5 Exercise Physiology Jobs That Are Flying Under The Radar

In today’s world, exercise physiologists are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of exercise physiology jobs is growing at a rate of 10% over the next decade. This is much higher than the average job growth rate for all occupations of 3%.

What other exercise physiology job opportunities are available in the field besides the role of exercise physiologist? In this article, we will deep dive into five exercise physiology careers, the average salaries, how to qualify and additional information about each career path.

The Job Outlook in Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology is a field that intersects exercise science and human biology, focusing on how physical activity impacts the body’s systems and functions. In recent years, the job outlook for exercise physiologists has been promising, driven by a growing emphasis on preventative healthcare and a greater awareness of the importance of physical fitness.

With an aging population and increasing rates of chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes, there is a rising demand for professionals who can design and implement exercise programs tailored to individuals’ needs.

People with an exercise physiology degree can find employment opportunities in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports teams, government agencies, corporate wellness programs and academic institutions.

Additionally, advancements in technology and research continue to expand the scope of practice in this field, offering new avenues for specialization and career growth. As such, the job outlook for exercise physiologists remains favorable, with opportunities for those passionate about promoting health and well-being through physical activity.

Five Job Opportunities with an Exercise Physiology Degree

1. Clinical Exercise Program Coordinator

A clinical exercise program coordinator holds a pivotal position in healthcare, blending expertise in exercise physiology with managerial skills to deliver top-notch clinical exercise programs. These professionals not only design personalized exercise regimens tailored to the specific health conditions and goals of adult clients but also meticulously ensure their safety and effectiveness.

In addition to their clinical responsibilities, they often assume leadership roles, directing and supervising program staff, while also managing the day-to-day operations to guarantee smooth and efficient functioning. Through their comprehensive approach, clinical exercise physiologists play a crucial role in promoting wellness and enhancing the quality of life for their clients, thereby contributing significantly to the advancement of preventive healthcare practices.

Average Annual Salary:

The average salary for a clinical exercise program coordinator is approximately $66,000 per year.

Qualifications:

Many of these roles require at least two years of experience in exercise physiology, certification as an exercise specialist (ACSM, ACE or similar) and additional training and certification in CPR and AED.

2. Health Coach

A health coach plays a vital role in guiding individuals toward healthier lifestyles by providing personalized support and motivation. They work closely with clients to set achievable overall health and fitness goals, develop action plans and provide ongoing education and encouragement. Health coaches may specialize in areas such as nutrition, weight management, stress reduction or chronic disease management, tailoring their approach to meet the unique needs of each client.

With the growing emphasis on preventive healthcare and lifestyle interventions, the demand for health coaches is expected to continue to rise, making it a promising career path for those passionate about empowering others to lead healthier lives.

They often work in a variety of settings, including healthcare facilities, corporate wellness programs and private practice.

Average Annual Salary:

The average annual salary for a health coach in the United States is approximately $59,000.

Qualifications:

To excel in this role, individuals typically need a background in health sciences, exercise physiology or a related field, along with certification as a health coach from reputable organizations like the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching.

3. Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist

Cardiac rehabilitation specialists specialize in designing and implementing exercise programs tailored to individuals recovering from cardiovascular events or surgeries. They work closely with patients to improve cardiovascular health, increase exercise tolerance and reduce the risk of future cardiac events.

These professionals often collaborate with cardiologists, nurses and other healthcare providers to develop comprehensive rehabilitation plans that address the unique needs of each patient.

With heart disease being a leading cause of death worldwide, the demand for cardiac rehabilitation specialists is expected to remain high, offering high job security and rewarding career opportunities for those passionate about helping individuals regain their health and quality of life.

Average Annual Salary:

Cardiac rehabilitation specialists earn an average annual salary of around $80,000.

Qualifications:

To pursue a career as a cardiac rehabilitation specialist, individuals typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in exercise physiology, kinesiology or a related field. Additionally, certification as a clinical exercise physiologist (ACSM) or cardiac rehabilitation professional (AACVPR) is often required, along with experience working in cardiac rehabilitation settings.

4. Sports Performance Coach

Sports performance coaches work with athletes to optimize their physical conditioning, enhance athletic performance, and prevent injuries. Similar to personal trainers, they design and implement tailored training programs that focus on strength, speed, agility, endurance and flexibility, utilizing a variety of techniques and equipment.

These professionals may work with individual athletes, sports teams or athletic organizations, helping them achieve their competitive goals while minimizing the risk of overuse injuries and burnout.

With the growing popularity of sports and the increasing emphasis on peak performance and injury prevention, the demand for sports performance coaches is on the rise, offering exciting opportunities in both amateur and professional sports settings.

Average Annual Salary:

Sports performance coaches can earn an average annual salary ranging from $54,000 to $81,000, depending on factors such as experience, qualifications and the level of the athletes they work with.

Qualifications:

To become a sports performance coach, individuals typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in exercise physiology, kinesiology, sports science or a related field.

Additionally, certification from reputable organizations such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) or the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa) is often required or preferred.

Experience working with athletes and a passion for sports are also essential for success in this field.

5. Corporate Wellness Coordinator

Corporate wellness coordinators play a pivotal role in promoting employee health and well-being within organizations. They design, implement and oversee workplace wellness programs aimed at improving employees’ physical fitness, mental health and overall lifestyle habits.

These programs often include initiatives such as fitness challenges, health screenings, nutrition education, stress management workshops and smoking cessation support.

Corporate wellness coordinators collaborate with human resources departments, senior management and external wellness vendors to develop comprehensive wellness strategies aligned with organizational goals and employee needs. They conduct assessments to identify health risks and interests among employees, then tailor wellness programs to address these factors effectively.

With employers increasingly recognizing the importance of employee wellness in enhancing morale, reducing healthcare costs and improving productivity, the demand for corporate wellness coordinators is on the rise.

Average Annual Salary:

Corporate wellness coordinators typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $90,000, depending on factors such as experience, education and the size of the organization.

Qualifications:

To excel as a corporate wellness coordinator, individuals often need a bachelor’s degree in health promotion, public health, exercise physiology or a related field. Strong organizational, communication and leadership skills are essential for success in this role, along with a passion for promoting employee health and well-being.

These are just a handful of the many exercise physiologist jobs you may find interesting.

Earn an MS in Applied Exercise Science: Exercise Physiology

Concordia University Chicago (CUC) offers a 100% online MS in Applied Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise Physiology. This program is designed to prepare students for success in the field of exercise physiology. Earning a master’s degree will help accelerate your growth opportunities by preparing you with specialized knowledge and hands-on experience.

Learn while working with CUC’s 100% online, asynchronous master’s program. We make it possible to continue your education while working in the field. To explore why CUC’s master’s program might be a good fit for you, reach out or apply today!