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Exercise Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

UNC Health Careers

Exercise Specialist

Kinston, NC · On-site

The Exercise Specialist is responsible for development and supervising all components of Minges Wellness Center exercise programming. The exercise specialist provides exercise and fitness education ...

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Exercise Specialist information

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$14

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$51

How much do exercise specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,778 per year, or $30.2 per hour.
Exercise Specialist

Exercise Specialist

Saint Luke's Health System

Overland Park, KS • On-site

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago

Saint Luke's Health System (Kansas City) rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 109 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

373rd of 890 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 year
Basic Life Support - American Heart Association or Red Cross
Bachelor's Degree
Job Details
PRN
Day (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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