1

Exercise Testing Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Exercise Testing information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$29

$49

How much do exercise testing jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise testing in Chicago, IL is $29.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.30 and $34.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Exercise Testing job?

An Exercise Testing job involves conducting fitness and medical assessments to evaluate a person's cardiovascular and respiratory response to physical activity. Professionals in this role typically work in healthcare, sports science, or rehabilitation settings, using specialized equipment to measure heart rate, oxygen consumption, and other physiological parameters. They collaborate with doctors, physiologists, or trainers to interpret results and provide recommendations for health improvement or athletic performance. Strong knowledge of physiology, exercise science, and medical protocols is essential for success in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Exercise Testing position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Exercise Testing, you need a solid background in exercise physiology, health sciences, or a related field, often supplemented by clinical experience and relevant certifications such as ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist or similar. Familiarity with stress testing protocols, ECG machines, metabolic carts, and other cardiac or pulmonary assessment tools is essential. Excellent attention to detail, interpersonal communication, and analytical skills are important soft skills for accurate data collection and patient interaction. These abilities ensure that you can safely conduct reliable tests, interpret results, and provide high-quality care to patients in healthcare or fitness settings.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in Exercise Testing?

A typical day in Exercise Testing involves preparing clients or patients for stress tests, conducting and monitoring exercise protocols, and collecting physiological data such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen consumption. You will interpret test results, document findings, and often communicate outcomes to physicians or other healthcare providers. The role requires close interaction with both patients and multidisciplinary teams, meaning strong collaboration and communication are key to success. Many professionals in this field work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or specialized labs, supporting both diagnostic and preventive healthcare.

What jobs pay you to exercise?

Exercise testing jobs, such as exercise physiologists or fitness trainers, often pay individuals to perform physical activities as part of health assessments or training programs. These roles typically require certifications, knowledge of exercise science, and working in gyms, clinics, or research settings where physical activity is central to the job tasks.
What are the most commonly searched types of Exercise Testing jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Exercise Testing jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Exercise Testing job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,752 per year, or $29.2 per hour.
Exercise Physiologist - Noninvasive Cardiac Testing, Full-Time, Days

Exercise Physiologist - Noninvasive Cardiac Testing, Full-Time, Days

Northwestern Medicine

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


Northwestern Medicine rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 376 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Company Description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

The Exercise Physiologist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

This position is responsible for performing, administering and monitoring cardiodiagnostic tests limited primarily to treadmills, arm ergometers, bicycle ergometers, and pharmacologically induced stress tests as well as holter monitoring hook-up and scanning. The incumbent administers certain cardiodiagnostic tests providing physicians with preliminary findings of recorded data through monitoring and performing the necessary calculations. 

Responsibilities:

  • Performs treadmill, pharmacologic, arm ergometry, and bicycle ergometry stress tests following established protocols.  In some cases may need to modify, at physicians direction.
  • Records basic calculations to derive unknown variables for physician interpretation.
  • Explains relevant cardiac testing procedure to the patient and family members.
  • Follows established sanitary procedures to minimize the risk of spreading disease and infection to hospital patients and personnel.
  • Monitors various hemodynamic parameters and institutes appropriate protocols.
  • Monitors and alerts attending physician to potential rhythm abnormalities.
  • Skillfully communicates with physicians, patients, and other hospital staff in a pleasant and professional manner.
  • Performs holter hook-up for patients undergoing holter monitoring.
  • Accurately enters patient data in the stress testing and reporting systems.
  • Performs "hook-up" of holter monitors.
  • Performs signal average ECG.
  • Troubleshoots defective equipment.
  • Performs clerical duties as assigned, including but not limited to, the ECG stress lab or holter monitoring areas.
  • Maintains area and equipment by cleaning, providing minor repairs, and arranging for more extensive repair through Resource Coordinator or Manager.
  • Coordinate scheduling of patients.

Additional Functions

  • Ensure that the environment is clean and attractive, safe and free from hazards.
  • Routes appropriate exam information to individual patient charts according to established policy.
  • Process and/or retrieve exam information for other sites connected to Muse System.
  • Performs necessary patient data entry including order entry and charge capture.
Qualifications

Required:

  • Graduate of a Master's degree program in Exercise Physiology.
Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family. 


What Northwestern Medicine employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom