ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Sports Science Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

D1 Training

D1 Training General Manager

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$50K/yr

Every workout, every day follows a strategic 8-week training cycle that is meticulously planned and backed by sports science. What began as training solely for the aspiring youth athlete, matured ...

D1 Training

Group Fitness Trainer

Glenview, IL · On-site

$25 - $45/hr

Every workout, every day follows a strategic 8-week training cycle that is meticulously planned and backed by sports science. What began as training solely for the aspiring youth athlete, matured ...

D1 Training

Fitness Sales Manager

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$50K/yr

Every workout, every day follows a strategic 8-week training cycle that is meticulously planned and backed by sports science. What began as training solely for the aspiring youth athlete, matured ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSports Science JobsSports Science Jobs in Chicago, IL

Sports Science information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$27

$68

How much do sports science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports science in Chicago, IL is $27.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sports science?

A Sports Science job involves applying scientific principles to improve athletic performance, reduce injury risk, and enhance overall fitness. Professionals in this field work with athletes, teams, or clinical populations to design training programs, conduct physiological assessments, and analyze biomechanics. Roles may include sports scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, or rehabilitation specialists. These jobs are found in professional sports organizations, research institutions, healthcare settings, and fitness industries.

What are the typical career progression opportunities for professionals in sports science roles?

Career paths in sports science can vary widely, with opportunities to specialize in performance analysis, strength and conditioning, sports nutrition, or academic research. Many professionals begin in entry-level roles such as lab assistants or sports science officers and can advance to positions like senior sports scientist, team lead, or head of performance. With experience and further qualifications, individuals might work with elite sports teams, transition into consultancy, or move into higher education and research. Ongoing professional development and networking are important for advancing and gaining recognition in this dynamic field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the sports science position, and why are they important?

Excelling in sports science requires a solid understanding of physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and research methodologies, typically supported by a relevant degree such as a BSc or MSc in Sports Science or a related field. Familiarity with lab equipment for performance testing, data analysis software, and certifications like Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) are frequently required. Strong communication, analytical thinking, and teamwork skills help professionals collaborate with athletes, coaches, and multidisciplinary staff. Mastery of these abilities ensures effective performance analysis, injury prevention strategies, and tailored training programs that maximize athletic potential.

What careers can I get with a sports science degree?

A sports science degree can lead to careers such as sports scientist, athletic trainer, exercise physiologist, strength and conditioning coach, sports coach, or fitness instructor. These roles often require knowledge of human physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition, and may involve working in gyms, sports teams, clinics, or research settings.

What do you do as a sports scientist?

A sports scientist studies how the body performs during exercise and athletic activity, focusing on improving performance, preventing injuries, and aiding recovery. They analyze data, develop training programs, and may use tools like motion analysis and physiological testing. Certification and knowledge of biomechanics, physiology, and nutrition are often essential in this field.

What do you do with a sports science degree?

A sports science degree prepares individuals for careers in athletic training, sports coaching, exercise physiology, sports nutrition, and rehabilitation. Graduates often work in gyms, sports teams, research labs, or healthcare settings, utilizing knowledge of human movement, biomechanics, and fitness assessment. Certification and practical experience can enhance job prospects in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sports Science jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Sports Science jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Sports Science jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Sports Science jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sports Science jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Sports Science jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Sports Science jobs?

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

Sports Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Science job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,990 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Sports Science/Strength and Conditioning Graduate Assistant - Student Employment

Saint Xavier University

Chicago, IL • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Salary: $20.00 Hourly
Location : 3700 W. 103rd Street, Chicago, IL
Job Type: Student Employment - FWS Required
Job Number: 01550
Department: SONHS - Exercise Science and Sports and Fitness Administration - SE
Opening Date: 08/04/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Summary
The graduate assistant (GA) for strength and conditioning will assist the head strength and conditioning coach in all
areas of athletic development. This will include, but is not limited to, the items listed within the responsibilities and
duties. The term of this position begins on August 1st and ends on May 31st or at the end of the academic year
outlined by the graduate program.
This student employment opportunity supports the development of skills aligned with the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies. Through this role, students will strengthen the following competencies:
  • Communication: Students build communication skills by practicing clear, respectful, and professional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication in a workplace setting.
  • Critical Thinking: Students build critical thinking skills by applying judgment, solving problems, prioritizing tasks, maintaining accuracy, and using feedback to improve their work.
  • Professionalism: Students build professionalism by practicing dependability, accountability, confidentiality when applicable, workplace etiquette, and respectful service in a workplace setting.
  • Teamwork: Students build teamwork skills by collaborating with supervisors, staff, and peers to support department goals, assist others, and contribute to a positive work environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Implements and monitors sport-specific strength training programs and sport-specific speed, agility and
  • conditioning programs for teams and individual athletes
  • Oversees and executes athlete testing and monitoring, including data management and reporting.
  • Works in partnership with administration, coaching staff and athletic training staff to provide an integrated
  • program of injury prevention, performance training and nutritional planning
  • Monitors the weight room and safe lifting techniques of student-athletes when possible
  • Operate/oversee social media accounts for the strength and conditioning department
  • Meeting with potential student-athletes in the recruiting process
  • Performs related duties as assigned by the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach and Director of the graduate program in Exercise Science.

Qualifications
MUST BE A STUDENT AT SAINT XAVIER UNIVERSITY
Must be Federal Work Study Eligible
Must Include a Resume and Cover Letter
  • Bachelor's degree is required and full-time enrollment in a graduate program must meet eligibility requirements
  • for admission to Graduate Studies at Saint Xavier University
  • National certification preferred
  • Undergrad in exercise science or related field of study
  • Previous coaching experience preferred
  • Ability to demonstrate and teach Olympic lifts, running mechanics and change of direction mechanics
  • The candidate will possess a good work ethic, attention to detail, ability to manage sensitive and confidential
  • student information and a familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Proficiency in social media is preferred
  • Strong communication skills are preferred
  • Upholds and supports the mission of Saint Xavier University

Description of Hours:
10 hours per week will be the time commitment to the MSES within the athletics department. Students who are GA's will be paid through the Federal Work Study program at an hourly rate.
Additional Expectations
We inspire success by working together to provide meaningful, personalized service in a spirit of excellence. SXU seeks candidates that deliver value-added services in a responsive, collaborative, effective, and respectful manner.
The University is committed to diversity and encourages applications from individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Saint Xavier University affirms its position as a Catholic institution, inspired by the heritage of the Sisters of Mercy, and asserts its rights to employ persons who subscribe to the mission, vision and core values of the University.
Saint Xavier University is an Equal Opportunity Employer that makes all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions and all other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status or other factors protected by law. Hiring decisions will be based on the bona fide occupational qualifications of each applicant.

Apply