What is an Exercise Physiologist?
Job Description & Duties 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.
Exercise Physiologist Responsibilities
- Conduct stress tests, using electrocardiograph (EKG) machines.
- Evaluate staff performance in leading group exercise or conducting diagnostic tests.
- Calibrate exercise or testing equipment.
- Recommend methods to increase lifestyle physical activity.
- Order or recommend diagnostic procedures, such as stress tests, drug screenings, or urinary tests.
- Provide clinical oversight of exercise for participants at all risk levels.
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Things an Exercise Physiologist Should Know How to Do
Below is a list of the skills most Exercise Physiologists say are important on the job.
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.
Types of Exercise Physiologist Jobs
- Clinical Exercise Specialist
- Sports Physiologist
- Cardiac Exercise Physiologist
- Electrophysiology Technician
- Exercise Physiologist, Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant
Is There 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. The BLS estimates 1,100 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Average Exercise Physiologists Salary
The average yearly salary of an Exercise Physiologist ranges between $34,410 and $78,810.

Exercise Physiologists who work in California, New York, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Exercise Physiologists make in each U.S. state?
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 to Become an Exercise Physiologist
Are there Exercise Physiologists education requirements?

How Long Does it Take to Become an Exercise Physiologist?

Where do Exercise Physiologists Work?

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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