Exercise Specialist Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Personal Trainer

San Dimas, CA · On-site

$25 - $55/hr

Personal Trainer

Corona, CA · On-site

$25 - $55/hr

Quick apply

Personal Trainer

Corona, CA · On-site

$25 - $55/hr

Personal Trainer

Jurupa Valley, CA · On-site

$18 - $50/hr

Quick apply

Personal Trainer

Jurupa Valley, CA · On-site

$18 - $50/hr

Personal Trainer

Jurupa Valley, CA · On-site

$18 - $50/hr

Personal Trainer

Jurupa Valley, CA · On-site

$18 - $50/hr

Personal Trainer

San Dimas, CA · On-site

$25 - $55/hr

Personal Trainer

San Dimas, CA · On-site

$25 - $55/hr

Personal Trainer

Corona, CA · On-site

$25 - $55/hr

Personal Trainer

Corona, CA · On-site

$25 - $55/hr

Personal Trainer (Bilingual English/Spanish)

$33K - $50K/yr

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) - Certified Personal Trainer - Health Fitness Specialist American Council on Exercise (ACE) - Personal Trainer Certification The Cooper Institute - Personal ...

Personal Trainer (Bilingual English/Spanish)

$33K - $50K/yr

Personal Trainer

$33K - $50K/yr

Personal Trainer

$33K - $50K/yr

Personal Trainer

Personal Trainer

Personal Trainer

Personal Trainer

Personal Trainer (Bilingual English/Spanish)

$33K - $50K/yr

Personal Trainer (Bilingual English/Spanish)

$33K - $50K/yr

Personal Trainer

$33K - $50K/yr

Personal Trainer

$33K - $50K/yr

Personal Trainer

$33K - $50K/yr

Personal Trainer

$33K - $50K/yr

Personal Trainer

$33K - $50K/yr

Personal Trainer

$33K - $50K/yr

Personal Trainer

Corona, CA · On-site

$33K - $50K/yr

Personal Trainer

Corona, CA · On-site

$33K - $50K/yr

Exercise Physiologist

Murrieta, CA

The Exercise Physiologist functions within the scope of practice to perform patient assessments, treatment and education to patients and families during dynamic cardiovascular and pulmonary exercise ...

Exercise Physiologist

Murrieta, CA

Exercise Physiologist

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$31.62 - $42.53/hr

Exercise Physiologist

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$31.62 - $42.53/hr

Personal Trainer (Bilingual English/Spanish)

Riverside, CA · On-site

$33K - $50K/yr

Personal Trainer (Bilingual English/Spanish)

Riverside, CA · On-site

$33K - $50K/yr

Personal Trainer

San Dimas, CA · On-site

$33K - $50K/yr

Personal Trainer

San Dimas, CA · On-site

$33K - $50K/yr

Personal Trainer

Riverside, CA · On-site

Exercise Specialist Jobs in Riverside, CA

Personal Trainer

Riverside, CA · On-site

Showing results 1-20

Exercise Specialist information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$31

$53

How much do exercise specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise specialist in Riverside, CA is $31.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $43.37 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?

Aspect	Exercise Specialist	Physical Therapist
Credentials	Certification (e.g., ACSM, NASM)	Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) license
Work Environment	Gyms, fitness centers, wellness programs	Hospitals, clinics, rehab centers
Industry Usage	Health and fitness industry	Healthcare and rehabilitation
Primary Focus	Exercise programming and fitness improvement	Rehabilitation 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.

More about Exercise Specialist jobs

What are popular job titles related to Exercise Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA? For Exercise Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Exercise Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Exercise Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Exercise Specialist jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Exercise Specialist job openings:

Exercise Specialist jobs near you

Infographic showing various Exercise Specialist job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,494 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Personal Trainer