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Job outlook for clinical exercise specialists in the United States
Are clinical exercise specialist jobs in demand?
Clinical exercise specialist job and salary trends over time
Clinical exercise specialist jobs over time
Clinical exercise specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 139 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 149 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 148 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 137 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 128 | 0.00% |
Average clinical exercise specialist salary over time
Clinical exercise specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $62,387 | $29.99 | +2.3% |
| 2024 | $61,010 | $29.33 | --0.2% |
| 2023 | $61,134 | $29.39 | +0.4% |
| 2022 | $60,911 | $29.28 | +3.7% |
| 2021 | $58,739 | $28.24 | +0.7% |
Clinical exercise specialist jobs by state
Most common states for clinical exercise specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 250 | 36% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 154 | 20% |
| 3 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 227 | 17% |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 174 | 16% |
| 5 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 170 | 16% |
| 6 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 138 | 16% |
| 7 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 610 | 15% |
| 8 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 465 | 15% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 148 | 15% |
| 10 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 843 | 14% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 799 | 14% |
| 12 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 395 | 14% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 278 | 14% |
| 14 | Vermont | 623,657 | 90 | 14% |
| 15 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,382 | 13% |
| 16 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,168 | 13% |
| 17 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 979 | 13% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 462 | 13% |
| 19 | California | 39,536,653 | 4,601 | 12% |
| 20 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 816 | 12% |
Clinical Exercise Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of clinical exercise specialist experts
University of Kentucky
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Ohio University
William Paterson University
Henry Ford Hospital
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Exercise Specialist?
Rosie Lanphere Ph.D., C.S.C.S.: Careers in Exercise Science can range from positions at a local gym to working with athletes and coaches in international sports. A bachelor’s degree in this field is very versatile because of the basic science focus and the applied science practical skills you have probably acquired in your major courses. The best advice I can give to students in this field is to gain credible certifications and licenses from organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). These are globally regarded organizations and credentials and will soon become the standard for employment. In 2030, only students that graduate from NSCA and ACSM accredited programs will be able to sit for certification exams offered by these organizations which will strengthen your attractiveness for employment if attained.
What Clinical Exercise Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rosie Lanphere Ph.D., C.S.C.S.: To maximize your potential for salary it is important to collect as many volunteer and internship experiences as possible. Experience will be the major factor in salary negotiations but unfortunately, as a new graduate you may have little paid experience. As a student or new graduate, volunteering is a wonderful way to network and gain the trust and respect of potential for hiring. It also helps you to determine if that career is right for you. Be on-time, have a great attitude, and approach the business with a “how can I help your company” perspective and you will see how much easier it will be for you to succeed.
What will help Clinical Exercise Specialists increase their earning potential?
Rosie Lanphere Ph.D., C.S.C.S.: As mentioned previously, certifications and licenses will be vital for those wishing to gain employment very soon. Depending on the type of certification, skills can range from demonstrating and recognizing proper resistance training techniques for strength and conditioning coaches to ECG interpretation in clinical exercise physiology settings. Exercise testing and interpretation for the 5 components of fitness (i.e. body composition, cardiovascular fitness, muscular fitness, flexibility, and neuromotor fitness) are also important to understand and be proficient in.
Jonathan Anning PhD, FNSCA, CSCS*D
Associate ProfessorSlippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Rehabilitation And Therapeutic Professions
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Exercise Specialist?
Jonathan Anning PhD, FNSCA, CSCS*D: To maximize salary potential when starting a career in Exercise Science, students should consider investing in advanced degrees and certifications along with specialized skills to help distinguish themselves from others in the field. Gaining practical experiences through volunteer opportunities, internships, field-related jobs, and professional organizations will help build a strong resume while establishing a professional network. Staying up-to-date with the latest research and technological advancements will also make students more appealing. In addition, students should always be prepared to negotiate their salary by confidently presenting their qualifications and the unique value they bring to their job.
What Clinical Exercise Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jonathan Anning PhD, FNSCA, CSCS*D: In the next 3-5 years, skills in data analytics and technological integration will become increasingly vital across all sectors of Exercise Science, including clinical, corporate, fitness, and sport industries. As wearable devices, fitness apps, and other technology become more advanced, the ability to analyze and interpret the data will be imperative for creating more personalized and effective programs. In addition, virtual coaching and telehealth services will grow in importance, necessitating proficiency in remote communication and program management. An in-depth understanding of exercise physiology and biomechanics will also be essential for developing evidence-based practices that can enhance performance, improve health outcomes, and optimize wellness initiatives.
What will help Clinical Exercise Specialists increase their earning potential?
Jonathan Anning PhD, FNSCA, CSCS*D: Starting a career in Exercise Science is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. My advice to new graduates is to never stop learning. Stay updated with the latest research and pursue masters or doctoral degrees and relevant certifications to enhance your knowledge, skills and abilities. As an Exercise Science major at Slippery Rock University, students develop critical thinking skills through a comprehensive curriculum covering anatomy, exercise physiology, physics, biomechanics, and chemistry. These foundational sciences are applied to areas like aerobic and resistance training leadership, fitness assessment, program design, wellness coaching, and nutrition along with preparing them for complex roles in clinical settings while working with special populations. A transition part of their education involves working as a personal trainer for a semester under faculty guidance before completing a 480-hour internship at a fitness, sport performance, corporate, or clinical location. These experiences are crucial for their professional growth prior to graduation. However, achieving this level of education is just the beginning. Graduates must commit to continually learning, gaining hands-on experiences, and refining their communication skills so that they can build a successful and fulfilling career in Exercise Science.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Exercise Specialist?
Angela Hillman PhD, EPC: Create connections and network – get the word out about what you do! Many individuals do not know what an exercise physiologist is, what their knowledge base is or the skills they possess. Exercise physiology is often a heavy science-based degree and thus graduates are well versed in the human body (anatomy) and the inner workings (physiology) and know how these things change with exercise (or lack thereof). Spread the word about what you know, what you can do and work with people of diverse backgrounds to improve your skills.
What Clinical Exercise Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Angela Hillman PhD, EPC: Empathy, communication, and problem solving. Everyone is coming to you from a different place in life – having empathy and understanding of that will get you extremely far in working with people. Communicating effectively, spending time with clients and patients and bringing the science down to an understandable level is super important. Solving problems is critical – clients won’t always feel exactly the same each time they come so you’ll have to problem solve and be adaptable.
What will help Clinical Exercise Specialists increase their earning potential?
Angela Hillman PhD, EPC: Gain certifications that mean something to the industry (such as ACSM or ACE), gain skills that will help you reach a wider audience (dry needling, myofascial release), offer services that others aren’t – like group resistance training classes for women or in-home personal training, network and attend conferences and gain continuing education credits to keep you up to date and engaged.
Toni LaSala Ph.D.
Internship Coordinator, Exercise ScienceWilliam Paterson University
Department of Kinesiology
What skills stand out on Clinical Exercise Specialist resumes?
Toni LaSala Ph.D.: For an Exercise Physiologist working in Cardiac Rehab:
-Experience working with clients in Phase 2 and Phase 3 Cardiac rehabilitation
-Knowledge in assessments (subjective and objective) by going over medical history, assess risk factors at rest and during exercise
-Working knowledge of Cardiac Stress Testing
-Develop appropriate individualized exercise programs
-Demonstrate and lead proper exercises to improve patient's health
What soft skills should all Clinical Exercise Specialists possess?
Toni LaSala Ph.D.: Students need to be compassionate and have great communication skills to be able to speak and listen to patients/clients for a variety of reasons. Some patients/clients like to talk about themselves and just want a listening ear and to hear what they are saying regarding their overall day to day activities as it relates to their health. They also need to communicate with the health care team.
They must possess strong written skills as they need to track all aspects of the patient/client visits.
Knowledge of how to use a computer.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Clinical Exercise Specialists?
Toni LaSala Ph.D.: -Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science
-Knowledge in reading EKG's,
-Proficient in taking blood pressure
-Measuring pulse oxygen levels and heart rate
-Cardiopulmonary stress testing
-Knowledge in performing appropriate body composition methods
-Knowledge of how to prescribe exercise programming to those with special consideration (e.g., osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, pre and post-transplantation, metabolic disease, lung disorders, cancer, etc.)
-Working directly with patients to assist in lifestyle and behavior change
What skills will help Clinical Exercise Specialists earn the most?
Toni LaSala Ph.D.: Additional related certifications such as:
-American College of Sports Medicines Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C)
-American College of Sports Medicine Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP)
-American Association of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation - Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist (CCRP)
Clinton Brawner Ph.D.
Clinical Exercise Physiology Core Laboratory Edith and Benson Ford Heart & Vascular InstituteHenry Ford Hospital
Division of Cardiovascular Medicine
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Clinical Exercise Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Clinton Brawner Ph.D.: The ability to learn and work with task-specific software is critical. This might be the electronic medical record or the software that runs a clinical device, such as an exercise stress test system or an ECG telemetry monitoring system. Considering that progress notes are typed, good typing skills are an asset. Finally, experience with using Microsoft Office applications is important. The individual who knows how to use Excel or Access and how to organize data tables to capture and analyze programmatic data often has an advantage in the workplace.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Clinical Exercise Specialists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Clinton Brawner Ph.D.: There is little data specific to the CEP. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not separate clinical and non-clinical exercise physiologists (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/exercise-physiologists.htm). The CEPA has collected salary data from CEPs (attached). In general, starting salary for a bachelor's prepared CEP is likely $42k to $45k, with considerable variability across the U.S.