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Exercise Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City

The Exercise Specialist develops, facilitates and leads exercise programs based on individual patient's health and ability in Cardiac Rehabilitation. The Exercise Specialist collaborates with the ...

Saint Luke's Hospital System

The Exercise Specialist develops, facilitates and leads exercise programs based on individual patient's health and ability in Cardiac Rehabilitation. The Exercise Specialist collaborates with the ...

UnityPoint Health

Exercise Specialist

Rock Island, IL · On-site

$22.79 - $34.19/hr

At UnityPoint Health, we're committed to delivering personalized, compassionate care-and we're looking for an Exercise Specialist who shares that mission. Why UnityPoint Health? At UnityPoint Health ...

Trinity Health

Exercise Specialist

Davenport, IA · On-site

As an Exercise Specialist at MercyOne Genesis, you will provide care by offering a variety of exercises and education to improve the patient'sfunctional capacity and psychosocial status in ...

Trinityhealth

Exercise Specialist

Davenport, IA · On-site

As an Exercise Specialist at MercyOne Genesis, you will provide care by offering a variety of exercises and education to improve the patient'sfunctional capacity and psychosocial status in ...

Trinityhealth

Exercise Specialist

Davenport, IA · On-site

As an Exercise Specialist at MercyOne Genesis, you will provide care by offering a variety of exercises and education to improve the patient'sfunctional capacity and psychosocial status in ...

tlc

Exercise Specialist

Portland, OR

$35 - $40/hr

As an Exercise Specialist with Touchmark, you will enrich lives each day by assisting, monitoring, and instructing residents in the safe and effective use of equipment and weight machines in order to ...

Abilities Recovery Center

Be Seen First

Exercise Specialist

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Exercise Specialist Location: Van Nuys, Los Angeles, CA Shifts: Full/Part time A bit about us: Abilities Recovery Center (ARC) is a specialized fitness facility dedicated to assisting individuals who ...

Trinity Health

Exercise Specialist

Silvis, IL · On-site

$21.79 - $32.68/hr

As an Exercise Specialist at MercyOne Genesis, you will provide care by offering a variety of exercises and education to improve the patient's functional capacity and psychosocial status in ...

Trinity Health

Exercise Specialist

Silvis, IL · On-site

$21.79 - $32.68/hr

As an Exercise Specialist at MercyOne Genesis, you will provide care by offering a variety of exercises and education to improve the patient's functional capacity and psychosocial status in ...

Trinity Health

Exercise Specialist

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$21.79 - $32.68/hr

As an Exercise Specialist at MercyOne Genesis, you will provide care by offering a variety of exercises and education to improve the patient'sfunctional capacity and psychosocial status in ...

Trinityhealth

Exercise Specialist

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$21.79 - $32.68/hr

As an Exercise Specialist at MercyOne Genesis, you will provide care by offering a variety of exercises and education to improve the patient'sfunctional capacity and psychosocial status in ...

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How much do exercise specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise specialist in the United States is $30.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $41.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in kinesiology?

The highest paying jobs in kinesiology often include sports medicine physicians, physical therapists, and exercise physiologists with advanced certifications or specialization. Athletic trainers and exercise specialists working in clinical or research settings with advanced degrees and experience can also earn higher salaries. Leadership roles in healthcare or sports organizations tend to offer the highest compensation within the field.

Do you need a degree to be an exercise specialist?

While a degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field is often preferred, some exercise specialist roles may accept certifications and relevant experience instead of a formal degree. Certification programs like ACSM or NASM can also qualify individuals to work as exercise specialists, especially in fitness or clinical settings.

What are Exercise Specialists?

Exercise Specialists are health and fitness professionals trained to develop and implement safe, effective exercise programs for individuals or groups. They often work with people recovering from illness or injury, those with chronic diseases, or anyone seeking personalized fitness guidance. Exercise Specialists assess clients' fitness levels, set realistic goals, monitor progress, and provide motivation and education on healthy lifestyle choices. Their expertise bridges the gap between general fitness instruction and clinical rehabilitation.

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

To thrive as an Exercise Specialist, you need a strong understanding of exercise science, anatomy, and program design, typically supported by a degree in a related field and certification such as ACSM or NASM. Familiarity with fitness assessment tools, exercise equipment, and health tracking software is essential. Excellent communication, motivational abilities, and interpersonal skills help you engage clients and support their progress. These skills ensure safe, effective programming and foster positive client outcomes in diverse fitness or rehabilitation settings.

How does an Exercise Specialist typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals in a clinical or fitness setting?

Exercise Specialists frequently work alongside physical therapists, physicians, and dietitians to develop and implement safe, effective exercise programs for clients with diverse health needs. Collaboration often includes reviewing medical histories, discussing client progress, and adjusting exercise plans based on interdisciplinary feedback. This team-based approach ensures clients receive holistic care and maximizes health outcomes, making communication and adaptability essential skills in this role.

What is an exercise specialist?

An exercise specialist is a fitness professional who designs and implements personalized exercise programs to improve clients' health, strength, and fitness levels. They often work in gyms, clinics, or rehabilitation centers and may hold certifications such as ACSM or NASM to ensure safe and effective training.

What is the difference between Exercise Specialist vs Physical Therapist?

AspectExercise SpecialistPhysical Therapist
CredentialsCertification (e.g., ACSM, NASM)Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) license
Work EnvironmentGyms, fitness centers, wellness programsHospitals, clinics, rehab centers
Industry UsageHealth and fitness industryHealthcare and rehabilitation
Primary FocusExercise programming and fitness improvementRehabilitation and injury recovery

While both Exercise Specialists and Physical Therapists work to improve health and mobility, Exercise Specialists focus on fitness and exercise programming in wellness settings, whereas Physical Therapists provide clinical rehabilitation services for injury recovery and medical conditions.

What Does an Exercise Specialist Do?

An exercise specialist helps clients plan and carry out fitness regimens in a variety of settings. These specialized trainers often work in a hospital, rehab facility, or another clinical setting. You can also find employment at health clubs and gyms. Your responsibilities in this career include monitoring a client or patient's exercise and teaching them the proper techniques so that they can carry on with their exercise program after leaving the facility. An exercise specialist may teach methods to increase strength and cardiovascular fitness, but you should also focus on things such as flexibility, balance, and functional performance.

What is the highest paying fitness job?

The highest paying fitness jobs often include roles such as fitness director, personal trainer with advanced certifications, or specialized clinical exercise physiologist, with salaries exceeding $70,000 annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities within gyms, health clubs, or healthcare settings.
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Exercise Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exercise Specialist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,778 per year, or $30.2 per hour.