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Sports Exercise Science Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Trinity Health

Cardiac Rehab Exercise Specialist

Berwyn, IL · On-site

$22.07 - $34.21/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, or Kinesiology * 1-2 years of previous job-related ... Certification or Registration from the American College of Sports Medicine in one of the following ...

Benedictine University

Adjunct Lecturer Pool

Lisle, IL · On-site

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Business, Public Health, Nursing, Nutrition & Dietetics, Math, Computer Sciences, Biology, Sports & Exercise Science, Physics, Astronomy, Engineering, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Communications ...

Trinity Health

Cardiac Rehab Exercise Specialist

Berwyn, IL · On-site

$22.07 - $34.21/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, or Kinesiology * 1-2 years of previous job-related ... Certification or Registration from the American College of Sports Medicine in one of the following ...

BODY20 Naperville North

Fitness Coach

Naperville, IL · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

  • PTO

Are you pursuing (or have you completed) a degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or Sports Management? Want hands-on experience coaching one-on-one and small group training while working with one ...

BODY20 Hinsdale

Fitness Coach

Westmont, IL · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Are you pursuing (or have you completed) a degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or Sports Management? Want hands-on experience coaching one-on-one and small group training while working with one ...

StretchLab Willowbrook

Stretch Specialist

Willowbrook, IL · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Degree in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Athletic Training, Sports Medicine etc. Qualifications: * Experience working in a fitness/health environment where you provide hands-on ...

INSIGHT HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

... Sciences) preferred. * Clinical exercise physiology required. * One to three years of cardiac rehabilitation or exercise testing experience is preferred. * ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine ...

Insight

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

... Sciences) preferred. * Clinical exercise physiology required. * * One to three years of cardiac rehabilitation or exercise testing experience is preferred. * ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine ...

Insight

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

... Sciences) preferred. * Clinical exercise physiology required. * * One to three years of cardiac rehabilitation or exercise testing experience is preferred. * ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine ...

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All JobsSports Exercise Science JobsSports Exercise Science Jobs in Chicago, IL

Sports Exercise Science information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$29

$49

How much do sports exercise science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports exercise science in Chicago, IL is $29.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.30 and $34.90 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 with certifications in exercise physiology or sports science can earn higher salaries, especially in research, clinical, or professional sports settings.

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 Chicago, IL are hiring for Sports Exercise Science jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Sports Exercise Science job openings:

Sports Exercise Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Exercise Science job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,752 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Health, Sports, Exercise, Physical Ed. Adjunct

Triton College, IL

River Grove, IL • On-site

$1.0K/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Summary
Posting Number
S00288P
Position Title
Health, Sports, Exercise, Physical Ed. Adjunct
Position Type
Adjunct Faculty
Department
Athletics
Essential Function
Directly responsible to the Department Chairperson or appropriate administrator.
Qualifications
Education: Master's degree in health, sport, exercise science, physical education, or related field.
Responsibilities
1. Utilizes active learning and student success strategies in the classroom.
2. Keeps up-to-date in teaching area/discipline including licenses, training or certificates as applicable.
3. Teaches to pre-approved course objectives.
4. Instructs students in the facts and skills pertaining to the assigned course(s).
5. Considers the general and special needs of all students, and when necessary, seeks additional help from and/or refers students to other college support services.
6. Electronically submit syllabi to appropriate department or division office.
7. Creates, updates, and distributes to all students every semester a course syllabus according to the format required by Board policy.
8. Prepares and delivers according to assigned schedule a final exam unless exception is preapproved by Dean.
9. Submits midterm enrollment verification forms and final grade reports, notices, attendance records by due dates and any other reports pertaining to assigned course within fourteen days.
10. Informs department chairperson/program coordinator and dean in writing of any pending problem the instructor is aware or should be aware of that may have a detrimental effect on department, school, or college.
11. Keeps students informed of course progress both verbally and electronically as appropriate.
12. Informs students of relevant educational and occupational opportunities.
13. Commits best resources to success of all of students by recognizing, understanding and embracing diversity.
14. Conducts classes as scheduled and approved by dean's office.
15. Cooperates with department chairperson/program coordinator, department members, and the appropriate administrators in the development of curriculum, in the preparation and update of course syllabi, course outlines, selection of textbooks and assessment activities.
16. Welcome to attend regular department/program meetings and college meetings as available.
17. Holds office hours for students as outlined in course syllabus and in space available by college.
18. Utilizes appropriate written and oral communication skills.
19. Understands and appropriately utilizes all instructional technology as available in classrooms and labs.
20. As appropriate maintains classroom and/or lab equipment in good order and, when needed, maintains an inventory of assigned equipment and supplies.
21. When needed, recommends library books and other instructional materials and places reading materials on reserve in the library.
22. Follows Student Handbook policies and procedures.
23. Performs other duties as requested or assigned. These other duties shall be restricted to those duties which the adjunct faculty member would or should normally perform for the current semester that they are assigned.
Posting Date
01/10/2024
Closing Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
1. Rate of pay of $1000.00 LHE;
2. Official transcripts required prior to employment;
3. Recommended candidate for hire will be subject to pre-employment screenings;
4. Triton College is an AA/EOE
Quicklink for Posting
https://jobopenings.triton.edu/postings/1511

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