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Sports Exercise Science Jobs in Bluffton, IN (NOW HIRING)

Sports Exercise Science information

See Bluffton, IN salary details

$11

$25

$43

How much do sports exercise science jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports exercise science in Bluffton, IN is $25.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $30.82 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 near Bluffton, IN are hiring for Sports Exercise Science jobs?

Cities near Bluffton, IN with the most Sports Exercise Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Sports Exercise Science job openings in Bluffton, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,637 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Sports & Fitness Teaching Opportunities

Concorde Education

Wabash, IN • On-site

$50/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Deliver engaging, age-appropriate sports and fitness instruction.

  • Prepare for each instructional session using approved lesson plans, curriculum, or instructor-developed activities.

  • Maintain a safe, inclusive, and supervised learning environment while communicating professionally with school personnel and program representatives.


Job description

Location: On-site at partner schools or community locations (varies by assignment)
Schedule: Typically 1–4 instructional hours per week, primarily after school
Program Length: Approximately 8–10 weeks per assignment
Start Date: Rolling opportunities based on school partner schedules
Compensation: Starting at $50+ per instructional hour, with rates varying based on the assignment, instructor qualifications, experience, location, scheduling needs, and other program-related factors.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Concorde Education is seeking experienced and engaging Sports & Fitness Instructors who are interested in providing instructional services for after-school enrichment programs at partner schools.

These programs introduce students to healthy movement, physical fitness, teamwork, and sports fundamentals through structured, age-appropriate activities in a positive learning environment. Assignments are designed to promote confidence, sportsmanship, physical literacy, and lifelong healthy habits while creating an enjoyable after-school experience.

This posting is intended to identify qualified professionals who may be considered for future independent contractor instructional assignments as opportunities become available.

ASSIGNMENT SCOPE

Assignment details vary by school and may differ in grade level, schedule, duration, student enrollment, and program focus.

Depending on the specific assignment, instructors may facilitate activities such as:

Introductory volleyball, basketball, soccer, or other team sports
General fitness and conditioning
Agility, balance, coordination, and movement development
Cardio games and team fitness challenges
Strength and endurance activities using age-appropriate bodyweight exercises
Yoga, stretching, flexibility, and mindfulness through movement
Team-building games and cooperative physical activities
Sportsmanship, goal setting, and healthy lifestyle education

Instructors are expected to deliver engaging, organized instruction while maintaining a safe, inclusive, and appropriately supervised learning environment that aligns with school expectations and Concorde Education program standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Depending on the assignment, responsibilities may include:

Deliver engaging, age-appropriate sports and fitness instruction.
Prepare for each instructional session using approved lesson plans, provided curriculum, or instructor-developed activities when appropriate.
Foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.
Encourage student participation while adapting activities for varying ages, abilities, and experience levels.
Maintain appropriate supervision and reinforce safe participation throughout instructional activities.
Communicate professionally with designated school personnel and Concorde Education representatives regarding attendance, scheduling, and program needs.
Follow all applicable school policies, site procedures, safety expectations, and emergency protocols.
Arrive prepared and on time for scheduled instructional sessions.
QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified applicants typically possess:

At least 60 completed college credits (or equivalent relevant professional experience where permitted by the assignment)
Experience coaching, teaching, instructing, or leading youth sports, fitness, recreation, or physical education programs
Experience working with children or adolescents in schools, camps, recreation programs, community organizations, or similar settings
Strong communication, leadership, and classroom management skills
Reliable, professional, and organized work habits

Preferred backgrounds include:

Certified teachers
Physical education instructors
Coaches
Personal trainers
Fitness professionals
Recreation leaders
Camp counselors
Kinesiology, exercise science, sports management, education, or health sciences students and graduates
Former athletes with youth instructional experience
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES

Curriculum, lesson objectives, and instructional expectations vary by assignment. Some programs include established lesson plans, while others provide flexibility for instructors to utilize age-appropriate activities that align with assignment objectives and school expectations.

COMPENSATION

Compensation is determined individually for each assignment and may vary based on factors including assignment complexity, instructor qualifications, relevant experience, geographic location, scheduling considerations, specialized expertise, and school partner requirements.

Compensation details are communicated prior to assignment acceptance.

APPLICATION AND ONBOARDING

This posting is intended to identify qualified professionals for potential future independent contractor instructional opportunities.

Submitting an application does not create an employment relationship or guarantee placement, assignment offers, minimum hours, future work, or continued engagement.

Applicants selected to move forward may be invited to complete additional screening, provide documentation, complete onboarding requirements, and establish an independent contractor profile. Completion of these steps does not guarantee assignment selection.

Assignment offers remain contingent upon factors including program availability, instructor qualifications, school partner approval, scheduling compatibility, successful completion of any legally required background review or clearance process, and final written assignment confirmation.

Applicants should not provide criminal history information unless specifically requested as part of an applicable, legally compliant screening process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Concorde Education is committed to providing equal opportunity in the selection of independent contractors and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Where applicable, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered in accordance with governing law, including applicable Fair Chance and Ban-the-Box requirements.