How much does an exercise scientist make?
a year · about $29 an hour
A typical exercise scientist in the United States makes $59,460 a year, about $29 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They review a client’s health history, then run a treadmill or bike test and watch heart rhythm, blood pressure, and oxygen use. Next, they create and guide a safe exercise plan, then record the client’s progress.
Did you know? NASA exercise physiologists help develop workout plans and tools for astronauts; on the space station, astronauts exercise twice every day to protect their bones and muscles.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $42,760 and $80,560How do you become one?
In the United States, earn a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or a related field, with hands-on practice. Check state license rules; employers often want CPR training, and some certifications require an exam.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like building and doing and figuring things out
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience, certifications, location, and employer type, such as a hospital or clinic. Part-time hours may mean less total pay than full-time hours.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($81,310), lowest in Mississippi ($43,060).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $42,760 | $59,460 | $80,560 | about 9,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $81,310 | about 160 |
| Oregon | $71,630 | about 80 |
| Minnesota | $67,230 | about 250 |
| Massachusetts | $65,950 | about 180 |
| New Jersey | $64,680 | about 130 |
Official 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. Excludes “Physical Therapists” (29-1123), “Athletic Trainers” (29-9091), and “Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors” (39-9031).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/exercise-physiologists.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1128.00
- www.acsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ACSM-Candidate-Handbook-July-2025.pdf
- www.nasa.gov/directorates/esdmd/hhp/exercise-physiology-and-countermeasures
- explorehealthcareers.org/careers/sports-medicine/exercise-physiologist/
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY