How much does a exercise physiologist make?

The median pay is $28.59 per hour — roughly $59,500 a year, with the real range running from about $20.56/hr (10th percentile) to $38.73/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a exercise physiologist?

The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

What does a exercise physiologist actually do all day?

Develop exercise programs to improve participant strength, flexibility, endurance, or circulatory functioning, in accordance with exercise science standards, regulatory requirements, and credentialing requirements. Provide emergency or other appropriate medical care to participants with symptoms or signs of physical distress. Demonstrate correct use of exercise equipment or performance of exercise routines.

Health Care

Exercise Physiologists

Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.

What it pays
Exercise Physiologists earn a median of $28.59/hr — about $59,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $20.56/hr; the top 10% earn $38.73/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)

What you'd actually do

Develop exercise programs to improve participant strength, flexibility, endurance, or circulatory functioning, in accordance with exercise science standards, regulatory requirements, and credentialing requirements.
Provide emergency or other appropriate medical care to participants with symptoms or signs of physical distress.
Demonstrate correct use of exercise equipment or performance of exercise routines.
Recommend methods to increase lifestyle physical activity.
Interpret exercise program participant data to evaluate progress or identify needed program changes.
Prescribe individualized exercise programs, specifying equipment, such as treadmill, exercise bicycle, ergometers, or perceptual goggles.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

The feel of the work

You're around people constantly. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 64% of exercise physiologists are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, analytical and people-focused.

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Related careers

Quick questions

How much does a exercise physiologist make?: The median pay is $28.59 per hour — roughly $59,500 a year, with the real range running from about $20.56/hr (10th percentile) to $38.73/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do you need a degree to be a exercise physiologist?: The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).
What does a exercise physiologist actually do all day?: Develop exercise programs to improve participant strength, flexibility, endurance, or circulatory functioning, in accordance with exercise science standards, regulatory requirements, and credentialing requirements. Provide emergency or other appropriate medical care to participants with symptoms or signs of physical distress. Demonstrate correct use of exercise equipment or performance of exercise routines.

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.

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