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Exercise Science Wellness Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in health sciences, public health, exercise science, or related field required; advanced degree preferred * Minimum of 5+ years of experience in wellness, population health, or ...

Bachelor's degree in health sciences, public health, exercise science, or related field required; advanced degree preferred * Minimum of 5+ years of experience in wellness, population health, or ...

Personal Trainer

Grundy Center, IA · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Wellness resources POSITION SUMMARY: The Personal Trainer follows the YMCA of the USA Health and ... exercise/activity sessions for clients in a fitness specialty area. They perform a variety of ...

Laboratory Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Ability to prioritize workload requirements and exercise good time management to ensure all work is ... Employee Wellness Programs * Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * Career Growth and Professional ...

Showing results 41-60

Exercise Science Wellness information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$26

$44

How much do exercise science wellness jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 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 job categories do people searching Exercise Science Wellness jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Exercise Science Wellness jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Exercise Science Wellness job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% 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.

Director, Health & Well-being

WesleyLife

Johnston, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


WesleyLife rating

4.6

Company rating: 4.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Position Summary
The Director of Health and Well-being serves the organization through passion and leadership involving healthy behaviors, holistic well-being, and a commitment to providing an environment where every person can live with purpose and meaning according to his or her own individual goals. The Director of Health and Well-being serves the entire WesleyLife organization through a deep commitment to advancing health span and creating an environment where every individual is empowered to live a life of meaning, purpose, and well-being. This role champions an approach to health and well-being, ensuring that physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and cognitive dimensions are integrated into a cohesive experience across all settings. The Director leads the development and alignment of a connected ecosystem of health and well-being experiences designed to support independence, vitality, and engagement for those we serve and those who serve alongside us.
Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities
Health span Strategy, Integration & Implementation
  • Partners with executive and operational leaders to shape, implement and refine WesleyLife' s health span-focused strategy, emphasizing prevention, vitality, and functional independence.
  • Design and advance an integrated ecosystem of health and well-being across WesleyLife, connecting residential, home- and community-based services, and lifestyle programming.
  • Identifies emerging models, innovations, and partnerships that expand impact and accessibility of well-being services.

Whole-Person Well-being Model Design
  • Develops and operationalizes a comprehensive well-being framework that addresses physical health and functional ability, nutrition and lifestyle behaviors, emotional and mental well-being, social connection and purpose, and spiritual well-being.

Integrated Program Development & Implementation
  • Develops scalable models that can be delivered across communities and in home-based environments.
  • Identifies and closes gaps in access, engagement, and outcomes, particularly for individuals living independently or in underserved settings.

Culture of Wellbeing (Team Member Focus)
  • Collaborates with People & Culture leadership to embed a culture of well-being across the organization.
  • Designs initiatives, policies, and programs that promote team member health, resilience, engagement, and purpose.

Data, Outcomes & Continuous Improvement
  • Establishes and oversees metrics that measure health span, well-being, engagement, and impact across populations served.
  • Develops clear reporting frameworks to communicate impact to leadership and stakeholders.
  • Financially stewards responsibility for associated budgets, funds, demonstrated ROI / value on investments made.

Partnerships & Community Engagement
  • Serves as a key liaison to external organizations, healthcare providers, academic institutions, and community partners to expand the reach and effectiveness of well-being initiatives.
  • Cultivates strategic partnerships that strengthen the organization's ecosystem approach and enhance service delivery that include institutions of research, advisory councils and other stakeholders that advance our service delivery

Leadership & Governance Support
  • Provides subject matter expertise and strategic guidance to senior leadership and governing bodies on health span and well-being initiatives.

Expected Outcomes
  • A clearly defined executive-aligned strategy translated into programs, measures and practices implemented across the organization.
  • Improved outcomes related to independence, functional ability, engagement, and overall wellbeing for those served.
  • Increased engagement in well-being programs for team and customers paired with tracked and trended improvement in noticeable health span indicators such as functional ability, mobility, strength, balance, energy, social connection, purpose, and overall wellbeing.

Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in health sciences, public health, exercise science, or related field required; advanced degree preferred
  • Minimum of 5+ years of experience in wellness, population health, or related field
  • Minimum of 3+ years of leadership experience with demonstrated success in program development and strategic execution
  • Demonstrated experience of program development and innovative execution
  • Strong communication skills, ability to present to varied audiences, and ability to influence through relationships.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data/reporting tools
  • Strong analytical skills with experience using data to drive decision-making and outcomes
  • Ability to travel as needed across organizational locations and community partners
  • Deep understanding of health span, population health, and whole-person wellbeing models, providing subject matter expertise
  • Passion for empowering individuals to live with purpose, independence, and well-being

Why Choose WesleyLife?
At WesleyLife, you're not just starting a job - you're joining a purpose-driven community where your well-being, growth, and impact truly matter. With nearly 80 years of excellence in serving older adults, we empower our team members to thrive while making meaningful connections and changing lives every day.
WesleyLife is proud to be recognized as one of Senior Care's Best Places to Work by WeCare Connect! We're committed to a workplace where every team member is seen, heard, and appreciated.
WesleyLife is revolutionizing the experience of aging by challenging the stigma that aging means decline and promoting the idea that life transitions are opportunities for growth and purpose. Come be a part of the revolution!
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.

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