Exercise Physiologists
O*NET 29-1128.00 · SOC 29-1128
Exercise Physiologist is a strong career choice. Median pay is $59k a year with +12.8% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 1,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Conduct graded exercise stress tests on cardiac patients.
- →Design individualized exercise programs based on fitness assessments.
- →Monitor patients' heart rate and blood pressure during exercise.
- →Educate patients on safe physical activity for chronic conditions.
- →Track and document patient progress through exercise rehabilitation.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Exercise Physiologist roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Exercise Physiologist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Exercise Physiologist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Exercise Physiologist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Exercise Physiologists is projected to grow 12.8% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·33% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·26% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Exercise Physiologist make?
The median Exercise Physiologist earns $59k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Exercise Physiologist jobs?
Our model puts Exercise Physiologist at 20 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 33% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 26% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Exercise Physiologist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 12.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 1,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Exercise Physiologist?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Exercise Physiologist roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become an Exercise Physiologist?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Exercise Physiologist career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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