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Independent Contractor Exercise Science Jobs in California

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Independent Contractor Exercise Science information

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$12

$27

$46

How much do independent contractor exercise science jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor exercise science 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 Independent Contractor Exercise Science professionals?

Independent Contractor Exercise Science professionals are experts in the field of exercise science who work on a self-employed basis rather than as traditional employees. They may provide services such as fitness assessments, personal training, wellness coaching, or exercise program development for individuals, organizations, or sports teams. As independent contractors, they handle their own business operations, set their schedules, and often work with multiple clients. This role requires a strong background in exercise science, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage client relationships and administrative tasks.

How does an Independent Contractor in Exercise Science typically collaborate with clients and other professionals?

As an Independent Contractor in Exercise Science, you will often work directly with clients to assess their fitness levels, develop personalized exercise programs, and track progress. Collaboration is key; you may partner with healthcare providers, physical therapists, or nutritionists to ensure comprehensive care for your clients. Communication and networking skills are important, as you’ll coordinate schedules, share client updates, and sometimes work within multidisciplinary teams to achieve the best outcomes. This role offers flexibility, but requires proactive relationship-building and ongoing client management.

What is the highest paying job in exercise science?

In exercise science, the highest paying roles typically include sports medicine physicians, exercise physiologists with advanced certifications, and clinical exercise specialists working in healthcare settings. These positions often require advanced degrees, specialized certifications, and extensive experience, and they can offer salaries exceeding $70,000 annually depending on location and employer.

What can I do with an exercise and sports science degree?

An exercise and sports science degree prepares individuals for roles such as exercise physiologists, personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, sports coaches, and fitness instructors. These positions often require knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and fitness assessment, and may involve working in gyms, sports teams, clinics, or rehabilitation centers.

What jobs can you do as an exercise scientist?

Exercise scientists can work in roles such as fitness trainers, clinical exercise specialists, sports performance coaches, rehabilitation specialists, and research assistants. They often work in gyms, hospitals, sports teams, or research settings, utilizing skills in exercise testing, program design, and health assessment, often requiring certifications like ACSM or NSCA. These positions involve developing and implementing exercise programs to improve health, performance, or recovery.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Exercise Science vs Personal Trainer?

AspectIndependent Contractor Exercise SciencePersonal Trainer
CredentialsCertifications like ACSM, NSCA, NASM; relevant degreesCertifications like ACE, NASM, ISSA; fitness-focused certifications
Work EnvironmentContract-based, often in gyms, clinics, or clients' homesGyms, fitness centers, private sessions
Employer/Industry UsageSelf-employed or contracted with health/fitness organizationsTypically employed or freelance in fitness settings

While both roles require fitness certifications and involve client interaction, Independent Contractor Exercise Science professionals often work on a contract basis providing specialized health assessments or programs, whereas Personal Trainers focus on fitness coaching and workout planning. The key difference lies in scope and services offered, with exercise scientists emphasizing health and performance testing, and personal trainers focusing on fitness goals.

What jobs can I get with just an exercise science degree?

An exercise science degree can qualify you for roles such as personal trainer, fitness instructor, strength and conditioning coach, or wellness coach. These positions often require knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and fitness assessment, and may benefit from certifications like NASM or ACE. Job environments include gyms, sports teams, corporate wellness programs, and rehabilitation centers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Independent Contractor in Exercise Science, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor in Exercise Science, you need a solid background in kinesiology, exercise physiology, and program design, typically supported by a degree in exercise science or a related field. Familiarity with fitness assessment tools, client management software, and certifications like NSCA, ACSM, or NASM is commonly required. Strong communication, self-motivation, and time management skills help you build client relationships and manage a flexible workload. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering effective, evidence-based training while maintaining a successful independent practice.
What are the most commonly searched types of Exercise Science jobs in California? The most popular types of Exercise Science jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Exercise Science jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Exercise Science jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Independent Contractor Exercise Science jobs? Cities in California with the most Independent Contractor Exercise Science job openings:
Exercise Physiologist, Cardiovascular Medicine, Multiple Sites, (Larkspur/Novato/Petaluma), Full-...

Exercise Physiologist, Cardiovascular Medicine, Multiple Sites, (Larkspur/Novato/Petaluma), Full-...

MarinHealth

Novato, CA

$40.87 - $50.48/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


MarinHealth rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT MARINHEALTH
Are you looking for a place where you are empowered to bring innovation to reality? Join MarinHealth, an integrated, independent healthcare system with deep roots throughout the North Bay. With a world-class physician and clinical team, an affiliation with UCSF Health, an ever-expanding network of clinics, and a new state-of-the-art hospital, MarinHealth is growing quickly. MarinHealth comprises MarinHealth Medical Center, a 327-bed hospital in Greenbrae, and 55 primary care and specialty clinics in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa Counties. We attract healthcare's most talented trailblazers who appreciate having the best of both worlds: the pioneering medicine of an academic medical center combined with an independent hospital's personalized, caring touch.

MarinHealth is already realizing the benefits of impressive growth and has consistently earned high praise and accolades, including being Named One of the Top 250 Hospitals Nationwide by Healthgrades, receiving a 5-star Ranking for Overall Hospital Quality from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and being named the Best Hospital in San Francisco/Marin by Bay Area Parent, among others.

Company:

Prima Medical Foundation dba MarinHealth Medical Network

Work Shift:

8 Hour (days) (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Job Description Summary:

The Exercise Physiologist primary role is to provide coverage in the Testing Center department performing CPET, Stress Tests with treadmill or bike under the direction of the Supervising Cardiologist at that site. In addition, the person may educate patients on fitness performance and cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Job Requirements, Prerequisites and Essential Functions:

Pay Range:
$32.69 - $40.87 - $50.48

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Assess fitness levels and determines appropriate exercise modalities; consults with Cardiologist as required to perform appropriate tests.
  • Applies exercise science to perform stress test procedures as ordered by the Cardiologists and/or referring MDs.
  • Performs VO2max testing that may include body composition analysis
  • Upon request may lead exercise classes for the Phase II/Phase III Cardiac Rehab, Ornish programs; ensures safe use of exercise equipment and body mechanics and develops exercise prescription based on stress test results.
  • Educates patients on cardiovascular disease risk factors.
  • Monitors patient heart rhythms and notifies Cardiologist of arrhythmias or symptoms during stress test and/or exercise classes.
  • Monitors blood sugars pre and post-exercise for patients with diabetes type 1 and type 2 per protocol.
  • Assures cleanliness and proper functioning of all exercise equipment
  • Participates in referral and enrollment process/department policy.
  • Other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science or related field required
  • Master's degree in exercise science or related field preferred
  • Certification with American College of Sports Medicine preferred

License & Certifications:

  • BLS Certification (American Heart Association) required.
  • ACLS Certification (American Heart Association) required.

Experience:

  • Experience in exercise program planning, supervision, and risk factor modification education with cardiovascular rehabilitation patients.
  • One to three years experience preferred.

Accommodation:

Qualified applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application process by contacting Human Resources at 415-925-7040 or TalentAcquisition@mymarinhealth.org.

C.A.R.E.S. Standards:

MarinHealth seeks candidates ready to model our C.A.R.E.S. standards-Communication, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, Safety-which foster a healing, trust-based environment for patients and colleagues.

Health & Immunizations:

To protect employees, patients, and our community, MarinHealth requires measles, mumps, varicella, and annual influenza immunizations as a condition of employment (and annually thereafter). COVID-19 vaccination/booster remains strongly recommended. Medical or religious exemptions will be considered consistent with applicable law.

Compensation:

The posted pay range complies with applicable law and reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this role. Individual pay is set by skills, experience, qualifications, and internal/market equity, consistent with MarinHealth's compensation philosophy. Positions covered by collective bargaining agreements are governed by those agreements.

Equal Employment:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or disability status, and any other classifications protected by federal, state, and local laws.


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