will be verified), Or Bachelor ... of wellness that encompasses living healthy, happy, secure, connected, and engaged. Learn more ...

New

Skills & Requirements Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science is required. Two (2) years of wellness program coordination experience or related experience is required. Group and/or health fitness ...

Skills & Requirements Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science is required. Two (2) years of wellness program coordination experience or related experience is required. Group and/or health fitness ...

Wellness Navigator

Clive, IA · On-site

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

Wellness Navigator Location: MercyOne Health & Fitness Center Type: Full Time Benefits: - Medical ... exercise science, kinesiology, or physical education major required. Master's degree preferred ...

Training and Wellness Certification Commission Grace Period for Certifications: Personal trainers with an "approved degree related to the field of exercise science" will be required to take a ...

Training and Wellness Certification Commission Grace Period for Certifications: Personal trainers with an "approved degree related to the field of exercise science" will be required to take a ...

Fitness Assistant

Clive, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $17/hr

Power Wellness is a medical fitness industry pioneer who improves the lives of clients with a ... exercise science, kinesiology, or physical education program and working towards a bachelor ...

Fitness Specialist

Clive, IA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Power Wellness is a medical fitness industry pioneer who improves the lives of clients with a ... exercise science, kinesiology, or physical education major required. • 6 months of fitness ...

Training and Wellness Certification Commission Grace Period for Certifications: Personal trainers with an "approved degree related to the field of exercise science" will be required to take a ...

Training and Wellness Certification Commission Grace Period for Certifications: Personal trainers with an "approved degree related to the field of exercise science" will be required to take a ...

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Exercise Science Wellness information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$26

$44

How much do exercise science wellness jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise science wellness in Iowa is $26.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.42 and $31.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can you get with an exercise science degree that pay well?

With an exercise science degree, high-paying jobs include physical therapist, athletic trainer, and exercise physiologist, often requiring certification or advanced training. These roles typically involve working in healthcare, sports, or fitness settings and may require knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and rehabilitation techniques.

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 some common challenges faced by professionals in Exercise Science Wellness roles, and how can they be effectively 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 can you do with an exercise science and wellness degree?

An exercise science and wellness degree prepares individuals for careers such as fitness trainers, personal trainers, health coaches, and wellness coordinators. Graduates can work in gyms, healthcare settings, corporate wellness programs, or pursue certifications in areas like strength training or nutrition to enhance employment opportunities.

What are the highest paying wellness jobs?

In exercise science and wellness, high-paying roles include exercise physiologists, clinical exercise specialists, and wellness directors, often requiring advanced certifications and experience. These positions typically offer higher salaries due to specialized skills, leadership responsibilities, and working in healthcare or corporate wellness settings.

What are Exercise Science Wellness professionals?

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 jobs can you do as an exercise scientist?

Exercise scientists can work in roles such as exercise physiologists, sports scientists, fitness trainers, rehabilitation specialists, and research coordinators. They often work in clinical, sports, or wellness settings, utilizing skills in assessment, program design, and health promotion, often requiring certifications like ACSM or NSCA. Job responsibilities include developing exercise programs, conducting fitness assessments, and supporting injury prevention and recovery.

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

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 are popular job titles related to Exercise Science Wellness jobs in Iowa? For Exercise Science Wellness jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Exercise Science Wellness job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 48% Full Time, 43% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,392 per year, or $26.6 per hour.
Charles E. Lakin YMCA Wellness Coach

Charles E. Lakin YMCA Wellness Coach

Ymca of Greater Omaha

Council Bluffs, IA • On-site

$15 - $16.05/hr

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

So many perks & benefits ~ Enjoy a flexible schedule ~ Work with great people ~ Make a difference in our community ~ Free YMCA membership ~ Locations across the metro – likely a Y near you ~ Tuition discounts ~ Flexible work attire ~ Training & development!

BENEFITS:

  • Free individual YMCA membership
  • Locations across the metro – likely a Y near you!
  • YMCA program & childcare discounts
  • Flexible work attire – Y shirts provided & you choose your style
  • Tuition discounts, training & development, & opportunities to advance.
  • Rain On Demand Pay – get paid quicker
  • 100% employer-paid retirement contribution of 12% of earnings – no employee match or contribution required (after meeting eligibility requirements)
  • Enjoy a flexible schedule, work with great people, & make a difference in our community!

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Wellness Coaches assist YMCA members in finding new ways to inspire healthier habits, working closely with members in promoting wellness and helping individuals realize their personal best.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Builds effective, authentic relationships with members, helping members connect with each other and the YMCA.

2. Coaches members in support of their desired behavior change.

3. Introduces new members to group exercise communities based their health and well-being goals.

4. Answers member questions to support their healthy living goals.

5. Utilizes tools and information for the purpose of increasing member knowledge of wellness as well as wellness programs provided through the YMCA (handouts, schedules, etc.).

6. May conduct post-enrollment interviews to understand new members’ definition of well-being, personal goals, cultural background, healthcare needs, diverse abilities and interests and develops plans to meet their individual needs.

7. Maintains and cleans equipment according to the schedule or as requested by supervisor.

8. Follows YMCA policies and procedures; responds to emergency situations.

9. Actively participants in department and branch staff meetings.

10. Performs other duties as assigned.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Engaging Community

Inclusion

Functional Expertise

Communication & Influence

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 18 years of age

• Two or more years of college preferred, pursuing a degree in Exercise Science, Wellness Health Promotion or related health field

• Excellent customer service skills

• Must be able to enforce rules, and speak in public

• Must be enthusiastic and knowledgeable about resistance and cardiorespiratory training

• Ability to work independently with attention to detail required

• Complete before first shift: YMCA cause & culture training; fitness-specific training; all required abuse prevention trainings

• Complete within 30 days of hire: BLS CPR; First Aid (provided by YMCA)

• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community and successful clearance of background check

• Follow youth boundaries policies and abuse risk management training.

• Report suspicious behavior, policy violations, and adhere to mandated abuse reporting and responsibilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Wellness Center environment, must be able to stand for extended periods of time, walk, and bend over, reach overhead, grasp, push, pull and move, lift and/ or carry up to 45 pounds repeatedly, at or above waist height.

• Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions required.

The YMCA of Greater Omaha is an Equal Opportunity Employer