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Exercise Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AC Wellness

Exercise Specialist

Cupertino, CA

$38 - $46/hr

The Exercise Specialist works in direct partnership with the primary care team to help patients work towards their health and wellness goals. The Exercise Specialist conducts advanced health fitness ...

AC Wellness

Exercise Specialist

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$38 - $46/hr

The Exercise Specialist works in direct partnership with the primary care team to help patients work towards their health and wellness goals. The Exercise Specialist conducts advanced health fitness ...

AC Wellness

Exercise Specialist

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$38 - $46/hr

The Exercise Specialist works in direct partnership with the primary care team to help patients work towards their health and wellness goals. The Exercise Specialist conducts advanced health fitness ...

Plus One, an Optum Company

$15 - $25/hr

We are looking for an energetic and enthusiastic Exercise Specialist who is passionate about supporting healthy lifestyle habits to work at a high-profile company's fitness center located in Mountain ...

Plus One, an Optum Company

$15 - $22/hr

We are looking for an energetic and enthusiastic Exercise Specialist who is passionate about supporting healthy lifestyle habits to work at a high-profile company's fitness center located in San ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsExercise JobsExercise Jobs in California

Exercise information

See California salary details

$12

$27

$46

How much do exercise jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Exercise Physiologist, and why are they important?

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 is the highest paying fitness job?

The highest paying fitness jobs typically include fitness directors, personal trainers with specialized certifications, and sports performance coaches, especially those working with professional athletes or in corporate wellness programs. These roles often require advanced certifications, experience, and sometimes a degree in related fields, and they can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually depending on location and expertise.

What are exercise physiologists?

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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

High-paying jobs that can reach $4,000 a week without a degree often include roles such as commercial truck drivers, real estate brokers, or sales managers, which typically require specialized skills, licenses, or experience. These positions may involve physically demanding work, self-employment, or commission-based income, and often require certifications or training rather than formal college degrees.

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 are related to exercise?

Jobs related to exercise include personal trainers, fitness instructors, physical therapists, sports coaches, and exercise physiologists. These roles often require knowledge of anatomy, fitness techniques, and certifications such as CPR or personal training credentials. They typically involve working in gyms, clinics, sports teams, or wellness centers.

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.

Are there jobs that pay you to workout?

Yes, there are jobs such as personal trainers, fitness instructors, and sports coaches that pay individuals to work out and lead exercise sessions. These roles often require certifications, knowledge of fitness techniques, and the ability to motivate clients in gyms, fitness centers, or outdoor 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:
Exercise jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exercise job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,202 per year, or $28 per hour.

Exercise Specialist

AC Wellness

Cupertino, CA

$38 - $46/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY

At AC Wellness, our entire focus is to deliver compassionate, effective healthcare to the Apple employee population.  We believe that trusting, accessible relationships with our patients, enabled by technology, promotes high quality care and a great patient experience.  This is fostered by an environment of continuous learning and teamwork, which in turn allows us to work with our patients to achieve exceptional health outcomes. 


The Exercise Specialist works in direct partnership with the primary care team to help patients work towards their  health and wellness goals. The Exercise Specialist conducts advanced health fitness assessments, and provides patients with coaching, education, and individualized exercise plans to support them in developing sustainable exercise habits and lasting behavior change.   

This is a full time, 40-hour/week opportunity. We are looking for individuals to work a 4x10 or 5x8 schedule Monday through Friday between 7:30am-6:30pm on-site.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

  • Conduct comprehensive fitness and functional assessments (e.g. cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, flexibility, balance, body composition and resting metabolism). Review medical history, lab values, medications, and referrals as part of assessment to determine patient's exercise readiness and recommendations. 
  • Create personalized, detailed fitness plans based on assessment findings. Perform risk stratification, identify contraindications, provide modifications as indicated, and perform exercise safety protocols in accordance with clinic guidelines.
  • Develop tailored exercise guidance and recommendations to support patients coping with various chronic health conditions (e.g. cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity) and musculoskeletal limitations. 
  • Provide exercise education and exercise care plans using patient friendly language. 
  • Collaborate with care team to promote high quality, patient-centered care. 
  • Adhere to clinic guidelines for responding to medical escalations. 
  • Complete charting and documentation in accordance with clinic protocols and guidelines.
  • Serve as an expert consultant with care team.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Additional duties or projects, as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, or Kinesiology. Master's Degree preferred.
    Certified American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) or with expectation to obtain ACSM-EP within 6 months
  • 2+ years experience conducting fitness assessments and developing individualized, medically informed exercise prescriptions.
  • Current Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) certification and Basic Life Support certification (BLS).
  • Experience with performing treadmill based fitness testing preferred.
  • Compliance with AC Wellness Occupational Health Policy, including required immunizations

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Physical Activities

--Amount of Time Spent--

Rarely

0 - 12%

Occasionally

13 - 33%

Frequently

34 - 66%

Regularly

67 %+

Seeing: Must be able to see and reads with or without corrective lenses

X

Hearing: Must be able to hear adequately to communicate with people in person and via phone systems

X

Sitting

X

Standing/Walking

X

Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling/Bending

X

Lifting/carrying up to 25 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying over 25 lbs

X

Pulling/pushing/reaching

X

Grasping/Feeling/Finger use of both hands: Must be able to write; type; se a keyboard and telephone system

X

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