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Exercise Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$22.07 - $34.21/hr

The Exercise Specialist assists with the daily operational flow of the stress labs and procedureassignments. This role independently supervises patients undergoing a variety of non-invasive ...

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

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 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 ...

$17 - $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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Exercise information

See California salary details

$12

$27

$46

How much do exercise jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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, Cardiac Rehab

University of California San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$87K - $108K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago


University Of California San Diego rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

167th of 621 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Payroll Title:
HOSP LAB TCHN 3 Department:
La Jolla Cardiac Rehab Hiring Pay Scale
$39.48 - $49.10 / Hour Worksite:
Jacobs Medical Center Appointment Type:
Career Appointment Percent:
100% Union:
EX Contract Total Openings:
2 Work Schedule:
Days, 10-Hour Shifts, Monday-Friday
#139551 Exercise Physiologist, Cardiac Rehab
Filing Deadline: Mon 8/24/2026
Apply Now
UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.
UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 5/07/26 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.
Reassignment Applicants : Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.
DESCRIPTION
The Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Wellness Center at UC San Diego Health offers Intensive and Standard Cardiac Rehabilitation and other wellness programs that are designed to help patients with and without heart disease lead healthier lives.
As part of our multidisciplinary team, the Clinical Exercise Physiologist is responsible for direct patient care activities including supervising cardiac rehabilitation patients, conducting initial orientation visits, developing and implementing exercise prescriptions, case management, performing fitness evaluations and educating patients on risk factor reduction, behavior intervention and lifestyle change.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, or Kinesiology.
  • Must obtain ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification within six months of hire.
  • BART or BLS at time of hire with commitment to get BART within six (6) months of hire date.
  • Minimum of two years experience as an Exercise Physiologist in Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation.
  • Understanding and ability to apply exercise principles for variety of adult patient populations.
  • Ability to perform exercise testing parameters such as body fat, heart rate, and blood pressure.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Master's degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology or related field.
  • Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP).
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
  • Must be able to take call, work other shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays at the need of the department.
  • Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $87,404 - $108,743 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $41.86 - $52.08
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
Apply Now
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements. If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.
UC San Diego Health is the only academic health system in the San Diego region, providing leading-edge care in patient care, biomedical research, education, and community service. Our facilities include two university hospitals, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, the only Burn Center in the county, and dozens of outpatient clinics. We invite you to join our team!
Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.
To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community .
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

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