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Independent Contractor Exercise Science Jobs in Raleigh, NC

General Manager

Cary, NC · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

FITNESS PROFESSIONALS, EXERCISE SCIENCE AND ATHLETIC TRAINING MAJORS! Attention! Health, Wellness ... Ability to work independently and collaborate with studio owner * Ability to manage and drive all ...

General Manager

Cary, NC · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

FITNESS PROFESSIONALS, EXERCISE SCIENCE AND ATHLETIC TRAINING MAJORS! Attention! Health, Wellness ... Ability to work independently and collaborate with studio owner * Ability to manage and drive all ...

Health Fitness Professional

Durham, NC · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Associate's degree in a related field (Kinesiology, Exercise Science, etc.) or 2+ years' fitness ... Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team with enthusiasm, initiative ...

Data Scientist

Durham, NC · Remote

$51 - $58/hr

Contemporaries Inc. is a government contracting firm supporting the National Institutes of Health ... Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Bioinformatics, Environmental ...

While guidance and mentorship will be available, the ability to work independently and manage tasks effectively is essential. The contractor will contribute to key RWE projects, ensuring scientific ...

While guidance and mentorship will be available, the ability to work independently and manage tasks effectively is essential. The contractor will contribute to key RWE projects, ensuring scientific ...

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Independent Contractor Exercise Science information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$12

$27

$46

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

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor exercise science in Raleigh, NC is $27.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.10 and $32.93 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.

What is the highest paying job in kinesiology?

In kinesiology, sports medicine physicians and orthopedic surgeons typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. Advanced certifications, medical degrees, and specialized training are required for these roles, which involve diagnosing and treating injuries related to physical activity.

What can I do with a bachelor of exercise science?

A bachelor of exercise science prepares individuals for roles such as fitness trainers, personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and wellness coordinators. Graduates can work in gyms, sports teams, rehabilitation centers, or pursue certifications like ACSM or NASM to enhance employment opportunities. The degree provides foundational knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and exercise programming, often requiring practical experience and certification for certain positions.

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 exercise physiologists, sports medicine physicians, and clinical exercise specialists, especially those with advanced certifications and experience working in hospitals, research institutions, or private clinics. These positions often require specialized training, licensure, and a strong understanding of medical and scientific principles, leading to higher salaries compared to entry-level roles.

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 you 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 exercise programming, and may benefit from certifications like CPR or personal training credentials.

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 Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Exercise Science jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Exercise Science jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Exercise Science jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Independent Contractor Exercise Science jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Independent Contractor Exercise Science job openings:

PT Instructor - Exercise Science: Fitness & Wellness

Shaw University

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Do you love working in an academic environment? Do you love teaching and mentoring students, helping to shape the future? If so, we have the job for you! Shaw University is looking for Part Time (Adjunct) Faculty, Exercise Science: Fitness & Wellness. Reporting to the Department Head, the Adjunct Faculty of Exercise Science: Fitness & Wellness teaches traditional and/or non-traditional college-level students, at on-campus and/or off-campus sites on weekdays and/or weeknights and Saturdays. In addition to the utilization of a variety of teaching strategies, full-time teaching faculty must provide student assistance and advice in their subject area, participate in student orientation sessions, pursue scholarly activities and development, engage in service the University and to the community, attend official functions, and serve on faculty committees.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Demonstrates acceptance and support of the mission and goals of the University.
  • Effectively teach knowledge-relevant college-level Exercise Science courses, with a commitment to providing excellence in education.
  • Present course teachings in such a way that students are encouraged to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, to increase motivation, to develop a positive self-image, and to clarify their values.
  • Actively engages in planning, developing, and improving curriculum offerings.
  • On the first day of class, provides each student a copy of a course syllabus that conforms to University-approved requirements.
  • Teaches the course in accordance with the course syllabus.
  • Informs students of the course objectives and requirements, explains the grading system and attendance policy, and provides a bibliography of suggested readings.
  • Participates in orientation sessions conducted each semester by the Department Head or Adult Degree Program Director as applicable.
  • Ensures that undergraduate students are aware of tutorial and support services of the Academic Support Center, which includes advising, tutorials and first year programs, and all other departmental workshops associated with student learning.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Education and/or Experience
  • Master's Degree in Exercise Science or related with at least 18 graduate credits required; Ph.D. in Exercise Science preferred
  • Minimum of two years' experience in academic setting preferred.
  • Administrative experience in an educational setting is desirable.
  • Should relate well with others and promotes a positive demeanor.
  • Demonstrated success teaching at the college level.
  • Recent experience in a higher education setting.
  • Candidates with teaching experience and expertise in an additional area also offered in the assigned department is highly desired.
  • Knowledge and experience in using instructional technology.

Other Competencies
Must have a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the organization. Vision, commitment, and experience in achieving goals and pursuing excellence is critical. Strong oral and written presentation skills. Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team. Excellence in organization, decision-making, problem-solving, and creating a collaborative environment. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Must be able to read, write and speak fluently in English.
If you need an accommodation for the application process, please contact humanresources@shawu.edu. Please upload the following with your application:
- A current, fully complete resume or curriculum vitae
- Unofficial graduate transcripts for credentialing
- An application cover letter with statements of teaching philosophy and research interests
- Three references, which you can provide with your application.
Following the Human Resources office's receipt of a candidate's fully completed application package for a current job opening, then an applicant can be considered for employment, with their application information submitted to the recruiting manager/selection committee for review.
Any potential hire is contingent upon the FINALIST candidate's ordering OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS of the HIGHEST GRADUATE-LEVEL DEGREE(S) awarded to be sent DIRECTLY FROM the awarding institution(s) DIRECTLY TO the Shaw University Human Resources Department at 118 E. South Street, Raleigh, NC 27601. Hand-delivered sealed transcripts will not be considered as official - they must be received directly from the awarding institution(s).
Shaw University, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, is the first historically black institution of higher education in the South and among the oldest in the nation. Founded in 1865 by Henry Martin Tupper, our mission is to advance knowledge, facilitate student learning and achievement, to enhance the spiritual and ethical values of its students, and to transform a diverse community of learners into future global leaders.
We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.