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Independent Contractor Exercise Science Jobs in Tennessee

Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science or related field preferred * National ... independent contractors - No split shifts - Medical, dental, and vision - Matching 401K plan ...

Personal Trainer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$35K - $50K/yr

Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science or related field preferred * National ... independent contractors - No split shifts - Medical, dental, and vision - Matching 401K plan ...

Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science or related field preferred * National ... independent contractors - No split shifts - Medical, dental, and vision - Matching 401K plan ...

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Independent Contractor Exercise Science information

See Tennessee salary details

$11

$25

$43

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

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor exercise science in Tennessee is $25.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $30.77 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Exercise Science jobs in Tennessee are:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Exercise Science jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Exercise Science jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Independent Contractor Exercise Science jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Independent Contractor Exercise Science job openings:

Personal Trainer / Fitness & Performance Coach

Level Wellness PLLC

Franklin, TN

Other

Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description

Personal Trainer / Fitness & Performance Coach

Level Wellness
Position Type: Full-Time | Part-Time | 1099 Independent Contractor
Reports To: Director of Operations


About Level Wellness

At Level Wellness, we believe true health extends beyond treating illness. Our innovative approach focuses on the whole person-physical, mental, and emotional-by providing personalized wellness solutions tailored to each individual's goals.
 

Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to help clients improve their overall health through preventive care, fitness, nutrition, metabolic health, recovery, and lifestyle medicine. We are committed to creating an encouraging environment where clients are empowered to achieve lasting wellness.


Position Summary

The Personal Trainer / Fitness & Performance Coach is responsible for developing and implementing individualized fitness programs that support each client's unique health and wellness goals. This role includes conducting fitness assessments, providing one-on-one and group training sessions, monitoring client progress, and collaborating with the Level Wellness team to deliver an integrated approach to wellness.
 

The ideal candidate is passionate about helping others improve their quality of life through movement, education, accountability, and evidence-based exercise programming.


Key Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive fitness assessments, including health history, fitness level, movement screening, and goal setting.

Design and implement individualized exercise programs that support clients' health, wellness, performance, and lifestyle goals.

Provide safe, effective, and motivating one-on-one personal training sessions while ensuring proper exercise technique.

Lead engaging group fitness classes that foster accountability, community, and long-term success.

Monitor client progress, evaluate outcomes, and modify training programs to support continued improvement.

Educate clients on exercise, recovery, mobility, nutrition fundamentals, and healthy lifestyle habits.

Collaborate with physicians, nurse practitioners, dietitians, and other wellness professionals to provide comprehensive, coordinated care.

Maintain accurate client documentation, progress notes, and scheduling records while ensuring a clean, safe, and professional training environment.


Why Join Level Wellness?

At Level Wellness, you'll become part of a collaborative team that is redefining healthcare through prevention, education, and personalized wellness.

Competitive compensation

Full-time, part-time, and 1099 opportunities

Performance incentive opportunities

Continuing education and professional development

Modern wellness-focused clinical environment

State-of-the-art fitness equipment and training space

401(k) (eligible employees)

Collaborative interdisciplinary team

Supportive culture focused on innovation, quality, and exceptional patient care

Requirements

Required Qualifications

Certification through a nationally recognized fitness organization (NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA, or equivalent).

Current CPR/AED certification.

Minimum of two (2) years of experience as a personal trainer, fitness coach, or fitness instructor.

Strong knowledge of anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, injury prevention, and exercise programming.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and motivational coaching skills.

Ability to build meaningful client relationships and inspire individuals to achieve long-term health goals.

Proficiency with fitness technology, scheduling software, and client documentation systems.

Commitment to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practice.


Preferred Experience

Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Sports Medicine, or a related field.

Medical wellness, rehabilitation, sports performance, or healthcare-based fitness experience.

Coaching clients with chronic conditions, metabolic health concerns, weight management, or post-rehabilitation exercise programs.

Group fitness instruction.

Functional movement assessment and corrective exercise.