Exercise Physiologists

SOC code 29-1128 · O*NET-SOC 29-1128.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Healthcare

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Exercise Physiologists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$59,460

a year

Hourly

$28.59

per hour

10th$42,760Median$59,46090th$80,560

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$60,940

$29.30 per hour

Middle 50%

$49,620 – $67,230

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$42,760 – $80,560

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

8,560

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $42,760; $20.56/hr
25th percentile: $49,620; $23.86/hr
Median percentile: $59,460; $28.59/hr
75th percentile: $67,230; $32.32/hr
90th percentile: $80,560; $38.73/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+9%

Growing much faster than average

23,900

jobs in 2024

26,100

projected for 2034

About 2,200 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does an exercise physiologist do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Explain exercise program or physiological testing procedures to participants.
Develop exercise programs to improve participant strength, flexibility, endurance, or circulatory functioning, in accordance with exercise science standards, regulatory requirements, and credentialing requirements.
Provide clinical oversight of exercise for participants at all risk levels.
Provide emergency or other appropriate medical care to participants with symptoms or signs of physical distress.
Interview participants to obtain medical history or assess participant goals.
Demonstrate correct use of exercise equipment or performance of exercise routines.
Prescribe individualized exercise programs, specifying equipment, such as treadmill, exercise bicycle, ergometers, or perceptual goggles.
Interpret exercise program participant data to evaluate progress or identify needed program changes.

How to become an exercise physiologist

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does an exercise physiologist earn?

The national median is $59,460 a year. The full range runs from $42,760 at the 10th percentile to $80,560 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an exercise physiologist without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Is exercise physiologist in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 9% between 2024 and 2034 — growing much faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Speaking4.0/5
Writing3.9/5
Critical Thinking3.9/5
Monitoring3.9/5

Knowledge areas

Medicine and Dentistry4.2/5
Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
English Language4.2/5
Biology4.0/5
Education and Training3.8/5
Psychology3.6/5
Therapy and Counseling3.4/5
Administrative3.2/5

Transferable strengths: Instructing, Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Complex Problem Solving.