ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Masters Exercise Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Monarch Athletic Club

$65K - $70K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Human Performance, or related program Possess a ... Masters Degree in Kinesiology-related field Experience in collegiate athletics or high performance ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMasters Exercise Science JobsMasters Exercise Science Jobs in California

Masters Exercise Science information

See California salary details

$5

$26

$57

How much do masters exercise science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for masters exercise science in California is $26.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $30.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a master's degree in exercise science?

A master’s degree in exercise science is the in-depth study of applied human physiology and its relationship with sports, fitness, nutrition, health, and overall wellness. These programs usually last about two year. Within your Master of Science (MS) degree, you not only hone your knowledge of athletic training but you also specialize in an area that interests you, such as strength and conditioning, sports nutrition, performance enhancement, psychobiology of exercise, sports psychology, and wellness and fitness. Each university offers a list of program concentrations. When you complete your degree, you may undertake leadership responsibilities within your workplace.

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

A master's degree in exercise science opens doors to a variety of careers in health, wellness, sports, and research. Graduates can work as exercise physiologists, strength and conditioning coaches, wellness coordinators, or continue into doctoral studies and academia. Many also find roles in rehabilitation, corporate wellness, or fitness management. The degree provides advanced knowledge in human physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition, making graduates valuable in both clinical and non-clinical settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive with a master's in exercise science?

To thrive with a Master's in Exercise Science, you need advanced knowledge in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and program design, typically supported by a graduate degree in exercise science or kinesiology. Proficiency with assessment tools like VO2 max testers, body composition analyzers, and certifications such as ACSM or NSCA is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, motivational abilities, and clear communication help professionals effectively coach clients and collaborate with healthcare teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering evidence-based interventions that enhance health, performance, and injury prevention.

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

AspectMasters Exercise ScienceCertified Personal Trainer
Required 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
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic institutions, healthcare, sports organizationsFitness industry, personal training businesses
Common Search & ComparisonEducational background, career options, advanced rolesTraining methods, certification requirements, client management

Masters 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 certification. Both roles are integral to the fitness industry but serve different career paths and responsibilities.

Is a masters in exercise science worth it?

A master's in exercise science prepares individuals for careers such as fitness trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and rehabilitation specialists, often requiring knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and exercise programming. It can improve job prospects, earning potential, and opportunities for advanced certifications like ACSM or NSCA. The degree is valuable for those seeking roles in health promotion, sports performance, or clinical settings.
More about Masters Exercise Science jobs

What are popular job titles related to Masters Exercise Science jobs in California?

For Masters Exercise Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Masters Exercise Science jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Masters Exercise Science jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Masters Exercise Science jobs?

Cities in California with the most Masters Exercise Science job openings:

Masters Exercise Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Masters Exercise Science job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 78% In-person, 11% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,093 per year, or $26 per hour.

Exercise Specialist, Full Time, 10 Hour, Days

PIH Health

Whittier, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

PIH Health rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 893 rated healthcare providers

Job description

PIH Health is a nonprofit, regional healthcare network that serves approximately 3 million residents in the Los Angeles County, Orange County and San Gabriel Valley region. The fully integrated network is comprised of PIH Health Downey Hospital, PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, PIH Health Whittier Hospital, 37 outpatient medical office buildings, a multispecialty medical (physician) group, home healthcare services and hospice care, as well as heart, cancer, digestive health, orthopedics, women’s health, urgent care and emergency services. The organization is nationally recognized for excellence in patient care and patient experience, and the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) has identified PIH Health as one of the nation’s top hospital systems for best practices, cutting-edge advancements, quality of care and healthcare technology. For more information, visit PIHHealth.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram

The Exercise Specialist develops, implements and supervises exercise training guidelines and sessions for cardiac rehabilitation patients. Administers fitness assessments on an outpatient population and provides exercise expertise as needed.


Required Skills
  • Training in ECG and arrhythmia recognition.
  • Ability to perform the following test:
    • Graded exercise tests (GXT) using a variety of modes and protocols.
    • GXT’s utilizing metabolic cart for expired gas analysis.
    • Ability to evaluate and interpret expired gas values
    • All standardpulmonary function tests 9full flow loop, lung volumes, etc.).
    • Body composition (skinfold method).
    • A variety of upper and lower extremity flexibility and strength tests.
  • Familiarity with invasive and non-invasive cardiodiagnostic tests and procedures for the purpose of developing individualized exercise guidelines for healthy and high risk individualsand cardiac patients.
  • Written and oral communication skills.
  • Successfully passing safety, cultural sensitivity and blood pathogen classes.

Required Experience

Required:

  • Masters Degree in Exercise Science or related field.
  • Basic Life Support Certification from the American Heart Association         
  • Extensive clinical experience in the management of post operative and post myocardial infarction patients.
  • Administrative experience in cardiac rehabilitation.
  • Thorough knowledge of prevention, intervention and rehabilitationprograms regarding all contributing factors; exercise, diet, stress management and risk factor modification.
  • Demonstrated experience in diagnostic exercise testing.
  • Demonstrate experience in fitness assessments involving expired gas analysis, body composition assessment (skinfolds), pulmonary function, strength, flexibility and risk factor profiles.

Preferred:

  • Certification as an Exercise Specialist or higher from the American College of Sports Medicine or equivalent.
  • ACLS certification.

Beyond the benefits that come with working for the area's leading community healthcare provider – one that also recognizes the need to ensure patient safety and comfort – you'll enjoy an extremely competitive compensation and benefits package.  We are an equal opportunity employer and seek diversity in our workforce.   EOE M/F/D/V

What PIH Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

PIH Health logo

About PIH Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

* PIH Health is a nonprofit health and wellness network serving Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Our integrated system consists of 747 beds at two acute care hospitals and a multi-specialty medical group. * Strong community reputation * 2014, 2015 Favorite Workplace * Innovative, transparent, family-like culture

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Whittier, CA, US

Year founded

1959

View All PIH Health Jobs

Apply