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Sports Exercise Science Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

ISSA - International Sport Sciences Association * NETA - National Exercise Trainers Association * NESTA -National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association * NFPT- National Federation of Personal ...

Personal Trainer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$35K - $100K/yr

ISSA - International Sport Sciences Association * NETA - National Exercise Trainers Association * NESTA -National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association * NFPT- National Federation of Personal ...

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Sports Exercise Science information

See Colorado salary details

$13

$29

$50

How much do sports exercise science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports exercise science in Colorado is $29.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.73 and $35.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is sports exercise science?

Sports exercise science is the study of how physical activity, exercise, and sport affect the human body and mind. It combines knowledge from physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and nutrition to improve athletic performance, promote health, and prevent injuries. Professionals in this field may work with athletes, design fitness programs, or conduct research to understand how exercise influences physical and mental well-being. Sports exercise science plays a crucial role in optimizing training methods and supporting overall health.

What careers can you get with a degree in sports exercise science?

A degree in sports exercise science can lead to careers such as sports scientist, exercise physiologist, athletic trainer, fitness instructor, or strength and conditioning coach. These roles often require knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and fitness assessment, and may involve working in gyms, sports teams, clinics, or research settings.

What are some typical career paths and advancement opportunities in sports exercise science?

Professionals in sports exercise science often begin their careers in roles such as fitness trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, or exercise physiologists. With experience and further education, many advance to positions in sports management, athletic program direction, or specialized research roles. Opportunities also exist in clinical settings, working alongside physical therapists or sports medicine teams. The field encourages ongoing professional development, and certifications or advanced degrees can open doors to higher-level or more specialized positions.

How much do sports exercise scientists make?

Sports exercise scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with certifications in exercise physiology or sports science can earn higher salaries, especially in research, clinical, or professional sports settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sports exercise scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sports Exercise Scientist, you need a solid background in human physiology, biomechanics, and exercise prescription, typically supported by a degree in sports science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment, data analysis software, and certifications such as ACSM or NSCA are often required. Strong communication, analytical thinking, and the ability to motivate and educate clients or athletes are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure evidence-based program design, accurate performance assessments, and effective support for clients' health and athletic goals.

What is the difference between Sports Exercise Science vs Sports Performance Coach?

AspectSports Exercise ScienceSports Performance Coach
CredentialsDegree in Exercise Science, certifications like NSCA or ACSMCertifications in coaching, strength and conditioning, sport-specific training
Work EnvironmentClinics, universities, research labs, sports teamsTraining facilities, sports teams, gyms
Industry UsageAcademic, research, health, and sports settingsCoaching athletes, improving performance

Sports Exercise Science focuses on understanding human physiology, biomechanics, and health to improve athletic performance and recovery through research and clinical applications. In contrast, a Sports Performance Coach applies training techniques directly to athletes, emphasizing skill development and performance enhancement. While both roles require knowledge of exercise principles, Sports Exercise Science is more research and health-oriented, whereas Sports Performance Coaching is more hands-on and sport-specific.

What can I do with a sports exercise science degree?

A sports exercise science degree prepares individuals for careers such as sports scientist, exercise physiologist, athletic trainer, fitness instructor, or strength and conditioning coach. These roles often involve working in gyms, sports teams, rehabilitation centers, or research settings, and may require certifications like ACSM or NSCA. The degree provides knowledge of human physiology, biomechanics, and exercise programming essential for these professions.

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Sports Exercise Science jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Sports Exercise Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Sports Exercise Science job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,013 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Exercise and Sport Sciences Affiliate Instructor

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

DepartmentHuman Performance & Sports

By applying to this posting, you are entering an applicant pool for affiliate faculty. Screening of applicants will take place when positions come available. The number of these temporary, part-time, non-tenure track academic positions varies from semester to semester, depending on the needs of the program. As such, not everyone in the applicant pool for this position will be contacted and/or selected to teach.

About the University

Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado's extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today's college students.

Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.

At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values:Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.

About the Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences

The Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences (ESS) offers undergraduate degrees in Exercise Science and Sport Management. Our Sport Management program is accredited by COSMA, and our Exercise Science program is accredited by CAAHEP-CoAES and recognized by the NSCA's ERP program for Strength and Conditioning. We are comprised of 12 full time faculty members, three staff members and a group of dedicated affiliate/adjunct faculty. We value and maintain a collaborative and inclusive team environment. The Department of ESS supports well equipped labs and we pride itself on outstanding teaching, quality applied research and a learn by doing philosophy.

Position Summary

The Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) invites applications for part-time affiliate faculty teaching positions in our degree program areas of Exercise Science and Sport Management.We are seeking part-time, affiliate instructors in all content areas across the curriculum.

For more information about the Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences, please visit: https://www.msudenver.edu/exercise-sport-sciences.

Responsibilities

An affiliate faculty member's duties may include but are not limited to: teaching assigned classes in person or online by delivering course content to students, preparing course materials and lesson plans, grading student work, providing students with robust feedback in a timely manner, addressing student questions consistent with university, college/school, and department policies, and providing online or in person academic support to students as needed and appropriate for the teaching assignment; providing instruction in assigned classes consistent with the content and learning objectives of the regular course syllabus and, if required, with department course coordination policies; and complying with university-wide student evaluation of instruction policies and peer observation policies. The ability to adapt and learn new modes of instruction is highly encouraged. Candidates need to be sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse student population.

Required Qualifications

  • Successful candidates must have a minimum of a Master's degree in Exercise Science, Sport Management, or a closely related field
  • Teaching experience in the required discipline and content area

Terms of Employment

Affiliate faculty are part-time, at-will employees hired to teach on a per credit hour basis for specific classes, usually on a semester-by-semester basis. Affiliate faculty are not eligible for benefit coverage under the University's benefit program. All such teaching assignments are dependent on budget and enrollment.

Qualified candidates will be expected to teach in person/on campus upon hire.

Salary for Announcement

The final salary is based on the number of credit hours assigned at a rate determined by university policy.
Rate of pay per credit hour assignment can be between $1233 - $1512.

For more information, you may view pay rates here: Affiliate Rates.

How to Apply

Candidates must apply online through MSU Denver's career site, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers.Complete applications will include the following materials:

  • Curriculum vitae

  • Cover letter

  • Copies of all unofficial transcripts

  • A list of three professional references and their contact information

Applicants will notice on the application portal there is one location (the resume/cover letter submission field) to upload all required materials. Multiple documents can be submitted into this one field; alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF and upload. Once submitted, you will not be able to edit your application.

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting RepresentativeTanya RogowskyPosting Representative Emailtrogowsk@msudenver.edu
Benefits

The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as accessto a long-term disability (LTD) plan.Visit MSU Denver'sbenefits websiteto learn more.


For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.


The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator attotalrewards@msudenver.edu.


Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.


Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.


We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.