Life As an Exercise Physiologist
Exercise Physiologist Definition 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.
Life As an Exercise Physiologist
- Supervise maintenance of exercise or exercise testing equipment.
- Educate athletes or coaches on techniques to improve athletic performance, such as heart rate monitoring, recovery techniques, hydration strategies, or training limits.
- Order or recommend diagnostic procedures, such as stress tests, drug screenings, or urinary tests.
- Conduct stress tests, using electrocardiograph (EKG) machines.
- Provide emergency or other appropriate medical care to participants with symptoms or signs of physical distress.
- Assess physical performance requirements to aid in the development of individualized recovery or rehabilitation exercise programs.
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Qualities of an Exercise Physiologist
These are the skills Exercise Physiologists say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Clinical Exercise Physiologist
- Cardiac Exercise Specialist
- Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Director
- Bariatric Weight Loss Clinic Manager and Counselor
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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,100 job openings in this field each year.

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

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 |
What Tools & Technology do Exercise Physiologists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Exercise Physiologists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Email software
- MEDITECH software
How do I Become an Exercise Physiologist?
Individuals working as an Exercise Physiologist have obtained the following education levels:

How Long Does it Take to Become an Exercise Physiologist?

Exercise Physiologists Sector

Exercise Physiologists work in the following industries:

References:
Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Michael Ellis via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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