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Independent Contractor Exercise Science Jobs in Naperville, IL

Stretch Practitioner

Glenview, IL · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Whether you're a recent graduate in Exercise Science or Kinesiology, a certified personal trainer ... independently with clients. If you're passionate about helping people and eager to learn, we'll ...

Stretch Practitioner

Glenview, IL · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Whether you're a recent graduate in Exercise Science or Kinesiology, a certified personal trainer ... independently with clients. If you're passionate about helping people and eager to learn, we'll ...

A Bachelor's Degree in exercise science or a related field * OR a current certification from NASM ... ME SPE Franchising, LLC ("ME SPE") is a national franchisor of independently owned and operated ...

A Bachelor's Degree in exercise science or a related field * OR a current certification from NASM ... ME SPE Franchising, LLC ("ME SPE") is a national franchisor of independently owned and operated ...

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Independent Contractor Exercise Science information

See Naperville, IL salary details

$12

$28

$47

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

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor exercise science in Naperville, IL is $28.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $33.85 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 Naperville, IL? The most popular types of Exercise Science jobs in Naperville, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Exercise Science jobs in Naperville, IL? For Independent Contractor Exercise Science jobs in Naperville, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Exercise Science jobs in Naperville, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Exercise Science jobs in Naperville, IL are:
What cities near Naperville, IL are hiring for Independent Contractor Exercise Science jobs? Cities near Naperville, IL with the most Independent Contractor Exercise Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Exercise Science job openings in Naperville, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Internship, 29% Full Time, 43% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,886 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Contractual Oncology Exercise Specialist

Wellness House

Hinsdale, IL • On-site

$35/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description:

Summary of Position:


Classification: Independent Contractor

Schedule: Hours vary; preferably 1 to 3 hours per week

Location: On-site at main location in Hinsdale and partner locations around Chicagoland


This position is responsible for facilitating innovative exercise and mind body movement programs at Wellness House and our partner locations around Chicagoland. This position facilitates exercise classes and yoga classes for people affected by cancer. Additionally, this position ensures that required consents and assessments are completed prior to enrollment in exercise classes and that the exercise room and equipment are maintained.


RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Conduct exercise classes and cover for absences of other exercise program staff as needed or requested.
  • Assist individual participants in setting exercise related goals and recommend appropriate WH classes.
  • Update participant files to include a current medical release form, health history, informed consent waiver, and orientation documentation.
  • Enter participant efforts into MBO as appropriate for programs or services delivered in a timely fashion.
  • Assist with exercise registration process and record exercise class attendance.
  • Ensure exercise room facility is in good working order, including maintenance of equipment, availability of supplies, and adherence to infection control practices.
  • Report to Office Manager and/or Program Manager in a timely manner any observations of malfunction or inadequacy of the Wellness House facility such that it would compromise the safety of staff and/or participants, as well have a negative impact on the delivery of WH programs.

Other

  • Protect organization's value by keeping information confidential.
  • Perform general tasks and other duties as assigned.
Requirements:

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in health-related field such as Exercise Physiology or equivalent experience
  • Yoga Certification, Group Exercise Certification, or Personal Trainer Certification required
  • Cancer Exercise Specialist or Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer preferred

Job Experience:

  • Prior experience leading exercise and yoga classes.
  • Experience working with a medical patient population, ideally with a cancer patient population.


Special Knowledge & Skills:

  • Solid understanding and appreciation of the fundamental principles of safe exercise programming
  • Ability to conduct multiple exercise classes, including supervising aerobic conditioning and demonstrating strength, weight, and core training
  • General computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office Products such as Word and Excel


Demonstrated Competencies:

  • Good interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written
  • Ability to collaborate with peers and provide constructive feedback to others
  • Desire to work as a team member and accomplish the larger goals of the organization

Professional liability insurance required.


Pay rate for Contractual Oncology Exercise Specialist role starts at $35.00 per hour.