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Exercise Physiologist

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What is an Exercise Physiologist?

Occupation Description 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.

A Day in the Life of an Exercise Physiologist

  • Supervise maintenance of exercise or exercise testing equipment.
  • Develop exercise programs to improve participant strength, flexibility, endurance, or circulatory functioning, in accordance with exercise science standards, regulatory requirements, and credentialing requirements.
  • Teach courses or seminars related to exercise or diet for patients, athletes, or community groups.
  • Evaluate staff performance in leading group exercise or conducting diagnostic tests.
  • Conduct stress tests, using electrocardiograph (EKG) machines.
  • Explain exercise program or physiological testing procedures to participants.

Skills Needed to be an Exercise Physiologist

When polled, Exercise Physiologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.

Other Exercise Physiologist Job Titles

  • Sports Physiologist
  • Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation
  • Kinesiotherapist
  • Director of Rehabilitation and Wellness
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Physiologist

Job Demand for Exercise Physiologists

There were about 15,100 jobs for Exercise Physiologist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 13.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,000 new jobs for Exercise Physiologist by 2026. There will be an estimated 1,100 positions for Exercise Physiologist per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Exercise Physiologist are Washington, Nevada, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, Rhode Island, or North Dakota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Salary for an Exercise Physiologist

The salary for Exercise Physiologists ranges between about $34,410 and $78,810 a year.

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Exercise Physiologists who work in California, New York, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.

How much do Exercise Physiologists make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $44,900
Arizona $56,750
California $89,030
Colorado $49,890
Connecticut $60,560
Delaware $43,800
Florida $55,280
Georgia $51,100
Illinois $55,150
Indiana $49,750
Iowa $49,120
Kentucky $51,690
Louisiana $52,800
Maryland $51,860
Massachusetts $56,140
Michigan $48,730
Minnesota $55,840
Mississippi $41,570
Missouri $56,130
New Hampshire $52,990
New Jersey $51,280
New York $68,180
North Carolina $47,900
Ohio $51,580
Oklahoma $42,240
Oregon $56,880
Pennsylvania $46,450
South Carolina $45,610
South Dakota $47,540
Tennessee $49,480
Texas $46,240
Utah $50,440
Virginia $58,560
Washington $48,330
West Virginia $40,440
Wisconsin $53,850

Tools & Technologies Used by Exercise Physiologists

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Exercise Physiologists may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Web browser software
  • Email software
  • MEDITECH software

How do I Become an Exercise Physiologist?

What education is needed to be an Exercise Physiologist?

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What work experience do I need to become an Exercise Physiologist?

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Who Employs Exercise Physiologists?

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The table below shows the approximate number of Exercise Physiologists employed by various industries.

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References:

Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Michael Ellis via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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