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Exercise Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Reidhealth

Exercise Specialist 5315 Cardiopulmonary Rehab Schedule: Day Shift. 40 hours weekly. 8:00am - 4:30pm Type additional details specific to position and/or department. About the Position The Exercise ...

Riverside Health System Non-Providers

$18.20 - $23.68/hr

As part of the Clinical Wellness Team, the Exercise Specialist will instruct clinical wellness exercise classes designed for special populations, as well as provide fitness assessments to the ...

Riverside Health System

Exercise Specialist

Gloucester, VA · On-site

$18.20 - $23.68/hr

As part of the Clinical Wellness Team, the Exercise Specialist will instruct clinical wellness exercise classes designed for special populations, as well as provide fitness assessments to the ...

Riverside

$18.20 - $23.68/hr

As part of the Clinical Wellness Team, the Exercise Specialist will instruct clinical wellness exercise classes designed for special populations, as well as provide fitness assessments to the ...

Riverside Health System

Exercise Specialist

Gloucester, VA · On-site

$18.20 - $23.68/hr

As part of the Clinical Wellness Team, the Exercise Specialist will instruct clinical wellness exercise classes designed for special populations, as well as provide fitness assessments to the ...

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How much do exercise specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 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 an exercise specialist?

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 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 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 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.

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 from organizations like the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) can also be important for employment. Requirements vary by employer and job setting.
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Exercise Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exercise Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,778 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Exercise Specialist

Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City

Overland Park, KS • On-site

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Saint Luke's Health System (Kansas City) rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 110 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

379th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Job Description

Saint Luke's South Hospital is seeking a PRN Exercise Specialist to join our team.

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 nurse and the multidisciplinary team to identify risk factors and parameters for safe exercise within the Cardiac Rehab population. The primary purpose of the Exercise Specialist is to develop a sound fitness program to improve the health of patients with heart disease.

  • PRN: weekday hours, no weekends or holidays

  • Develops and delivers individualized patient-centered treatment plan based on evidence-based practice. Collaborates with Nursing.

  • Selects appropriate interventions based on the plan of care established on the Individual Treatment Plan (ITP) and develops exercise prescription.

  • Aides in the periodic reassessment of patient progress and contributes to discharge planning.

  • Provides exercise leadership, instruction, and exercise prescription.

  • Reports any changes in patient status or needs to the supervising therapist on a timely basis

  • Delegates and instructs supportive personnel in services to be provided.

  • Provides timely documentation per department and/or entity policy and as required by insurance provider to meet licensing, certification, regulatory, reimbursement requirements, and physician treatment plan.

  • Uses professional judgment to ensure safety to self, patients, and others at all times.

  • Performs all other duties as requested by the manager.

  • Participates and may facilitate quality improvement projects; and serves as a positive change agent.

  • Participates in quality initiatives.

Job Requirements

Applicable Experience:

1 yearBasic Life Support - American Heart Association or Red CrossBachelor's DegreeJob DetailsPRNDay (United States of America)

The best place to get care. The best place to give care. Saint Luke's 12,000 employees strive toward that vision every day. Our employees are proud to work for the only faith-based, nonprofit, locally owned health system in Kansas City. Joining Saint Luke's means joining a team of exceptional professionals who strive for excellence in patient care. Do the best work of your career within a highly diverse and inclusive workspace where all voices matter.

Join the Kansas City region's premiere provider of health services. Equal Opportunity Employer.

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