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.
Also called: Applied Exercise Physiologist, Bariatric Weight Loss Counselor, Cardiac Exercise Physiologist, Cardiac Exercise Specialist, Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Physiologist, Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Practitioner
Median pay
$59,460
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$42,760 – $80,560
People employed
8,560
Holland code
RIS
Realistic · Investigative · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 2.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Exposure to disease or infection
- Long hours on your feet
Exercise Physiologists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (42 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What exercise physiologists do
- 01Explain exercise program or physiological testing procedures to participants.
- 02Develop exercise programs to improve participant strength, flexibility, endurance, or circulatory functioning, in accordance with exercise science standards, regulatory requirements, and credentialing requirements.
- 03Provide clinical oversight of exercise for participants at all risk levels.
- 04Provide emergency or other appropriate medical care to participants with symptoms or signs of physical distress.
- 05Interview participants to obtain medical history or assess participant goals.
- 06Demonstrate correct use of exercise equipment or performance of exercise routines.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Biology
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cooperation
- Social Orientation
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from exercise physiologists
- Athletic Trainers88% · +5%
- Physical Therapist Assistants86% · +15%
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses76% · +8%
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors74% · −21%
- Ophthalmic Medical Technologists74% · group pay
Change into exercise physiologists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Athletic Trainers90% · $62,520
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors79% · $47,160
- Midwives75% · $65,790
- Ophthalmic Medical Technologists75% · $50,290
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses74% · $64,400
Majors that lead here
- Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology
- Exercise Science and Kinesiology
- Kinesiotherapy/Kinesiotherapist
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.