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Sports Exercise Science Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Has a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science or a related field (preferred). D1 Training is an ... by sports science. What began as training solely for the aspiring youth athlete, matured into ...

Has a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science or a related field (preferred). Compensation: $20.00 ... by sports science. What began as training solely for the aspiring youth athlete, matured into ...

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Sports Exercise Science information

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$12

$26

$44

How much do sports exercise science jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports exercise science in Iowa is $26.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.42 and $31.83 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 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.

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.

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 in research and management can pay higher, especially with specialized certifications and skills in biomechanics or sports performance analysis.

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 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.
Infographic showing various Sports Exercise Science job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,392 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Strength and Conditioning Coach - Intern

D1 Training

Altoona, IA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Coach group workouts, personal training, and teams.

  • Modify and adapt movements to suit individual athletes.

  • Assess and align each member with the proper program.


D1 Training rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 63 rated gym and leisure clubs


Job description

Are you passionate about sports, performance, fitness, and helping athletes reach their full potential? D1 Altoona is looking for a Strength & Conditioning Intern to join the growing team!
D1 is an athletic-based group training facility for adults and youth athletes ages 7 and up with a mission of providing the best fitness philosophy and facility to its athletes, empowering them to improve themselves by efficiently and consistently reaching their fitness goals.
At D1, our promise to our athletes is: "You pick the goal, we help you get there" and D1 Coaches are the catalysts for our fulfillment of that promise. D1 Coaches implement and instill the D1 training philosophy into every workout. They exhibit the ability to adapt and customize programs in the workouts, in order to tailor them to each athlete. They take a personal stake in the lives of our athletes, maintaining regular contact and monitoring their individual progress toward their goals. D1 Coaches are a part of the best training environment in the industry and are integral to the success of D1 as it continues its rapid growth.
Company Overview
  • Motivate and inspire all to be their best and achieve their goals through training with world-class coaches.
  • The culture of D1 separates us as we are all driven to help those around us.
  • D1 is passionate about impacting and changing lives.

Job Summary
  • Foster a positive, motivating environment for all athletes.
  • Maximize client retention through best-in-class service: coaching, training, nutrition, and accountability.
  • Modify and adapt movements that are best suited for the individual at hand.
  • Teach
  • A D1 Coach must be dedicated to training and improving the lives of D1's members Scholastic (ages 7-18), Adults, and Teams, by:
    • Exhibiting passion, expertise, high energy, a positive and motivating attitude, strong character, and over-the-top customer service
    • Starting and finishing workouts on time
    • Assessing and aligning each member with the proper program
    • Building and maintaining relationships with each D1 member
    • Coaching group workouts, personal training, and teams
    • Delivering accurate, industry-leading educational advice on strength, speed, and nutrition
    • Teaching proper form and technique and keeping all our athletes safe

Responsibilities
  • Foster a positive, motivating environment for all athletes.
  • Maximize client retention through best-in-class service: coaching, training, nutrition, and accountability.
  • Modify and adapt movements that are best suited for the individual at hand.
  • Reduce an athlete's risk of injury by focusing on proper technique and movement patterns.

Qualifications
  • Has a valid AED/CPR/First Aid certification
  • Minimum of 1 year of strength & conditioning-related experience in group, team, or personal training setting.
  • Has a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science or a related field (preferred).

D1 Training is an emerging fitness franchise, that is growing rapidly. D1 Training has over 80 facilities open and 180+ in development. At D1 Training, we inspire and motivate athletes to reach their goals. At D1, we believe in training the entire body as a unit to produce optimal human performance. No gimmicks, no fads; we utilize trusted and proven training techniques used to build the world's best athletes and deliver the, in age-appropriate programs led by our expert coaches. Nothing at D1 is random. Every workout, every day follows a strategic 8-week training cycle that is meticulously planned and backed by sports science. What began as training solely for the aspiring youth athlete, matured into fitness training for adults as well. With all who participate in the D1 training process moving aggressively towards their goals.

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