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Independent Contractor Exercise Science information

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$12

$28

$47

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

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor exercise science in the United States is $28.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $33.89 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.
More about Independent Contractor Exercise Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Independent Contractor Exercise Science jobs? Cities with the most Independent Contractor Exercise Science job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Exercise Science jobs? The most popular types of Exercise Science jobs are:
What states have the most Independent Contractor Exercise Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Independent Contractor Exercise Science jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Exercise Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Exercise Science jobs are:
Independent Contractor Exercise Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Exercise Science job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,974 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Contractor-Fitness Instructor, Office on Aging and Independence

Howard County, MD

Ellicott City, MD • On-site

Full-time, Contractor

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Ellicott City 50+ Center, Ellicott City, MD
Job Type: Contingent
Job Number: CONTRACTOR - 07172023
Department: Community Resources and Services
Opening Date: 08/07/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION
Do you have an exercise certification and experience working with older adults? Howard County Office on Aging and Independence is seeking experienced, patient, and energetic independent contractors to lead our adult group fitness classes by building a thriving community of support and engagement and helping participants to develop sound exercise habits. Independent contractor would be required to sign a service agreement with Howard County government.
Classes are designed to build functional fitness and social connections. The instructor leads a group of participants through a series of movements and exercises in a safe and effective manner according to the program guidelines which may include the following exercise formats:
  • Low-impact aerobics
  • Strength training
  • Evidence-based
  • Chronic disease specific
  • Balance
  • Cardio-Based
  • Mind Body

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities include the planning and leading of group adult exercise sessions in a variety of class formats at 50+ Center locations and/or residential communities that serve older adults.
Candidates must be able to instruct multiple fitness levels and ensure the safety of all participants in the class. The instructor will serve as a resource to educate participants on various aspects of fitness and wellness and must hold a current certification in Group Exercise from a nationally certifying body. Some formats may require specialty training.
  • Creates and supports a safe, enjoyable, and positive environment that welcomes all skill and fitness levels.
  • Represent Howard County Office on Aging and Independence in a positive light, follow all county policies and procedures, and keep attendance records.
  • Ability to provide modifications for individuals with limited mobility, chronic conditions, or limited English proficiency while staying within the framework of the program.
  • Sets up and monitors class equipment and ensures its return in serviceable condition.
  • Ensures that safety and injury prevention policies and procedures are adhered to by participants; reports accidents as required.
  • Maintains working knowledge of wellness and trends to provide effective information and support to members.
  • May lead evidence-based exercise classes.
  • Helps clients improve their quality of life by helping them improve their function using appropriate exercise and fitness interventions within the scope of practice of the certification.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Primary Group Exercise or Personal Training certification from a nationally accredited organization OR Associate or Bachelor Degree in Exercise Science or related field, plus two years of group exercise instruction.
Current CPR & First Aid Certification.
Specialty training may be required for some classes.
For more information, contact:
Rachel Filar, Exercise Specialist, at (410) 313-6073 or
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted.
Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.
At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).
Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at . Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.
Employees in this category may not be eligible for all County benefits.

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