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Sports Exercise Science Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Sports Exercise Science information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$12

$27

$46

How much do sports exercise science jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports exercise science in Rochester, NY is $27.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $33.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in exercise science?

In exercise science, sports medicine physicians and orthopedic surgeons typically earn the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. Advanced roles such as exercise physiologists working in clinical or research settings with specialized certifications can also command high pay, especially with experience and advanced degrees.

What can I do with an exercise sports science degree?

A sports exercise science degree prepares individuals for careers such as exercise physiologists, athletic trainers, fitness instructors, strength and conditioning coaches, and sports scientists. 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, supporting careers focused on improving athletic performance and health.

What is the highest paying job with a kinesiology degree?

The highest paying jobs with a kinesiology degree typically include physical therapists, athletic trainers, and exercise physiologists, with physical therapists often earning the highest salaries. These roles usually require advanced certifications, licensure, and clinical experience, and they involve working in healthcare or clinical settings. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and specialization.

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 is the highest paying job in fitness?

In sports exercise science, the highest paying roles are often sports medicine physicians, athletic trainers with advanced certifications, or performance directors in professional sports organizations. These positions typically require advanced degrees, specialized certifications, and extensive experience, and they can offer six-figure salaries. Executive roles such as sports science directors or high-level consultants also tend to have higher compensation in the field.

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.

Infographic showing various Sports Exercise Science job openings in Rochester, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,188 per year, or $28 per hour.
Head Athletic Trainer

Head Athletic Trainer

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY • On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


University Of Rochester rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 179 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 539 rated colleges and universities


Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.
Job Location (Full Address):
601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642
Opening:
Worker Subtype:
Regular
Time Type:
Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Department:
500283 University Sports Medicine
Work Shift:
UR - Day (United States of America)
Range:
UR URCD 213
Compensation Range:
$68,285.00 - $88,771.00
The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.
Responsibilities:
This role is a leadership position in the Orthopedic Department's Athletic Training and Fitness Science Programing areas. This role is responsible for driving athletic training and performance excellence in partnership within our rehabilitation and medical service lines.
This role is a leadership position in the Orthopedic Department's Athletic Training and Fitness Science Programing areas. This role is responsible for driving athletic training and performance excellence in partnership within our rehabilitation and medical service lines.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under general direction and with latitude for independent judgment:
- Programmatic Leadership and Direction
- Directs all aspects of assigned clinical and performance program(s).
- Establishes programmatic business relationships and maintain relationships with area Physicians and athletic professionals such as athletic teams, athletic organizations, colleges, etc. to help grow assigned program(s) based on strategic initiatives.
- Coordinates with other leaders who provide support personnel performing clinical rehabilitation, outreach athletic training, or performance coaching which interface with assigned programs(s).
- Staff Management and Performance Evaluation
- Manages staff, including personnel decisions such as hiring/firing and performance management.
- Develops training and competency/skill assessment of staff required to perform the services of the assigned program(s).
- Develops and maintains clinical staff schedules, including management of time-off requests, taking into account operational and program specific staffing needs as well as maximizing staff effectiveness and productivity.
- Program Performance Tracking and Billing
- Develops programmatic and operational statistics for reporting to the Chief of Sports Rehabilitation and Administration. Designs and implements solutions to meet program goals and objectives.
- Performs, tracks, and audits departmental billing for assigned FAO(s) associated with program.
- Clinical Patient Care or Performance Client Training
- Develops and modifies individualized programs for patient or client treatment working from physician's general or specific order(s), taking into consideration relevant information such as: individualized diagnosis, prognosis, emotional needs or problems, patient's environment.
- Renders treatments ordered by supervising physician and determined in the athletic training evaluation according to scope of practice, and to standard and competence of care requirements for New York State Licensed Athletic Trainers.
- Evaluates the patient's or client's functional status and abilities and disabilities for participation in activities (Sports); applies or directs application of various measures and tests.
- Coordinates communication regarding care and prevention of injuries with athletes, parents, coach, athletic director and physician.
- Documents in the medical record completely and legibly any evaluation findings, assessments, goals, and plan of treatment to meet department, professional and regulatory agency requirements.
- Athletic Training or Fitness Science Outreach Services
- Covers Athletic Training/Weight Room and evaluates students/athletes as arranged by the requesting high school or organization.
- Covers Athletic Event/Weight Room as requested by the high school or organization.
- Performs other related duties as requested or assigned, specific to program.
REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's, Masters or Doctoral degree in Athletic Training, Exercise Physiology, or Bachelor's in a related field with internship route certification in Athletic Training or Certification as a Certified Strength and Conditioning specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification NATABOC certification as an Athletic Trainer, New York State licensure. Requires employee to maintain all requirements required by Strong Memorial Hospital / Strong Health as a condition of employment, including but not limited to completion of annual health update, completion of annual mandatory in-service, and performance requirements. 5 years of progressive supervision / athletic training related work experience in a clinic or college setting preferred. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, AED, and First Aid Training through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

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