Exercise physiologists
SOC Code: 29-1128Also known as:
Applied Exercise Physiologist, Bariatric Weight Loss Counselor, Cardiac Exercise Physiologist, Cardiac Exercise Specialist, Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Physiologist
Median Annual Salary
$58,160
+9.5% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
24K
Current Jobs
What Exercise physiologists Do
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.
💰 Salary
$58,160
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+9.5%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
23,900
Projected Employment (2034)
26,100
Related Careers
Physical therapists
$101,020 •
+10.9% growth
Physicians, all other
N/A •
+2.5% growth
Athletic trainers
$60,250 •
+11.1% growth
Physical therapist assistants
$65,510 •
+22.0% growth
Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors
$46,180 •
+11.9% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Instructing
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Provide clinical oversight of exercise for participants at all risk levels.
- Explain exercise program or physiological testing procedures to participants.
- Interview participants to obtain medical history or assess participant goals.
- Assess physical performance requirements to aid in the development of individualized recovery or rehabilitation exercise programs.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Exercise physiologists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a exercise physiologists:
Exercise Science and Kinesiology
32,041 degrees awarded •
804 colleges offer this program
Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology
7,132 degrees awarded •
147 colleges offer this program
Kinesiotherapy/Kinesiotherapist
121 degrees awarded •
6 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Exercise physiologists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become exercise physiologists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do exercise physiologists make?
The median annual salary for exercise physiologists is $58,160.
What education do exercise physiologists need?
Most exercise physiologists positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Exercise Science and Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology, Kinesiotherapy/Kinesiotherapist.
Is becoming exercise physiologists a good career choice?
Exercise physiologists is projected to see +9.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 1,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for exercise physiologists?
Top colleges for aspiring exercise physiologists include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Florida, The University of Texas at Austin, University of Georgia, University of Virginia-Main Campus.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to exercise physiologists?
Exercise physiologists may also be known as: Applied Exercise Physiologist, Bariatric Weight Loss Counselor, Cardiac Exercise Physiologist, Cardiac Exercise Specialist, Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Physiologist, Certified Exercise Physiologist (EPC), Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Clinical Exercise Specialist, Exercise Physiologist, Exercise Scientist, Exercise Specialist, Kinesiotherapist, Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant, Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Sports Physiologist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.