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Sports Exercise Science Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

UW Health

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Madison, WI · On-site

$27.33 - $41/hr

Master's Degree in clinical Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Exercise Science or related field ... American College of Sports Medicine Clinical Exercise Physiology certification (ACSM-CEP) Upon Hire ...

UWHealth

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Madison, WI · On-site

Master's Degree in clinical Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Exercise Science or related field ... American College of Sports Medicine Clinical Exercise Physiology certification (ACSM-CEP) Upon Hire ...

UW Health

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Madison, WI · On-site

$27.33 - $41/hr

Master's Degree in clinical Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Exercise Science or related field ... American College of Sports Medicine Clinical Exercise Physiology certification (ACSM-CEP) Upon Hire ...

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$13

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How much do sports exercise science jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports exercise science in Wisconsin is $28.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.87 and $34.23 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.

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

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

Sports Exercise Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Exercise Science job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,526 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Exercise Science and Sport Management & Leadership

Lakeland University

Plymouth, WI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 hours ago

Job description

LAKELAND UNIVERSITY, an independent liberal arts institution located in east central Wisconsin, invites applications from a diverse group of qualified candidates for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor of Exercise Science and Sport Management and Leadership to begin by August 2026. Lakeland seeks a candidate committed to serving a diverse student community with varied experience and ability levels. The candidate will teach a range of introductory and upper-level undergraduate courses within Exercise Science and Sport Management and Leadership as well as general education courses as needed. The coordination and supervision of student Co-Op and internships is also expected, with the faculty member serving as a liaison between the student and employer.
This is a full-time, renewable, tenure-track position with a 24-credit teaching load expectation and nine-month contract. A terminal degree in Exercise Science, Sport Management, or closely related degree is required for the rank of assistant professor and tenure. The ideal candidate will have teaching experience at the undergraduate level.
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:
All Lakeland employees are expected to:
  • Demonstrate in their words and actions an appreciation for the history of Lakeland University and a commitment to its stated mission;
  • Represent unequivocally in their behavior the stated values of the University;
  • Be good stewards of the University's resources, including its personnel and the goodwill of its friends, its alumni, and local community;
  • Work collaboratively (as opposed to competitively) with their peers to meet objectives and achieve our goals;
  • Keep their supervisor appropriately informed;
  • Be forthright and honest in their communication with all members of the university community;
  • Treat all members in a manner of teamwork and respect;
  • Acts in a manner that sets the standard for service in higher education and the core principals of Lakelanders Excelling at Professionalism (LEAP) - show respect, communicate and be positive;
  • Advise their supervisor with respect to all matters that require their attention, including their own performance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
  • Teach 24 credits per academic year, comprised of courses from Exercise Science, Sport Management and Leadership programs, general studies and cooperative education supervisions. Specific courses include ESS 202 - Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries, ESS 112 - Strength and Conditioning Techniques, ESS 143 - Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries, ESS 220 - Sport and Fitness Psychology, SML 144 - Introduction to Sport Management and Leadership, SML 264 - Youth and Adolescence in Sport, and SML 324 - Programming of Athletic Facilities and Events.
  • Teach in both traditional in person, hybrid, and online learning environments.
  • Hold regular office hours on a weekly basis.
  • Advise students as assigned.
  • Coordinate and supervise student internship, cooperative education, and independent studies as appropriate for Exercise Science or Sport Management and Leadership.
  • Collaborate with faculty in the Exercise Science and Sport Management and leadership programs.
  • Lead assessment activities for the program wherever coursework is delivered as assigned.
  • Participate in committee assignments and institutional service opportunities as assigned.
  • Respond in a timely manner to calls or emails from students, colleagues, or supervisors.
  • Use university technology as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Applicants must hold a PhD in Exercise Science by the time of appointment. Candidates who are ABD and making satisfactory progress toward completion will also be considered.
  • Education and experience in Sport Management and Leadership is required.
  • Successful teaching experience in higher education is preferred.
  • Red Cross First Aid, CPR, AED, NSCA CSCS and other relevant industry credentials highly desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • No or very limited exposure to physical risk;
  • Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment or in exercise science lab.

OTHER DUTIES
  • Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Lakeland University does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources.
Lakeland University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator.

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