ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Sports Exercise Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSports Exercise Science Jobs

Sports Exercise Science information

See salary details

$12

$28

$47

How much do sports exercise science jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports exercise science in the United States is $28.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $33.89 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.

More about Sports Exercise Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Sports Exercise Science jobs? Cities with the most Sports Exercise Science job openings:
What states have the most Sports Exercise Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Sports Exercise Science jobs include:
Sports Exercise Science jobs near you
Assistant Professor, Exercise Science

Assistant Professor, Exercise Science

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Lamar University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

192nd of 536 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Location : Beaumont, TX
Job Type: Full-Time Faculty
Job Number: 202500133
Home Org: Health and Kinesiology
Opening Date: 04/21/2026
FLSA: Exempt
Job Summary
The Assistant Professor of Exercise Science is a tenure-track faculty position in the Department of Health and Kinesiology. The role is responsible for delivering high-quality instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels, with a focus on exercise physiology, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, and related areas. In addition to teaching, the position requires developing and maintaining an active research agenda that contributes to the field and supports external funding opportunities. The faculty members will advise and mentor students, supervise field experiences, and contribute to the academic and professional growth of the department. The role also includes meaningful service to the department, college, university, and professional community, helping to advance Lamar University's mission of academic excellence, research innovation, and student success.
Special Note: We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.
Essential Job Functions
Teaching:
    • Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in exercise science, including exercise physiology, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, and exercise prescription.
    • Utilize both face-to-face and online course delivery methods, integrating innovative and evidence-based teaching strategies.
    • Supervise student field experiences, internships, and applied learning opportunities.
    • Maintain regular office hours and provide academic support to students.

Research and Grant Writing:
    • Develop and sustain a research agenda in kinesiology/exercise science with potential for national visibility.
    • Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at professional conferences.
    • Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in research projects, theses, and presentations.
    • Pursue external funding opportunities to support research and departmental initiatives.

Service:
    • Provide service to the department, college, and university through committee work and active participation in governance.
    • Contribute to professional organizations and accreditation processes (e.g., NSCA, program review, curriculum development).
    • Support community outreach and partnerships that advance health, fitness, and exercise science.
    • Collaborate with faculty across disciplines and with field-based colleagues to enhance program offerings.

Advising:
    • Serve as an academic advisor and mentor to undergraduate and graduate students.
    • Guide students in professional development, graduate school preparation, and career pathways.
    • Support students seeking professional certifications (e.g., NSCA) by providing academic and applied preparation.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
    • PhD in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or related field.

Required Qualifications:
    • Ability to teach with both face-to-face and online course delivery methods.
    • Proven ability to work effectively with colleagues and students in a collaborative environment.
    • Demonstrated potential for scholarly work.
    • Potential for securing external funding for research projects.
    • Professional affiliation and certification(s) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

Desired Qualifications:
    • Commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship.
    • Experience and proficiency in teaching at the college level using both face-to-face and online course delivery.
    • Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate coursework in kinesiology, including but not limited to exercise physiology, biomechanics, exercise prescription, and strength and conditioning, among others.
    • Experience with the NSCA accreditation process

Supplemental Information
Key Competencies:
    • Demonstrated knowledge and skills in kinesiology about strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, and biomechanics.
    • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
    • Ability to implement effective and innovative teaching strategies.
    • Ability to perform academic research in degree area of specialty.
    • Demonstrated commitment to service to the university, profession, and community.

Physical Requirements:
    • Ability to lift at least 40 pounds as needed.
Job Conditions:
    • Office, classroom, laboratory, and field experience.
    • The Department of Health and Kinesiology currently has 8 full-time faculty, 4 tenured faculty, 3 tenure-track faculty, 1 non-tenure track instructional faculty, 1 staff member, and nearly 500 students. The department offers undergraduate programs in Exercise Science, Physical Education Teacher Education, Sport and Recreation Management, and Public Health. Graduate programs include master's degrees in Kinesiology and a master's in public health. The Department is home to the Integrative Physiology and Biochemistry Research Laboratories, which are comprised of two well-equipped, collaborative laboratories capable of supporting a wide array of research in exercise physiology, biomechanics, body composition, and strength and conditioning.

Lamar University is An Equal Opportunity Employer
Lamar University is proud to provide employment preference to veteran applicants in accordance with Texas 805 Government Code, Section 657.003.
This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.
01
Do you have a PhD in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or a related field?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have the ability to teach with both face-to-face and online course delivery methods?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have proven ability to work effectively with colleagues and students in a collaborative environment?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have demonstrated potential for scholarly work?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you have potential for securing external funding for research projects, and professional affiliation and certification(s) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

What Lamar University employees say

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply