Key Takeaways
- Exercise science is a good major for students interested in physical therapy or Physician Assistant school.
- Exercise physiologists earned a median annual wage of $59,460 in May 2025, per the BLS.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 13% employment growth for exercise physiologists from 2025 to 2035.
- Personal trainers and wellness coaches can start with a bachelor’s degree and certification.
- Physician assistants, a common path for exercise science majors, earned a $135,880 median wage.
What Is Exercise Science?
Exercise science is the study of how the human body moves and responds to physical activity. It draws on anatomy, physiology, metabolism and biomechanics to explain what happens inside the body during exercise. Professionals then use that knowledge to help people get healthier and stronger.
Exercise science professionals use therapeutic exercise to help:
- People with chronic diseases and conditions improve their health
- People of all ages build and maintain their fitness
- Athletes at every level train, recover and perform at their best
At Marshall, you’ll apply these principles in our teaching labs as you prepare for a wide range of careers for exercise science majors, from personal training and wellness coaching to graduate-level paths such as physical therapy.
As you explore your options, you’ll likely come across two closely related fields: kinesiology and athletic training. Here’s how each one compares to exercise science.
Kinesiology vs. Exercise Science
Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement. The field is broad, covering anatomy, physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, sports psychology and exercise science itself.
Exercise science is a subfield of kinesiology focused on improving health and wellness through movement. Some schools call similar programs exercise and sports science. Exercise and sports science degree jobs overlap heavily with exercise science careers, so focus on the curriculum when you compare programs.
Because kinesiology covers so much ground, it leads to careers in ergonomics, sports coaching, corporate wellness, occupational safety, sales support and administration. Many graduates also continue to graduate school to become physical therapists, physician assistants or dietitians.
Athletic Training vs. Exercise Science
Athletic training focuses on preventing, diagnosing, treating and rehabilitating sports-related injuries. The path into athletic training is tightly defined, while exercise science gives you more flexibility.
To become an athletic trainer, you need a master’s degree from an accredited professional athletic training program. You must also pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam to earn the ATC® credential, which 49 states and the District of Columbia accept for licensure or regulation. Once certified, you complete continuing education to keep your credential active.
Exercise science covers physical activity, health and wellness more broadly, and many bachelor’s in exercise science jobs let you start working right after graduation. If athletic training is your goal, an exercise science bachelor’s degree gives you a strong foundation for a master’s program.
Is Exercise Science a Good Major?
Exercise science is a good major for students with a clear goal after graduation, whether that means starting a fitness or wellness career right away or continuing on to graduate school.
If You’re Headed to Graduate or Professional School
Exercise science fits naturally for students planning to become physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic trainers or physician assistants. These programs expect coursework in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and chemistry, and an exercise science curriculum covers much of that ground. You also get hands-on lab and clinical experience, which strengthens your application for competitive graduate programs.
Check the admission requirements for your target programs early. Planning your electives around those prerequisites keeps you from adding extra semesters later.
If You Plan to Start Working After Your Bachelor’s
If you want to start your career right after graduation, the degree works best when you choose a direction early. Personal training, wellness coaching and strength and conditioning each reward a different mix of courses, internships and certifications. Pick a target role in your first or second year so you can shape your electives, internships and certification plans around it. That way you graduate ready to apply.
Job Market Overview & Salary Potential
Once you know how exercise science fits your goals, the next question is whether the jobs will be there when you graduate. The outlook is strong. Demand for exercise science professionals keeps growing as more people focus on health and wellness, the population ages and preventive care gets more emphasis. Exercise science majors often land jobs in hospitals, clinics, gyms, schools, research institutions and with sports teams.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of exercise physiologists is projected to grow 13% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the 3% average for all occupations. The BLS expects about 1,400 openings each year over the decade. The median annual wage was $59,460 in May 2025.
Jobs You Can Get With a Bachelor’s Degree
Many careers are possible for exercise science majors following graduation. Others use the bachelor’s degree as a launch point for graduate study, licensure or advanced certification. Knowing which roles fall into each group helps you plan your coursework and internships from day one.
Roles You Can Start With a Bachelor’s Degree
If you’re searching for bachelor’s in exercise science jobs, these roles are open to new graduates, though many employers also expect a certification:
- Personal trainer: Most employers require certification before you work with clients.
- Fitness sales representative: A health background paired with business skills sets you apart.
- Wellness coach: Certification is common and often preferred.
- Exercise physiologist: The BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as the typical entry-level education.
- Cardiac rehabilitation specialist: American College of Sports Medicine certification is optional but can improve your chances of being hired.
- Sports performance specialist and strength and conditioning coach: Credentials such as the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist are common.
Roles That Require Graduate Study, Licensure or Additional Certification
Other exercise and sports science degree jobs call for more education or credentials:
- Physical Therapist
Requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Median annual wage: $102,760 - Occupational Therapist
Requires a master’s degree
Median annual wage: $100,330 - Athletic Trainer
Requires a master’s degree and Board of Certification exam
Median annual wage: $62,520 - Physician Assistant
Requires a master’s degree from an accredited PA program
Median annual wage: $135,880
Note: These figures were sourced in September 2026 and are subject to change based on year, location, and role.
11 Highest-Paying Exercise Science Jobs
Note: The following roles appear in alphabetical order and are not ranked. Salary figures are estimates and change over time.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
A cardiac rehabilitation specialist helps heart attack survivors and patients with heart disease rebuild their cardiovascular health. You’ll design personalized exercise programs; monitor blood pressure and oxygen levels during activity; and guide patients on nutrition, quitting tobacco and managing blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.
Education: Employers typically require a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, kinesiology, exercise physiology or a related health field. Certification through the ACSM is optional but can improve your chances of being hired.
Salary: Salary.com reports an average salary of about $80,000, with most specialists earning between $71,000 and $91,000. ZipRecruiter estimates a lower average of $50,000, with a range of $36,000 to $62,500.
Director of Health & Wellness
A director of health and wellness leads programs that promote active, healthy lifestyles for employees, members or entire communities. In this leadership role, you’ll develop wellness programs, manage a team, deliver health education on topics like stress management and physical activity, and measure program results. You’ll also work with health care providers and manage budgets.
Education: Education requirements depend on the size of the organization. A bachelor’s degree in a health field may be enough, though many employers prefer or require a master’s degree.
Salary: Salary.com reports an average of $73,246, with a range of $66,807 to $83,335.
Exercise Physiologist
An exercise physiologist designs physical activity programs that improve cardiovascular function, muscular strength and flexibility. Many clients live with chronic medical conditions, so you’ll also provide health education and develop fitness plans that target the respiratory, circulatory and other body systems.
Education: You typically need a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, kinesiology or a related health field. Master’s programs are available if you want to specialize further. Employers usually require Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification. Licensing requirements vary by state, and Louisiana requires exercise physiologists to hold a license.
Salary: So how much does an exercise physiologist make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $59,460, or $28.59 per hour, as of May 2025.
Salary range: So how much does an exercise physiologist make? Most earn between about $42,760 and $80,560 per year. The lowest 10% earned less than $42,760 in May 2025, and the highest 10% earned more than $80,560. Your work setting also shapes your pay:
- Hospitals (state, local and private): $59,820
- Offices of physicians: $57,010
- Other ambulatory health care services: $53,940
- Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists and audiologists: $45,180
About 59% of exercise physiologists are self-employed, and BLS wage data does not include self-employed earnings.
Job outlook: The BLS projects employment of exercise physiologists to grow 13% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the 3% average for all occupations. That’s up from the 9% growth BLS projected in its previous edition. The field is expected to add about 2,700 jobs over the decade, with about 1,400 openings each year.
Fitness Sales Representative
A fitness sales representative combines business, marketing and customer service skills with health knowledge to sell fitness products and services. That includes gym memberships, personal training packages and equipment. You could work for gyms and fitness centers, corporate wellness programs, health and wellness brands, rehabilitation centers, community centers, nonprofits, online fitness platforms or sports teams.
Education: Many employers prefer a degree in business or a health-related field.
Salary: Pay varies widely by company and role. Talent.com reports an average fitness sales salary of about $54,228. Salaries climb as you advance: about $48,295 for a sales representative, $68,775 for a sales consultant and $88,750 for a sales manager.
Fitness & Wellness Business Owner
As a fitness and wellness business owner, you run your own gym, yoga studio, personal training service, wellness center or health coaching practice. Your responsibilities include managing the business, marketing your services, hiring and leading staff, developing programs and following health and safety regulations.
Education: No specific degree is required. A bachelor’s degree in a health field can give you the expertise clients look for, and courses in business and marketing help you manage and grow your business.
Salary: Earnings vary widely by location and business type.
Personal Trainer
A personal trainer leads, instructs and motivates individuals or groups through strength training, cardiovascular workouts and stretching. Clients range across all ages and ability levels. You might work in a gym, fitness center, private studio, rehabilitation center or resort, or with a sports team. Some trainers also offer in-home sessions, work with corporate wellness programs or coach clients online.
Education: A high school diploma meets the minimum requirement, but many employers prefer a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, recreation and fitness or a related field. Most personal trainers must earn certification before working with clients.
Salary: The BLS reports a median annual wage of $47,160 for fitness trainers and instructors as of May 2025. The lowest 10% earned less than $28,800, and the highest 10% earned more than $83,100. Location, experience, specialization and client base all impact your earnings. Trainers who work with high-end clients or at exclusive clubs often earn more.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist
A pulmonary rehabilitation specialist helps patients manage and improve symptoms of long-term lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis and lung cancer. Common responsibilities include:
- Designing and overseeing exercise programs that build endurance and improve breathing
- Educating patients about lung diseases and treatment options
- Teaching breathing techniques
- Assessing patient progress and adjusting programs as needed
- Supporting patients as they cope with chronic lung conditions
Education: Most specialists start with a bachelor’s degree in a health field. Many also hold a respiratory therapy credential, such as Certified Respiratory Therapist or Registered Respiratory Therapist.
Salary: The average salary, according to ZipRecruiter, is $89,195.
Recreation & Sports Director
A recreation and sports director oversees recreation and sports programs for an organization or community. You’ll develop programs, manage staff, oversee budgets and fundraising, run facilities, coordinate events and engage with the community. Settings include parks and recreation departments, K–12 schools, colleges and universities, nonprofits, health clubs, sports complexes, residential communities, event companies and corporate wellness programs.
Education: Many organizations require a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation management, leisure studies or a related field. Because this is a senior-level role, employers often prefer a master’s degree. Certifications such as Certified Park and Recreation Professional can also strengthen your candidacy.
Salary: ZipRecruiter reports an average salary of $71,372, with most directors earning between $47,000 and $91,500.
Sports Performance Specialist
A sports performance specialist helps athletes and teams improve performance through targeted training and conditioning. You’ll assess athletes, design personalized training programs, teach proper technique, build injury prevention and recovery plans, support mental health and track progress over time.
Education: A bachelor’s degree isn’t always required, but it improves your hiring chances and earning potential. Degrees in exercise science, exercise and sports science, physical education or kinesiology prepare you especially well. Many specialists also earn certifications such as Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist or Certified Sports Performance Coach.
Salary: ZipRecruiter reports an average salary of $68,249 for sports performance specialists.
Strength & Conditioning Coach
A strength and conditioning coach improves athletic performance through strength training, conditioning and injury prevention. You’ll evaluate athletes’ physical abilities, build individualized training programs, teach proper technique, lead resistance training and conditioning work and educate athletes on staying healthy.
Education: Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, kinesiology or a related field, and some require a master’s degree. Certification through the National Strength and Conditioning Association or the National Council on Strength and Fitness strengthens your qualifications.
Salary: Salary.com reports an average salary of $66,000, with a range of $59,000 to $74,000. Coaches who work with college or professional teams, at elite performance facilities or as private consultants to athletes can earn significantly more.
Wellness Coach
A wellness coach helps clients make lasting lifestyle changes that improve their overall health. You’ll assess each client’s current health, set realistic goals together, build personalized wellness plans, provide education and offer ongoing support. Wellness coaches work in health care facilities, community health organizations, schools and universities, health food stores, sports teams and wellness resorts. Some start their own private practices.
Education: A bachelor’s degree isn’t always required, but a degree in exercise science, nutrition, psychology or public health gives you a strong foundation. Many wellness coaches earn certification, such as the Certified Wellness Practitioner or National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach.
Salary: Salary.com reports an average wellness coach salary of $65,000, with most coaches earning between $59,000 and $73,000.
At a Glance: Exercise Science Jobs & Salaries
| Job Title | Typical Salary | Typical Education |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist | $71,000-$91,000 | Bachelor’s; ACSM certification optional |
| Director of Health & Wellness | $66,807-$83,335 | Bachelor’s; master’s often preferred |
| Exercise Physiologist | $42,760-$80,560 | Bachelor’s plus BLS or ACLS certification |
| Fitness Sales Representative | $48,295-$88,560 (varies by role) | Business or health-related degree preferred |
| Fitness & Wellness Business Owner | Varies by location and business type | No degree required; bachelor’s recommended |
| Personal Trainer | $28,800-$83,100 | Certification; bachelor’s preferred |
| Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist | About $89,195 | Bachelor’s plus respiratory therapy credential |
| Recreation & Sports Director | $47,000-$91,500 | Bachelor’s; master’s often preferred |
| Sports Performance Specialist | About $68,249 | Bachelor’s preferred plus certification |
| Strength & Conditioning Coach | $59,000-$74,000 | Bachelor’s plus certification; some require a master’s |
| Wellness Coach | $59,000-$73,000 | Bachelor’s preferred plus certification |
How to Land a High-Paying Career in Exercise Science
Your path will depend on the role you want, but most exercise science careers follow a similar progression. Here’s a common route from your first semester to a high-paying position.
- Earn a relevant bachelor’s degree: Start with a degree in exercise science, kinesiology or a related field. Use your elective choices to prepare for the role or graduate program you’re aiming for.
- Gain experience through internships: Internships give you hands-on experience and connect you with professionals in the field. Many employers look for this experience when hiring new graduates.
- Earn relevant certifications: Many of the roles above require or prefer specific certifications. Certification gives you a competitive edge, expands your skills and knowledge, builds your professional credibility and can increase your earning potential.
- Consider a master’s degree based on your career goals: Some roles require a master’s degree, and others reward it with higher pay or leadership opportunities. Our Master of Science in Exercise Science builds advanced training and expertise.
- Start with an entry-level position: Roles such as exercise physiologist, wellness coach and rehabilitation specialist are strong first steps. Each one builds the experience you need for more advanced positions.
- Specialize to increase your earning potential: Specialized areas often pay more. These include cardiac rehabilitation and strength and conditioning for college or professional teams. Additional certifications in your specialty can also raise your salary.
- Build your professional network: Connect with professionals on LinkedIn, attend industry conferences and events and join professional organizations. These relationships help you discover job openings and build a support system for your career.
- Develop a strong professional profile: Create a resume or CV that clearly shows your skills, education and experience. Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date, and highlight your certifications, continuing education and relevant experience.
- Apply for high-paying positions when you’re ready: Once you’ve gained the education, credentials and experience your target role requires, start applying. Research employers and industries that offer competitive salaries, and tailor your resume and cover letter to each position. Ask your network for job leads and recommendations.
FAQs
No, you do not need a master’s degree to work in exercise science. Any exercise science careers are open to candidates with a bachelor’s degree, often paired with a certification, including exercise physiologist, personal trainer, wellness coach and cardiac rehabilitation specialist. Athletic trainers, occupational therapists and physician assistants need a master’s degree, and physical therapists need a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Leadership roles such as director of health and wellness often prefer a master’s degree, as well.
Exercise science is a challenging major because it focuses on science coursework, but students who enjoy biology and human movement often find it manageable and rewarding. Expect classes in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and chemistry, along with hands-on lab work. If you plan to apply to physical therapy, occupational therapy or PA programs, strong grades in your prerequisite science courses will make your application more competitive.
The highest-paying jobs for exercise science graduates typically require graduate study. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physician assistants earned a median annual wage of $135,880 in May 2025, physical therapists earned $102,760 and occupational therapists earned $100,330. Among roles you can pursue with a bachelor’s degree, cardiac rehabilitation specialists rank near the top, earning up to about $91,000, according to Salary.com.
Yes, exercise science professionals tend to earn more in health care settings, corporate wellness programs, college and professional sports, higher education, research and elite fitness facilities. Pay also varies based on location and experience level.
Exercise physiology is a specialized area within exercise science that focuses on how the body’s systems respond and adapt to physical activity, including heart rate, breathing, muscle function and metabolism. Exercise science covers a wider range of topics, including biomechanics, motor learning, nutrition and sports performance. Many exercise physiologists earn a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, then specialize through certification or a master’s program.
