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Exercise Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Group Exercise Instructor

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$20.74 - $32/hr

Group Exercise Instructors teach complimentary group exercise classes to Villa Sport members and guests. Each instructor will teach a safe, effective and fun group exercise class, adhering to class ...

Group Exercise Instructor

Oroville, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $50/hr

Opportunity for advancement We are looking for a motivated Group Exercise Instructor to join our team! You will be responsible for motivating, educating, and inspiring members to perform a variety of ...

Group Exercise Instructor

Alameda, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $20.50/hr

AES Therapy & Fitness is looking to add more Group Exercise Instructors to our team! Our clinics are located INSIDE two Alameda assisted living facilities and we provide a variety of classes and ...

New

AES Therapy & Fitness is looking to add more Group Exercise Instructors to our team! Our clinics are located INSIDE two Alameda assisted living facilities and we provide a variety of classes and ...

New

Group Exercise Instructor

Alameda, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $20.50/hr

AES Therapy & Fitness is looking to add more Group Exercise Instructors to our team! Our clinics are located INSIDE two Alameda assisted living facilities and we provide a variety of classes and ...

New

Group Exercise Instructor

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$20.74 - $32/hr

Group Exercise Instructors teach complimentary group exercise classes to Villa Sport members and guests. Each instructor will teach a safe, effective and fun group exercise class, adhering to class ...

Group Exercise Instructor

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$20.74 - $32/hr

Group Exercise Instructors teach complimentary group exercise classes to Villa Sport members and guests. Each instructor will teach a safe, effective and fun group exercise class, adhering to class ...

Group Exercise Instructor

Redding, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $46.50/hr

Training & development We are looking for a motivated Group Exercise Instructor to join our team! You will be responsible for motivating, educating, and inspiring members to perform a variety of ...

GROUP EXERCISE INSTRUCTOR

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$22.76 - $25/hr

Flexible Schedule What do Group Exercise Instructors do? * Implement aerobics exercise, mind-body, or basic fitness classes * Teach fitness classes; develop fitness routines, exercises, and ...

New

Group Exercise Instructor

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$20.74 - $32/hr

Group Exercise Instructors teach complimentary group exercise classes to Villa Sport members and guests. Each instructor will teach a safe, effective and fun group exercise class, adhering to class ...

$15 - $25/hr

We are looking for an energetic and enthusiastic temporary Exercise Specialist on a temporary basis who is passionate about supporting healthy lifestyle habits to work at a high-profile company ...

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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 Jul 13, 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:
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.
Group Exercise Instructor

Group Exercise Instructor

YMCA of San Diego County

La Jolla, CA • On-site

$22.64 - $27.17/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago

New


Job description

Overview

The Group Exercise Instructor is responsible for building positive relationships among members, participants, volunteers, and staff by actively greeting and providing excellent customer service, guidance, and leadership. The Instructor creates and delivers Group Exercise classes in a safe, effective, and timely manner, appropriate to the level of the participants in class, to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual health.

For information on Y Employee Perks, click on this link: Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org)

Schedule

  • Morning Classes of Cardio Sculpt, Barre, and Step.
  • Monday through Friday.
Responsibilities
  • Create a positive member experience through welcoming participants and ensuring they are actively engaged in their workout
  • Provide a safe workout routine by demonstrating proper form and technique, appropriate modifications, and cueing
  • Maintain a clean and safe workout atmosphere by properly setting up and breaking down within the allotted class time 
  • Build community through forming positive relationships through learning names, and helping members reach their Health & Wellness Goals 
  • Adhere to the core functions of the YMCA and exemplify Y Group Exercise Class Guidelines
  • Ability to communicate verbally to large and small groups of members 
  • Physical ability to lead and participate in exercise/fitness activities 
  • Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency  
  • Other duties as assigned  
Qualifications
  • NASM, ACE, ISSA, NCCA accredited certification, or 4 year degree/1 year Exercise Science certification 
  • 1+ year's experience leading Group Exercise classes preferred 
  • All job required trainings within 90 days from date of hire 
  • Strong communication skills and the capability to work with members of all fitness levels and abilities 
  • Knowledge of fitness principles and practical applications required 
  • Licensing, state law and our government funders require that staff within YMCA of San Diego County be fingerprinted, prior to reporting to work, and include subsequent arrest notifications 
  • CPR/AED, and First Aid Certification, must include Adult and Child/Infant, obtained within 30 days of hire and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: 
    • American Red Cross 
    • American Heart Association 
    • American Safety & Health Institute 

YMCA will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the YMCA is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Ordinance by visiting the San Diego County Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement.

Pay RangeUSD $22.64 - USD $27.17 /Hr.Employment Type: PART_TIME