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Exercise Science Wellness Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Fitness Specialist - Nashua, IA

Nashua, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $18.50/hr

... wellness, and longevity * A culture that invests in your growth and values provider-driven decision-making Requirements * Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or Exercise Physiology;

Fitness Specialist - Osage, IA

Osage, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $16.75/hr

... wellness, and longevity * A culture that invests in your growth and values provider-driven decision-making Requirements * Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or Exercise Physiology;

We are dedicated to helping our clients achieve their health and wellness goals through customized ... Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a related field. * Current CPR/AED/First Aid ...

We are dedicated to helping our clients achieve their health and wellness goals through customized ... Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a related field. * Current CPR/AED/First Aid ...

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... wellness as a lifestyle, and invested in helping others achieve their fitness goals REQUIREMENTS: - Valid and acceptable Certified Personal Trainers Certificate OR a degree in an exercise science ...

$64K - $188K/yr

... Wellness Professions at St. Cloud State University invites applications for a Tenure-Track ... or exercise science fields Other Requirements Please note that successful applicants must be ...

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Showing results 1-20

Exercise Science Wellness information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$26

$44

How much do exercise science wellness jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 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.
Personal Trainer- Des Moines

Personal Trainer- Des Moines

Genesis Health Clubs

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$36K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Genesis Health Clubs rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 61 rated gym and leisure clubs


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discounts
  • Health insurance
  • Training & development

Description
Genesis is looking for a full time personal trainer. Degree preferred but not required.
Job Summary
Do you want to make a difference in people's life? Genesis is currently seeking Full and Part-Time Personal Trainers at all of our locations. A love for fitness is a must! Want to get started, apply NOW!
Accepted certifications
  • ACSM - American College of Sports Medicine
  • NASM - National Academy of Sports Medicine
  • ACE -American Council on Exercise
  • NSCA - National Strength and Conditioning Association
  • Cooper Institute - Personal Training Certification
  • NCSF - National Council on Strength and Fitness
  • Academy of Applied Personal Training Education
  • AFFA-Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
  • IFPA -International Fitness Professionals Association
  • ISSA - International Sport Sciences Association
  • NETA - National Exercise Trainers Association
  • NESTA -National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association
  • NFPT- National Federation of Personal Trainer
  • 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 National Personal Training Certification Exam within 90 days of employment from one of the following certifying organizations listed above.
Accepted degrees:
Athletic Training, Chiropractic, Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Fitness Management, Human Performance, Kinesiology, Nutrition, Physical Education, Physical Therapy, Sports Management, Sports Medicine.
If you are interested in helping inspire and lead people to incorporate fitness into their lives and also show your knowledge and caring, this is the position for you.
We have a reputation of having the most knowledgeable and educated trainers and provide continuing education for all of our training staff.
Compensation: $36,000.00 - $66,000.00 per year
Genesis Health Clubs
Join the Genesis Health Clubs Family - Where Passion Meets Purpose!
Genesis Health Clubs is the largest privately owned health club company in the country, with 83 locations across 13 states. Even more importantly, GHC is the fastest-growing non-franchised health club company in the U.S. This rapid expansion creates tremendous opportunity and upside for our team members. Genesis is a place where you can build a successful long-term career in the health and fitness industry, with unmatched upward mobility and growth. As a premier brand, we demand the best in the industry and, in turn, offer above-industry pay and strong rewards for top performers.
Genesis Health Clubs continues to grow, not just in size, but in scope. We now operate a family of brands that includes trampoline parks, water parks, ice skating rinks, meal prep services, and baseball tournament venues. But we're more than just a gym, we're a movement grounded in core values that guide everything we do.
At Genesis, our mission begins with MMFI: Make Me Feel Important. We serve, support, and inspire our members through meaningful relationships and thoughtful service. We believe in Investing in Our Members, Clubs, and Team, ensuring every location delivers excellence, from the equipment we provide to the people who bring the energy.
We Lead by Example, showing up each day with compassion, drive, and a commitment to help others succeed. We encourage everyone to Exercise Daily, not just for fitness, but as a lifestyle that promotes resilience and long-term wellness.
For Our Team:
We offer dynamic roles in fitness, customer service, management, childcare, and more, with room to grow, lead, and truly make an impact.
Why Work With Us:
  • Above-industry average pay and strong employee rewards
  • Medical and dental coverage
  • 401(k)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Rapid career advancement in a fast-growing organization
  • The opportunity to uplift your community every day
  • Free all-access gym membership
  • A passionate, supportive culture where Staff is Family

Whether you're training clients one-on-one or helping families stay active through our extended brands, you'll be part of a purpose-driven team transforming lives, one workout, one smile, one connection at a time.
Ready to Level Up Your Health or Your Career?
If you're passionate about wellness, driven to help others, and excited to work hard and have fun, we want to meet you.
Company Website:

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