Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become an Exercise Physiologist Exercise physiologists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree. Exercise physiologists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation.
Education
Exercise physiologists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, exercise science, kinesiology, or another healthcare and related field. Master’s degree programs also are available. Degree programs include science and health-related courses, such as anatomy, kinesiology, and nutrition, as well as clinical work. Some students participate in internships or practicums, sometimes offered as part of their degree program. These opportunities allow students to gain hands-on experience that may differ from or complement their clinical work.
Training
in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
State licensing requirements vary for exercise physiology. For example, Louisiana specifies that exercise physiologists be licensed, but other states require licensure for performing exercise physiology duties in related occupations. Check with your state’s licensing agency. Employers typically require exercise physiologists to have Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification, both of which include
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of exercise physiologists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,400 openings for exercise physiologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment As the prevalence of chronic conditions grows, more exercise physiologists will be needed to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their overall health through personalized exercise programs. Employment growth is expected in hospitals and ambulatory care settings, where exercise physiologists play a central role in the rehabilitation of patients. Exercise Physiologists Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Exercise physiologists 13% Healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners 9% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Exercise Physiologists Do
Exercise physiologists develop physical activity programs to help people improve components of their fitness, such as cardiovascular function, muscular strength, or flexibility.
Duties
Exercise physiologists typically do the following:
- Analyze a client’s medical history to assess their risk during exercise and to determine the best exercise and fitness regimen for the client
- Perform endurance, stress, and other tests with medical equipment and analyze the resulting data
- Measure clients’ blood pressure, oxygen usage, heart rhythm, and other key health indicators
- Develop exercise programs that address clients’ fitness needs
- Implement programs to improve clients’ health
Exercise physiologists work to improve people’s overall health. Many of their clients have chronic medical conditions, such as pulmonary (lung) disease. Exercise physiologists provide health education and exercise plans to help clients improve their respiratory, circulatory, and other systems.
Some physiologists work closely with primary care physicians, who may prescribe exercise regimens for their patients and refer them to exercise physiologists. The physiologists then work with these patients to develop individualized treatment plans that will help the patients meet their health and fitness goals.
The following are examples of types of exercise physiologists:
Applied exercise physiologists study the physiological effects of exercise. They may research topics that explore the link between exercise and illness, such as whether increasing physical activity slows the progression of disease.
Clinical exercise physiologists work with a range of client populations in a variety of settings. For example, they may design exercise programs or promote wellness strategies in schools, taking into account the students’ ages, development, and other factors.
Kinesiotherapists use rehabilitative exercise, reconditioning, and physical education to treat clients who have problems moving. These workers focus on helping clients regain strength and endurance to increase their mobility.
Exercise physiologists should not be confused with occupations that have similar duties. For example, fitness trainers and instructors (including personal trainers) and athletic trainers promote wellness through exercise and physical activity but not necessarily to treat chronic conditions.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Exercise physiologists held about 21,200 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of exercise physiologists were as follows:
| Self-employed workers | 59% |
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 24 |
| Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists | 5 |
| Offices of physicians | 4 |
| All other ambulatory healthcare services | 1 |
Exercise physiologists typically work in office settings that include hospitals and other medical facilities, fitness centers, and schools. They also may travel to meet with clients.
Some work with other healthcare personnel as part of a team. They may spend a lot of time on their feet when working with clients.
Work Schedules
Most exercise physiologists work full time, but part-time work may be common.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Compassion. Exercise physiologists work with clients who may be in considerable pain or discomfort and must be patient and empathetic with them. Communication skills. Exercise physiologists must be able to clearly convey information to clients, clients’ families, and other members of the medical team, including physicians. Decision-making skills. Exercise physiologists must make informed assessments of their clients, whose health or livelihood may be affected by treatment options. Detail oriented. Exercise physiologists must record specific, accurate information about their clients’ conditions, along with any progress or setbacks after beginning an exercise program. Interpersonal skills. Exercise physiologists must be able to interact with clients and other members of the medical team.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about exercise physiologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.