11 High-Paying Exercise Science Jobs & How to Land Them

What Is Exercise Science?

Exercise science is a multidisciplinary field of study involving the active human body in the areas of anatomy, physiology, metabolism and kinetics. Professionals in this area work to understand the effects of therapeutic exercise for:

• Health-related outcomes in those with chronic diseases and conditions,
• Fitness programming and outcomes across the general population’s lifespan and
• Sports performance training principles for athletes of all levels.

Kinesiology vs. Exercise Science

Kinesiology is the scientific study of movement and the human body. It’s a broad field that encompasses various disciplines related to how humans move and how the body functions, including anatomy, physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, exercise science and even sports psychology.

Exercise science, on the other hand, studies the active human body through the lenses of anatomy, physiology, metabolism and kinetics. It is considered a subfield of kinesiology that focuses on improving health and wellness through movement.

Kinesiology presents a diverse array of opportunities, equipping graduates with numerous career paths. With a degree in this field, individuals can embark on careers in physical therapy, exercise prescription, ergonomics and sports coaching. Additionally, they can work in corporate health and wellness, occupational safety and even pursue roles as dietitians or physician assistants. You can also apply knowledge of kinesiology to positions in sales support or various administrative roles.

Athletic Training vs. Exercise Science

Athletic training focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of sports-related injuries.

Education and certification requirements for athletic training are stringent, while exercise science offers more flexibility depending on your desired role.

To become an athletic trainer, you must graduate with a master’s degree from an accredited professional athletic training program and pass a comprehensive test administered by the Board of Certification (BOC). This allows you to become licensed in the state in which you intend to practice. Once certified, you must meet ongoing educational requirements to maintain certification. The Athletic Trainer Certification® (ATC) credential and the BOC requirements are accepted in 49 states (plus the District of Columbia) as meeting the qualifications needed to work as an athletic trainer.

While both fields relate to health and fitness, athletic training focuses on injury management and rehabilitation, whereas exercise science encompasses a broader study of physical activity, health and wellness.

Job Market Overview & Salary Potential

Exercise science positions, and many other related healthcare jobs, are in high demand due to steady growth driven by an increased global awareness of health and wellness. An aging population and a greater overall emphasis on preventative care are also major contributing factors. In fact, McKinsey’s Future of Wellness Survey shows that 82% of U.S. consumers now view wellness as a top or significant priority in their daily lives.

Exercise science majors can find job opportunities in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, gyms, schools, research institutions and sports teams.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for exercise physiologists in particular is expected to grow 10% between 2023 and 2033. Approximately 1,600 openings for exercise physiologists are projected each year, on average, over the next decade.

11 Highest-Paying Exercise Science Jobs

There are many career paths that provide you with the opportunity to make a positive impact while also earning a lucrative salary. Here we highlight 11 of the highest-paying jobs in exercise science to help you explore your options.

Note: These positions are listed in alphabetical order and are not ranked in any particular way. Salary figures are estimates and may vary, as they are subject to change over time.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist

Role overview: A cardiac rehabilitation specialist supports heart attack survivors in improving their heart health by developing personalized fitness plans that involve monitoring blood pressure and oxygen levels. They create tailored exercise programs, offer guidance on proper nutrition, assist patients in quitting tobacco use and help manage blood pressure, cholesterol levels and diabetes.

Education: A bachelor’s degree in a healthcare field is required; popular options include exercise science, kinesiology, physical therapy or exercise physiology. Becoming certified by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is optional but can increase your chances of getting hired.

Salary: According to Salary.com, average salary is around $80,000 but the range typically falls between $71,000 and $91,000. ZipRecruiter’s estimate is a bit lower with an average salary of $50,000 and a range between $36,000 and $62,500.

Director of Health and Wellness

Role overview: This managerial position oversees programs and services aimed at promoting healthy, active lifestyles and improving overall well-being for individuals or communities. Key responsibilities include developing wellness programs, managing a team of professionals, providing health education on topics such as stress management and physical activity, evaluating program effectiveness, collaborating with healthcare providers, managing budgets and more.

Education: The level of education required may vary based on the size of the company or organization. An undergraduate healthcare degree may be sufficient, though some employers may prefer or even require a master’s degree.

Salary: Salary.com provides an average of $79,000 with a range between $69,000 and $91,000. According to Talent.com, the average salary is around $87,000 with a range between $74,000 and $112,000.

Exercise Physiologist

Role overview: An exercise physiologist designs physical activity programs aimed at improving key areas of physical fitness, such as muscular strength, flexibility and cardiovascular function. Many clients have chronic medical conditions, so exercise physiologists also provide education and develop tailored fitness plans to address issues related to the respiratory, circulatory or other body systems.

Education: You typically need a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, kinesiology or a related healthcare field to become an exercise physiologist. Master’s degree programs are also available for further specialization.

Salary: The average salary for an exercise physiologist is around $55,000, with a range from $35,000 to over $77,000. The industry you work in can significantly impact your earnings; for example, exercise physiologists in the government sector earn an average of $88,000, compared to $56,000 in state, local or private hospitals.

Fitness Sales Representative

Role overview: With a blend of business acumen, marketing expertise, customer service skills and healthcare knowledge, a fitness sales representative promotes and sells fitness-related products and services, including gym memberships, personal training sessions and fitness equipment. In this type of role, you could work for a variety of businesses and organizations, including gyms and fitness centers, corporate wellness programs, health and wellness brands, rehabilitation centers, community centers, nonprofits, online fitness platforms and sports teams.

Education: Many employers prefer a business or healthcare-related degree.

Salary: Salaries for this position vary widely depending on the company, as well as your specific role and responsibilities. According to Talent.com, the average fitness sales salary is around $35,000. The estimated salary is $80,000 for a sales manager, $56,000 for a sales representative and $62,000 for a sales consultant.

Fitness and Wellness Business Owner

Role overview: A fitness and wellness business owner is responsible for managing and operating their own facility, which can include gyms, yoga studios, personal training services, wellness centers or health coaching. Key responsibilities include business management, marketing and promotion, staff management, program development and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Education: As a business owner, you have the flexibility to pursue any level of education you choose. However, a healthcare-related undergraduate degree can provide valuable health and wellness expertise. Additionally, courses or training in business and marketing are highly recommended to help you effectively manage and grow your business.

Salary: Salary can vary widely, especially depending on the location of the business. For example, a gym owner makes around $49,000 per year in North Carolina, while in Washington, they earn about $82,000.

Personal Trainer

Role overview: A personal trainer leads, instructs and motivates individuals or groups in physical activities such as strength training, cardiovascular workouts and stretching. Their clients range across all ages and athletic abilities. Personal trainers typically work in gyms, fitness centers, private studios, rehabilitation centers, with sports teams or at resorts. Some offer in-home sessions, work with corporate wellness programs or provide virtual training through online platforms.

Education: While a high school diploma can open doors, many employers prefer candidates with an undergraduate degree in recreation, fitness or a healthcare-related field. Most personal trainers are certified in the areas in which they specialize.

Salary: The average salary for personal trainers and instructors is around $46,000 with a range between $26,000 and $80,000. However, you can earn more if you work with high-paying clients or at exclusive clubs. Salary in this profession can vary widely, as factors such as location, experience and skill level greatly influence earnings. For example, personal trainers in larger cities such as New York or Los Angeles often earn more than those living in less populated areas.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist

Role overview: A pulmonary rehabilitation specialist helps patients manage and improve symptoms of long-term lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer and more. Common responsibilities include:

• Designing and overseeing tailored exercise programs to enhance endurance and breathing
• Providing education on lung diseases and treatment options
• Teaching breathing techniques
• Regularly assessing patients’ progress and making necessary adjustments
• Offering support to help patients cope with the challenges of living with chronic lung condition

Education: Most specialists begin with a bachelor’s degree in a related healthcare field. Many also hold certifications, such as a Certified Respiratory Therapist or Registered Respiratory Therapist.

Salary: The average salary is around $57,000 to $63,000 with most specialists earning anywhere from $48,000 to $67,000.

Recreation and Sports Director

Role overview: A recreation and sports director manages and oversees recreation and sports programs within an institution, organization or community. Their responsibilities typically include developing programs, managing staff, overseeing budgets and fundraising efforts, managing facilities, engaging with the community and coordinating events. These professionals can work in a variety of settings, including public parks and recreation departments, schools and school districts, universities and colleges, nonprofit organizations, health and fitness clubs, sports complexes, residential communities, event management companies and corporate wellness programs.

Education: Depending on the organization, a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation management, leisure studies or a related field may be necessary. Since this is a senior-level position, a master’s degree is often preferred. Additionally, certifications such as Certified Park and Recreation Professional may be beneficial.

Salary: The average salary is $71,000 with a majority of the salaries between $47,000 and $91,500.

Sports Performance Specialist

Role overview: A sports performance specialist helps individuals or teams enhance their athletic performance through targeted training and conditioning programs. They conduct assessments, design personalized training programs, instruct athletes on proper techniques, educate them on injury prevention strategies, implement recovery programs, support mental health and monitor progress over time.

Education: While an undergraduate degree isn’t always mandatory, it can enhance your chances of securing a position and increase your earning potential. Degrees in fields such as exercise science, sports science, physical education, or kinesiology are particularly beneficial. Many in this position also elect to earn certifications, such as Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Certified Sports Performance Coach.

Salary: The average salary for a sports performance specialist is $68,000, with most professionals earning between $51,000 and $83,500. Top earners can make over $100,000.

Strength and Conditioning Coach

Role overview: A strength and conditioning coach enhances athletic performance through strength training, conditioning and injury prevention. Responsibilities typically include assessing and evaluating physical abilities, creating individualized training programs, teaching proper techniques, implementing resistance training, developing conditioning regimens, educating athletes on injury prevention and more.

Education: Most positions require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, kinesiology or a related field. A master’s degree may be necessary for some roles. Certifications through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and National Council on Strength and Fitness are helpful.

Salary: The average salary is $66,000 with a range between $59,000 and $74,000. However, six-figure salaries (or more) are possible if you work with certain amateur or professional sports teams. You can find additional high-earning opportunities in elite sports performance facilities, which provide specialized training to athletes, as well as in private consulting roles for individual athletes or teams.

Wellness Coach

Role overview: A wellness coach helps individuals make sustainable lifestyle changes to improve their overall health and well-being. They typically assess a client’s current health status, assist in establishing realistic goals, create personalized wellness plans, educate clients on various health topics, and provide ongoing support throughout the process. Wellness coaches can find employment in a variety of settings, including healthcare facilities, community health organizations, schools and universities, health food stores, sports teams and wellness resorts. Some may even go into private practice and choose to start their own business.

Education: A bachelor’s degree isn’t always required, but obtaining one in a related field such as nutrition, exercise science, psychology or public health can provide a strong foundation. Many wellness coaches obtain certification; popular options include the Certified Wellness Practitioner and National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach.

Salary: The average wellness coach salary is $65,000 with most professionals earning anywhere from $59,000 to $73,000.

Exercise Science Educational Requirements

Pursuing a career in exercise science typically includes a combination of formal education, hands-on experience and certifications, depending on the specific position you’re interested in.

The minimum for many entry-level positions is a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, kinesiology or a related field. Practical experience, such as internships, is also beneficial.

Depending on the role, a master’s degree and/or certifications may be required or preferred. Even if a master’s degree and specific certifications aren’t mandatory, advanced education and training can deepen your knowledge, enhance your career prospects and potentially increase your salary. If you’re aiming for research or academic positions, a doctorate is likely required.

How to Land a High-Paying Career in Exercise Science

While everyone’s situation may look a little different, here’s an example of a common career trajectory in exercise science.

• Obtain a relevant bachelor degree: Start with an undergraduate degree in exercise science, kinesiology or a related field.
• Consider pursuing a master’s degree based on your career interests: Advanced academic options, such as a Master of Science in Exercise Science, can provide you with enhanced training and education. Certain roles may require a master’s degree.
• Acquire relevant certifications: Many of the roles we previously mentioned require specific certifications that can enhance your qualifications. There are many reasons to pursue certification, including gaining a competitive edge, increasing your earning potential, expanding your skills and knowledge and enhancing your professional credibility.
• Gain experience through internships: Internships are an excellent way to obtain firsthand knowledge and experience and connect with other professionals in the field.
• Start with an entry-level position: Certain positions such as exercise physiologist, health and wellness coach and rehabilitation specialist are ideal first steps.
• Consider specializing and additional training/certifications: Certain specializations, such as sports psychology or rehabilitation, tend to offer higher salaries. Certifications can also increase your increasing potential.
• Network and build professional relationships: Connect with other professionals on LinkedIn, attend industry conferences and events and join relevant professional organizations. Engaging in these activities can help you discover job opportunities and build a support network that may lead to career growth.
• Develop a strong professional profile: It’s important to create a clear, well-rounded representation of your skills, background and experience. Build a comprehensive resume or CV and create a professional, updated LinkedIn profile where you can highlight certifications and continuing education and showcase relevant skills and experience.
• Seek out high-paying positions when you’re ready: Once you’ve gained the necessary education, qualifications and experience for your desired role, it’s time to start applying. Research companies and industries that offer competitive salaries and tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and achievements. Leverage your network connections to discover job openings and obtain recommendations.