ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

Redline Athletics

Be Seen First

General Manager

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$40K - $85K/yr (+ commission)

Athletic training, physical education, exercise science, sports management or a related field is preferred * Marketing and business development experience * Excellent time management skills

BODY20

Fitness Coach

Naperville, IL · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

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

Fitness Coach

Westmont, IL · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

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 ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 7, 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 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 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% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 74% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,752 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty - Department of Teacher Education, Kinesiology, and Educational Studies - Kinesiolog

DePaul University

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

DePaul University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

390th of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The Department of Teacher Education, Kinesiology, and Educational Studies (DTEKES), in the College of Education, invites expressions of interest for part-time faculty teaching opportunities in the Kinesiology program for the 2026-2027 Academic Year. The Kinesiology program includes majors in Physical Education and Exercise Science. Part-time teaching positions are available throughout the academic year, including summer sessions. Applicants with expertise that matches course scheduling needs will be contacted for an interview. Academic course schedules fluctuate from quarter to quarter and selected individuals will work with department faculty to determine a quarterly schedule. Courses are not guaranteed; however, the Department does its best to give ample notice about available courses and potential course cancellations.
The Physical Education and Kinesiology Program seeks applicants with expertise and experience in the following areas:
  • Exercise Science
  • Health and Exercise Nutrition
  • Physical Education
  • Sports, Fitness, and Recreation Management, Leadership, or Law

The Supplemental Questions pertain to applicants' expertise in Physical Education, Kinesiology, Health and Nutrition, and Sports, Fitness and Recreational Leadership.
Qualifications
  • Applicants must have a Master's degree. Some courses may require a Doctorate degree.
  • Our students represent many different perspectives and cultures, and the university strives to recruit and sustain a faculty community where all backgrounds are valued and supported.
  • Activity courses require expertise in the area of the course.

Application Instructions
Considerations:
Exceptions to standard rates may apply to courses with unique credit hours, supervision, labs, clinical/practicum courses, coaching, administrative tasks, and courses that are either over-enroled or under-enrolled.
General Compensation/Benefits Statement:
DePaul University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the qualifications, education, experience, and training of the selected candidate, the scope and responsibilities of the position, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
DePaul University offers a variety of benefit options for qualified part-time employees. Further information regarding benefits can be found here: https://offices.depaul.edu/human-resources/benefits/part-time/Pages/default.aspx
About DePaul University's Academic Calendar:
Except for the College of Law, DePaul University operates on a quarter system. Classes in Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters are 11 weeks in length (including finals week) and Summer courses, in two sessions, are typically 5 weeks in length. The College of Law operates on the semester system. Classes in the Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks in length (including finals week) and it offers a Summer Session of 7 weeks (including final exams).

What DePaul University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply