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Exercise Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 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 ...

UT Health East Texas

Exercise Specialist

Tyler, TX · On-site

Overview Join our team as a day shift, full-time, Exercise Specialist in Tyler, TX. Why Join Us? Thrive in a People-First Environment and Make Healthcare Better * Thrive: We empower our team with ...

UT Health East Texas

Exercise Specialist

Tyler, TX

Overview Join our team as a day shift, full-time, Exercise Specialist in Tyler, TX. Why Join Us? Thrive in a People-First Environment and Make Healthcare Better * Thrive: We empower our team with ...

Kansas Medical Center

Exercise Specialist

Andover, KS · On-site

We are adding an Exercise Specialist to the team. Our team provides care and support to our patients in an outpatient setting, providing rehabilitation through specialized conditioning to ensure our ...

Canterbury Court

Exercise Specialist

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Canterbury Court is seeking an Exercise Specialist to join our team. This Full-Time/Part-Time position is in the Wellness division of our Life Plan Community (LPC). We invite you to experience ...

Reidhealth

Exercise Specialist Schedule: PRN as needed About the Position The Exercise Specialist will be working with the Reid Fitness Services (i.e., Rock Steady Boxing, H.I.I.T. Boxing, Fall Prevention ...

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Exercise Specialist information

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$14

$30

$51

How much do exercise specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 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.

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 ACSM or NSCA can enhance job prospects and demonstrate expertise. Requirements vary by employer and specific job responsibilities.

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 can I do with an exercise specialist certificate?

An exercise specialist certificate qualifies individuals to work in fitness settings, developing and guiding exercise programs for clients of various ages and health levels. It can lead to roles such as personal trainer, fitness instructor, or wellness coach, often requiring knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and exercise techniques. Certification enhances employment prospects in gyms, community centers, or healthcare facilities.

What is an exercise specialist?

An exercise specialist is a fitness professional who designs and implements exercise programs to improve clients' physical health, strength, and endurance. They often work in gyms, clinics, or rehabilitation centers and may hold certifications such as ACSM or NASM. Their role involves assessing fitness levels, providing guidance on proper technique, and motivating clients to achieve their fitness goals.

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. Executive-level positions in fitness organizations or owning a successful fitness business can also offer higher income potential, especially with experience and a strong client base.
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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 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,778 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Exercise Specialist

The Jackson Clinics Physical Therapy

Arlington, VA

$18 - $21/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Company Description

The Jackson Clinics is a physical therapist-owned outpatient physical therapy group committed to providing a level of care and a patient experience, unlike the "average physical therapy clinic."  We provide care for our patients specific to their individual needs and presentations. We have an innovative treatment model that allows you to truly focus on each patient every visit and for patients to receive more individualized attention and care.  Reach out to learn more about our "Complete Care Initiative," which is intended to help our patients fully recover, not just for the moment but for all the moments to come.

At The Jackson Clinics, we also believe that education makes a difference. That is why our new hire package includes a 2-week new hire orientation program. 

Our Exercise Specialists Enjoy the following:

  • Competitive compensation:  $18 - $21/hr depending on experience 
  • Continuing education opportunities
  • Excellent benefits package, including 401k
  • Health, dental, and RX benefits
  • Paid time off, plus major holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Get to interact with a great team and support staff, and so much more!
Job Description

We are seeking a driven and energetic Exercise Specialist to join our team of highly skilled clinicians. This position is Part-Time WITH Benefits (30-39 hrs/wk). 

Our clinics provide a fast-paced and highly rewarding work environment, in which you can grow, learn.

Our Ideal Candidate:

  • We believe in- hiring Exercise Specialists who strive to grow and develop their skills
  • Experts who are eager to acquire advanced clinical skills in orthopedics and sports medicine through our Continuing Education courses.
  • Exercise Specialists who enjoy our patient-centric model and having ample face time with each patient.
Qualifications
  • This position requires excellent customer service interaction with patients, clinicians, and staff
  • CSCS/NASM/ACSM/ISSA - required within 1 year of hire
  • Experience in personal training
  • A degree in Exercise Science and a kinesiology background preferred, but not required
  • Prior medical clinic experience preferred but not required. We provide extensive clinical training, including workshops and seminars.
  • Ability to multitask
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to build rapport with the patient
Additional Information

For questions regarding the position, please contact us at [email protected]. Our Staffing Director will promptly reply to you. 

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