The following page shows the career & education requirements, salary and job outlook for an Exercise Science around the country.
What We Do
Exercise science professionals or exercise physiologists develop exercise and fitness programs that are used to help patients overcome chronic disease and improve their bodily function. The primary focus in this field is to promote health and prevent or treat disease through healthful behaviors that emphasize nutrition and physical activity.
Work Environment
Most exercise science professionals work for a minimum of full time, which can include extra weekends and evenings that are intended to cover appointments with a range of clients. Some scientists will also work extra hours to complete research and studies. Depending on your job role, you could find that you are based in a consultation office, but you will also find that you occasionally work in other locations too, such as rehab centers and sports stadiums.
How to Become an Exercise Science
Becoming an exercise science professional will begin with earning your bachelor’s degree, as well as working on your ability to work in a team and facilitate an organized approach to studies. Most bachelor’s degree programs that will fit your requirements will include science and health related courses such as anatomy, biology, and nutrition. You could always even look for degrees that cover the realm of sports science exclusively or obtain your specialization through post-graduate study.
Training & Certification Requirements
To become an exercise science professional, you will need a degree that typically revolves around sports science in some way. It is possible to obtain this degree by completing a bachelor’s degree on a related subject such as psychology, physiology, or physical education, before progressing your education further with a post graduate qualification. Experience is often highly valued by employers in the field of exercise science, and the more experience you get, the more likely your career prospects will improve. You may consider taking some time to conduct experience within a career such as a sports coach, lifeguard, or fitness instructor. Some people obtain valuable experience simply by volunteering for a range of different organizations.
Exercise Science Related Job Titles
According to Indeed.com, the following career/job titles with salary figures are most closely related to Exercise Science.
Career/Job Title | Average Salary |
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Environmental Scientist Dcla | $74,000 |
Certified Group Fitness Instructor | $49,000 |
Physician Clinical Preventive Medicine | $158,000 |
Exercise Physiologist | $47,000 |
Exercise Specialist | $40,000 |
Case Coordinator | $31,000 |
Transportation Planning Manager | $98,000 |
IT Application Programmer Analyst | $58,000 |
Membership Advisor | $76,000 |
IT Technical Support Specialist | $56,000 |
Exercise Science Earning Potential
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median wage for exercise scientists or physiologists was around $47,010 per year in 2015.
Exercise Science Job Outlook
The employment opportunities for exercise science professionals or exercise physiologists are expected to grow by eleven percent from 2014 to 2024, according to the BLS. This is faster than the average for most occupations. Demand for these professionals may continue to grow as hospitals emphasize preventative care and exercise as a part of most treatment rehabilitation options for chronic diseases.
According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Exercise Science was $61,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide are 6% higher than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.
Exercise Science Salary by State
The following lists Exercise Science salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings by employers through Indeed.com. For example, DC had the largest quoted salary of $77,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $38,000.
Alaska – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 48th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 48th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Calista Corporation, University of Alaska Anchorage, Workplace Alaska, and The Alaska Club. | |||||||||||
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Alabama – $62,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 12th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Jacobs, The Princeton Review, Education Corporation of America, and Leidos. | |||||||||||
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Arkansas – $62,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 13th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Arkansas Department of Community Correction, Catholic Health Initiatives, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, and The Princeton Review. | |||||||||||
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Arizona – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 43rd | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Princeton Review, EOS Fitness, YMCA Valley of the Sun, and Lifetime Fitness. | |||||||||||
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California – $65,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 8th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like In-Shape Health Clubs, Rite Aid, Easterseals Southern California, and The Princeton Review. | |||||||||||
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Colorado – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 33rd | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Princeton Review, Lifetime Fitness, Comcast, and 24 Hour Fitness. | |||||||||||
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Connecticut – $70,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 4th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Edge Fitness Clubs, LLC, Healthtrax Fitness & Wellness, Deloitte, and Rite Aid. | |||||||||||
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DC – $77,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 1st | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like General Dynamics Mission Systems, The Princeton Review, Svetness Fitness and Nutrition, and Central Intelligence Agency. | |||||||||||
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Delaware – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 34th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like YMCA of Delaware, JPMorgan Chase, Rite Aid, and Bayhealth Medical Center. | |||||||||||
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Florida – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 27th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Princeton Review, Youfit Health Clubs, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel – Adventist Health System, and You Fit Inc. | |||||||||||
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Georgia – $70,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 5th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Princeton Review, Comcast, Northside Hospital, and Rite Aid. | |||||||||||
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Hawaii – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 51st | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Torch Technologies, Native Hawaiian Veterans, CSRA, and Accountable Healthcare Staffing. | |||||||||||
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Iowa – $60,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 16th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like UnityPoint Health, Scott County Family YMCA, Catholic Health Initiatives, and RSM US LLP. | |||||||||||
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Idaho – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 50th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 50th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like City of Nampa, ITT Educational Services Inc., Milestone Decisions, Inc., and Truckstop.com. | |||||||||||
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Illinois – $69,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 6th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Charter Fitness, The Princeton Review, Lifetime Fitness, and Hospital Sisters Health System. | |||||||||||
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Indiana – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 20th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Princeton Review, Ivy Tech Community College, Eli Lilly, and General Dynamics Mission Systems. | |||||||||||
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Kansas – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 29th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Lifetime Fitness, Genesis Health Clubs, Dept for Children and Families, and YMCA of Greater Kansas City. | |||||||||||
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Kentucky – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 39th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Rite Aid, KentuckyOne Health, Catholic Health Initiatives, and The Princeton Review. | |||||||||||
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Louisiana – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 32nd | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Princeton Review, CareCycle Solutions, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, and Ochsner Health System. | |||||||||||
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Massachusetts – $73,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 3rd | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like YMCA Greater Boston, Boston Sports Club, Boutique Fitness Experience, and General Dynamics Mission Systems. | |||||||||||
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Maryland – $63,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 10th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Y of Central Maryland, The Princeton Review, General Dynamics Mission Systems, and SAIC. | |||||||||||
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Maine – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 35th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Rite Aid, Anytime Fitness – New England Area, Maine Medical Center, and Pen Bay. | |||||||||||
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Michigan – $62,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 14th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Princeton Review, Rite Aid, TumbleBunnies International, and Team Rehabilitation. | |||||||||||
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Minnesota – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 40th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Lifetime Fitness, The Princeton Review, YMCA of Greater Twin Cities, and Anytime Fitness. | |||||||||||
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Missouri – $60,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 17th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like YMCA of Greater Kansas City, The Princeton Review, St. Luke’s Hospital – Missouri, and FanThreeSixty. | |||||||||||
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Mississippi – $64,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 9th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like THOR Solutions, LLC, Merit Health Wesley, Stretch-n-Grow, and The Salvation Army. | |||||||||||
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Montana – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 42nd | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Montana State University, Innovative Rehabilitation, State of Montana, and Kalispell Regional Medical Center. | |||||||||||
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North Carolina – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 24th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Princeton Review, Lifetime Fitness, Planet Fitness, and Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions. | |||||||||||
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North Dakota – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 36th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sanford Health, Family Wellness Fargo, St. Alexius Health, and Volt Workforce Solutions. | |||||||||||
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Nebraska – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 49th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Catholic Health Initiatives, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, and State of Nebraska. | |||||||||||
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New Hampshire – $60,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 18th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Rite Aid, Elliot Hospital, Dartmouth College, and D-H Lebanon DHMC Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital. | |||||||||||
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New Jersey – $66,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 7th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Rite Aid, The Princeton Review, Boutique Fitness Experience, and THE MAX Challenge. | |||||||||||
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New Mexico – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 41st | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Leidos. | |||||||||||
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Nevada – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 46th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like St Rose Dominican – Siena, MGM Resorts International, EOS Fitness, and St Rose Dominican – San Martin. | |||||||||||
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New York – $74,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 2nd | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Rite Aid, New York Sports Club, Boutique Fitness Experience, and United Nations. | |||||||||||
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Ohio – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 25th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Princeton Review, YMCA of Central Stark County, MetroHealth, and University Hospitals. | |||||||||||
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Oklahoma – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 30th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sky Fitness & Wellbeing, Mercy, Norman Regional Hospital, and St. John Medical Center. | |||||||||||
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Oregon – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 21st | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Oregon Health & Science University, Rite Aid, Oregon State University, and Jackson County, OR. | |||||||||||
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Pennsylvania – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 22nd | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Princeton Review, Rite Aid, Comcast, and Chambersburg Hospital. | |||||||||||
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Rhode Island – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 31st | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Rite Aid, The State of Rhode Island, Maxx Fitness Clubs, and Silver Fern Practice LLC. | |||||||||||
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South Carolina – $60,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 19th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Princeton Review, Anytime Fitness – Sumter, SC, State of South Carolina, and Muv Fitness – South Carolina. | |||||||||||
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South Dakota – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 47th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 47th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sanford Health, Regional Health, Sammons Financial Group, and Sioux Falls Family YMCA. | |||||||||||
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Tennessee – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 28th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, The Princeton Review, Results Physiotherapy, and University of Tennessee Medical Center. | |||||||||||
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Texas – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 23rd | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like 24 Hour Fitness, You Fit Inc, Texas Tech Univ Health Sciences Ctr, and Fitness Connection. | |||||||||||
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Utah – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 45th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Salt Lake City School District, Thryve Fitness Solutions, University of Utah, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. | |||||||||||
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Virginia – $62,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 15th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Svetness Fitness and Nutrition, The Princeton Review, Leidos, and US Fitness Holdings, LLC. | |||||||||||
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Vermont – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 37th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Rite Aid, JAS Recruitment, Stowe Mountain Lodge, and WTS International, Inc.. | |||||||||||
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Washington – $63,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 11th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Amazon Corporate LLC, Rite Aid, State of Washington, and University of Washington Medical Center. | |||||||||||
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Wisconsin – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 38th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Thrivent Financial, Anytime Fitness – Antigo, WI, Hospital Sisters Health System, and Aurora HealthCare. | |||||||||||
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West Virginia – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 26th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Rite Aid, The Princeton Review, West Virginia University, and Leidos. | |||||||||||
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Wyoming – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 44th | ||||||||||
Average Exercise Science salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Exercise Science salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sava Senior Care, Provant, Ivinson Memorial Hospital, and State of Wyoming. | |||||||||||
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