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Exercise Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Exercise Physiologist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

Exercise Physiologist Location US-CA-San Diego Job ID 350904 Pos. Category Therapy - Chiropractor Pos. Type Full Time Recruiter : Full Name: First Last Joseph Winter Overview Concentra is now hiring ...

Exercise Physiologist

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$32.71 - $40.89/hr

As a Full-Time Exercise Physiologist , you'll provide care to client employees and their dependents in our Health Center located in Sunnyvale, CA . Anticipated work schedule will be 9:30am- 6:30pm ...

Exercise Physiologist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

The Exercise Physiologist instructs participant in the proper principle ofexercise, physical activity to improve overall strength, flexibility and performance measures, promotefitness progression ...

Exercise Physiologist

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$32.71 - $40.89/hr

As a Full-Time Exercise Physiologist , you'll provide care to client employees and their dependents in our Health Center located in Sunnyvale, CA . Anticipated work schedule will be 9:30am- 6:30pm ...

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Showing results 1-20

Exercise information

See California salary details

$12

$27

$46

How much do exercise jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise in California is $27.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $33.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an exercise physiologist?

Exercise physiologists are healthcare professionals who study the body’s response to physical activity and use this knowledge to help people improve their health, fitness, and performance. They often design and supervise exercise programs for individuals with chronic diseases, athletes, or those seeking general wellness. Exercise physiologists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, fitness facilities, and research institutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exercise physiologist?

To excel as an Exercise Physiologist, you generally need a bachelor's degree in exercise science or a related field, strong knowledge of human physiology, and experience in fitness assessment and program development. Familiarity with fitness testing equipment, data analysis software, and relevant certifications such as ACSM or NSCA are typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, motivational abilities, and strong communication help build rapport and guide clients toward their health goals. These competencies are essential to create safe, effective exercise programs and ensure positive health outcomes for diverse populations.

What are some common challenges faced by exercise physiologists when designing personalized fitness programs for clients?

Exercise Physiologists often encounter challenges such as accommodating clients' varying health conditions, fitness levels, and personal goals. It requires careful assessment and ongoing adjustments to ensure safety and effectiveness, especially when working with individuals managing chronic diseases or recovering from injuries. Collaboration with other healthcare professionals, like physicians and physical therapists, is also important to provide comprehensive care. Staying updated on the latest research and best practices helps overcome these challenges and supports positive client outcomes.

What is the difference between Exercise vs Personal Trainer?

AspectExercisePersonal Trainer
Required CredentialsNone or basic fitness certificationsCertified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification
Work EnvironmentSelf-directed, gyms, outdoor settingsGuiding clients in gyms, fitness centers, or private settings
Industry UsageGeneral term for physical activitySpecific profession providing personalized fitness coaching
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding physical activity optionsSeeking personalized fitness guidance or career info

Exercise refers to physical activities performed to improve health, fitness, or performance, often self-directed. A personal trainer is a certified professional who designs and guides personalized workout plans for clients, often working in gyms or fitness centers. While exercise is a broad concept, a personal trainer specializes in coaching and motivating individuals to achieve their fitness goals.

What jobs involve exercise?

Jobs that involve exercise include personal trainers, fitness instructors, physical therapists, sports coaches, and athletic trainers. These roles require knowledge of anatomy, fitness techniques, and often certification or licensing, and they typically work in gyms, sports facilities, or healthcare settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Exercise jobs in California?

The most popular types of Exercise jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Exercise jobs?

Cities in California with the most Exercise job openings:

Infographic showing various Exercise job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,202 per year, or $28 per hour.

Exercise Physiologist

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Stanford Medicine Children's Health
Hospitals • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Stanford Medicine Children's Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Company Description
At Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, we know world-renowned care begins with world-class caring. That's why we combine advanced technologies and breakthrough discoveries with family-centered care. It's why we provide our caregivers with continuing education and state-of-the-art facilities, like the newly remodeled Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. And it's why we need caring, committed people on our team - like you. Join us on our mission to heal humanity, one child and family at a time.
Job ID: P145426-3055
Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
This paragraph summarizes the general nature, level and purpose of the job.
According to the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP), exercise physiology includes the study, assessment and improvement of human biomechanical movement. Exercise physiology is the study of the human body's metabolic response to short- and long-term physical activity for the purposes of increased athletic performance, wellness, and rehabilitation. An exercise physiologist designs and carefully monitors exercise programs that increase patients' endurance and speed their recovery after a heart attack or heart procedure. Exercise physiologists need a degree and professional certification. The Exercise Physiologist is a staff member of the ECHO Department at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.
Under the direct supervision of the Medical Director of the Exercise Physiology lab and the Director of the OP Heart center, the Exercise Physiologist performs appropriate exercise testing for all ages in the Pediatric Heart Center Cardio Pulmonary Lab for children and young adults. This includes both metabolic and non-metabolic testing as well as exercise echoes and cardiac rehabilitation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.
Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct.
Employee must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the PCARES Standards of the Hospital. PCARES is the foundation of Lucile Packard Children's Hospital patient experience and represents the framework for patient and family centered care.
*Supervises and performs exercise testing (including metabolic, non-metabolic, and exercise echoes) on all patients.
*Supervises and trains medical assistants on 6 minute walk testing and report completion.
*Appropriate and timely documentation of exercise testing reports. Including timely presentation to the reading Cardiologist for final read.
*Supervise and participate in Cardiac Rehabilitation program including patient teaching and direction.
*Assists in setting up procedures, policies and protocols or guidelines for the exercise lab.
*Participates in checking and documenting calibration of equipment function. Participates in research projects and provides testing to research patients as needed.
*Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.
Education: Bachelor Degree in exercise physiology, Kinesiology or equivalent. Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology or equivalent preferred.
Experience: One year of experience in exercise physiology. One year of experience in pediatric exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation preferred.
License/Certification: American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certification preferred.
KNOWLEDGE
These are the observable and measurable attributes and skills required to perform successfully the essential functions of the job and are generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education or licensure/certification.
*Broad knowledge of exercise protocols and procedures with a willingness to learn echocardiography.
*Preferred: Proven knowledge base and exercise leadership qualities and ability to relate effectively with medical. Paramedical, and parent/patient individuals.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The Physical Requirements and Working Conditions in which the job is typically performed are available from the Occupational Health Department. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Additional Information
Pay Range
Compensation is based on the level and requirements of the role.
Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Typically, new team members join at the minimum to mid salary range.
Minimum to Midpoint Range (Hourly): $73.13 to $82.95
Stanford Medicine Children's Health (SMCH) strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, SMCH does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and the job requirements, and where applicable, in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

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