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Masters Degree Exercise Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, Sports Medicine, or related field. * Strong understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, exercise prescription, and rehabilitation ...

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Masters Degree Exercise Science information

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$5

$26

$57

How much do masters degree exercise science jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for masters degree exercise science in the United States is $26.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive with a Master's Degree in Exercise Science, and why are they important?

To thrive with a Master's Degree in Exercise Science, you need advanced knowledge in physiology, biomechanics, exercise prescription, and research methods, typically supported by a relevant graduate degree. Familiarity with tools such as motion analysis software, metabolic carts, and certifications like ACSM or NSCA is often required. Strong communication, analytical thinking, and leadership skills help professionals effectively design programs and educate clients or athletes. These competencies are crucial for delivering evidence-based interventions, driving performance improvements, and supporting health outcomes in diverse populations.

What can you do with a master's degree in exercise science?

A master's degree in exercise science opens up a variety of career paths in fields such as clinical exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, health and wellness coaching, sports performance, and research. Graduates may work in hospitals, universities, fitness centers, sports organizations, or pursue further study such as a PhD or professional degrees in healthcare. Common roles include exercise physiologist, wellness coordinator, athletic coach, or researcher. The degree also provides a strong foundation for certifications and specialized credentials in the health and fitness industry.

What is the difference between Masters Degree Exercise Science vs Certified Personal Trainer?

AspectMasters Degree Exercise ScienceCertified Personal Trainer
CredentialsMaster's degree in exercise science or related fieldCertification from organizations like NASM, ACE, or ACSM
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, clinical settings, fitness facilitiesGyms, fitness centers, private training sessions
Industry UsageAcademic, research, clinical, advanced fitness rolesPersonal training, client-focused fitness coaching

Masters Degree Exercise Science provides a comprehensive academic background suitable for research, clinical, and advanced fitness roles, while Certified Personal Trainers focus on client fitness instruction and personal training services. Both roles are valuable in the fitness industry but serve different career paths and responsibilities.

What types of career paths are available for someone with a Master's degree in Exercise Science, and how can I advance within the field?

With a Master's degree in Exercise Science, you can pursue diverse career paths such as clinical exercise physiologist, strength and conditioning coach, wellness program director, or research associate. Advancement often involves gaining additional certifications (e.g., ACSM, NSCA), accumulating hands-on experience, and taking on leadership or specialized roles. Opportunities for growth include moving into management positions, contributing to research or academic teaching, or working with specialized populations such as cardiac rehabilitation or athletic teams. Networking and ongoing professional development are key to progressing in this dynamic field.
What cities are hiring for Masters Degree Exercise Science jobs? Cities with the most Masters Degree Exercise Science job openings:
What states have the most Masters Degree Exercise Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Masters Degree Exercise Science jobs include:
Infographic showing various Masters Degree Exercise Science job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,810 per year, or $26.4 per hour.
Exercise Physiologist

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Mission Hospital (Asheville) rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

748th of 997 rated hospitals


Job description

Mission Hospital - Full Time Exercise Physiologist - Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 7:30a-5:00p

Do you want to join an organization that invests in you as a(an) Exercise Physiologist? At Mission Hospital, you come first. HCA Healthcare has committed up to $300 million in programs to support our incredible team members over the course of three years.

Job Summary and Qualifications

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science or other appropriate health major with ACSM

Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification or AACVPR Certified Cardiac

Rehabilitation Professional Certification; and/or Master’s degree in clinical exercise

science with ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification or AACVPR

Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional Certification.

Preferred Education: Master’s degree in Exercise Science with ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification or AACVPR Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional Certification

Required License: ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification or AACVPR Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional Certification for Bachelor’s Degree; BLS

certification

Preferred License: ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification or AACVPR Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional Certification for Master’s Degree; BLS certification

Required Experience: 300 hours or more of cardiac and/or pulmonary rehabilitation program

Preferred Experience: 2000 hours of cardiac and/or pulmonary rehabilitation program


What qualifications you will need:


  • Basic Cardiac Life Support must be obtained within 30 days of employment start date
  • Bachelors Degree
  • (EXERCISE) Exercise Specialist/Physiologist, or (AACVRP-CCRP) Certified Cardiac Rehab Professional must be obtained within 1 year of employment start date

No Travel Required

6 months experience Required Years of Experience

Benefits

Mission Hospital, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:

  • Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
  • Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
  • Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
  • Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling
  • Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
  • Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts

Learn more about Employee Benefits

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

Mission Hospital, a member of Mission Health, an operating division of HCA Healthcare, located in Asheville, North Carolina, serves as the regional tertiary and quaternary care center in Western North Carolina and the adjoining region. Mission Hospital is licensed for 853 beds and is the region’s only trauma center, comprehensive stroke center, Level III neonatal intensive care unit, and includes the only children’s hospital in Western North Carolina. Mission Hospital is also a Magnet® designated hospital for nursing excellence. 

HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times. In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses.


"Good people beget good people."- Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.
HCA Healthcare Co-Founder

We are a family 270,000 dedicated professionals! Our Talent Acquisition team is reviewing applications for our Exercise Physiologist opening. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Submit your resume today to join our community of caring!

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.


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