If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your passion for fitness and health into a lucrative career, exploring the highest paying jobs with an exercise science degree might be the perfect starting point.
This type of education opens an entire spectrum of career possibilities from sports performance to health care, both financially and the self-satisfaction of assisting others to achieve their highest physical potential. If you want to work with professional athletes, aid patients in rehabilitation, or maintain wellness programs, your choice of careers is limitless.
What makes these professions so great is the variety. Some, such as physical therapists or occupational therapists, require more degrees but six-figure salaries. Others, such as exercise physiologists or strength and conditioning coaches, enable you to get into the job market earlier but still compete in salary.
Because there is more focus all over the world on health and fitness today, these professions are not only highly paid, but also in demand. Let’s take a closer look at the 12 best paying professions for an exercise science degree that will make your exercise science degree worthwhile!
Table of contents
What is Exercise Science?
Exercise science is the science of how the human body moves and reacts to exercise. Individuals who conduct this science know very well how various movements can affect your body’s soft tissue and muscles and how movements can cause pain and relief after some time. When an individual studies for this degree, students are taught subjects like anatomy, physiology and biology. Students learn rehabilitation methods and nutrition as well.
Some of the largest fields of emphasis in exercise science include:
- Exercise physiology: the study of how the body responds to exercise and physical activity
- Biomechanics: the study of human movement
- Nutrition: the study of how diet and nutrition affect physical health and functioning
- Motor control: the study of how the nervous system regulates movement
- Sports psychology: the study of how psychological factors affect physical performance and exercise behavior
Hence, exercise science is a field which utilizes science, art, and love in order to benefit humankind in exercising and healthy growth.
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Top 12 Highest Paying Jobs With Exercise Science Degree
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an exercise physiologist has an average yearly salary of $47,940. The future growth rate of the career will be 9% by 2031, which is faster than average.
That said, some of the highest paying jobs with an exercise science degree to consider are:
1. Sports Manager
Average salary: $49,807 per year
You will need to deal with individual players, teams, or institutions on the basis of your understanding of exercise science in order to make decisions as a sports manager. The career is fitting for any individual who has a passion for sports and would wish to make the passion a vocation.
With a median annual salary of $49,807, sports managers can live a wonderful life doing something enjoyable. It is one of the highest paying jobs with an exercise science degree, and there are many opportunities for individuals who are interested in exercise science and want to make a difference.
Skills Needed
- Leadership and organizational ability to manage teams, schedules, and operations.
- Business skills including marketing, sponsorship, and financial planning
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills to manage athletes, coaches, and stakeholders
- Analytical skills to evaluate performance and come up with strategies
2. Sports Performance Coach
Average salary: $38,978 annually
A sports performance coach assists in enhancing the ability of an athlete by conditioning and developing them, training calendar, and sport diet. The job is ideal for someone who enjoys assisting others to succeed.
At a median annual salary of $38,978, sport performance coaches can anticipate receiving a good income with opportunities for making a good difference in athletes’ lives. This is one of the highest paying jobs with an exercise science degree that offers broad opportunities for exercise science professionals looking to make a good difference in people’s lives.
Skills Needed
- Exercise physiology, biomechanics, and anatomy skill for designing training programs.
- Coaching and motivational strategies to inspire athletes.
- Performance analysis strategies to alter strategies to optimize.
- Knowledge of nutrition and recovery strategies
3. Health Coach
Average salary: $47,397 annually
You will be a health coach who guides individuals to transform their lifestyle in such a manner that they become healthy, and you will be doing it all based on the application of the principles of exercise science. If you are interested in health and well-being, this is your ideal career.
With a median yearly income of $47,397, health coaches can earn a decent income while helping others achieve their health goals. This is also one of the highest paying careers with an exercise science degree, with ample opportunities for those who are interested in exercise science and want to make a difference in others’ lives.
Skills Needed
- Knowledge of nutrition, psychology, and physiology to guide clients toward healthier living.
- Communication skills to educate and motivate clients in the correct manner.
- Interpersonal and empathy skills to gain the clients’ trust.
- Problem-solving skills to resolve individual health issues
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4. Orthopedic Technician
Average salary: $43,490 annually
The orthopedic technicians also carry out ancillary procedures, as well as assisting orthopedic surgeons or physicians in both their medical and non-medical responsibilities. Some of the medical responsibilities include assisting the surgeons when they are carrying out surgery, assisting in applying and removing orthopedic appliances and braces, and prosthetic appliance measurements.
The non-clinical responsibilities are maintaining patient records up to date and current, preparing patients for examination and procedure, writing patient letters and educating regarding treatment conditions and modalities.
Skills Needed
- Knowledge of orthopedic equipment use and anatomy and physiology.
- Manual dexterity to apply casts or braces.
- Watchful attention to detail to aid orthopedic surgeons or patient care.
- Communication skills to inform patients regarding procedure
5. Massage Therapist
Average salary: $46,232
This is another highest paying job with an exercise science degree. Massage therapists execute various techniques that shift the soft tissues and muscles to relieve clients, bring pain and stress relief.
Massage therapists advise patients in selecting a variety of massage services according to their purpose, area covered, price, and benefit. These Massage therapists maintain records and files of patients and mark them accordingly for future use.
Skills Needed
- Anatomy and physiology knowledge in order to suitably deal with muscle groups.
- Hand skill to execute therapeutic maneuvers.
- Social skills to develop rapport with the client.
- Time management in order to be working on multiple appointments simultaneously
6. Recreation Therapist
Average salary: $50,640
Recreation therapists apply recreation to rehabilitate patients who are deceased or disabled and enhance living. They come up with treatment that is specific to the interest, requirement, and capacity of the patient and track progress. They may also aid healthcare providers such as physical therapists in taking care of the patient.
Skills Needed
- Creatively planning recreational activities to address client needs.
- Knowledge of psychology and therapeutic interventions in mental health.
- Effective communication skills in a position of dealing with multiculturally diverse populations.
- Capacity to effectively plan and implement programs
7. Athletic Director
Average salary: $65,271 per year
Athletic directors are school and institution-affiliated athletic program administrators. They are responsible for hiring coaches and staff, promoting matches and events, handling facilities and equipment and providing professional development. They also help maintain cordial relations among athletes, alums and coaches.
Skills Needed
- Leadership skills to oversee sports programs and staff management.
- Strategic planning skills for budgeting, scheduling, and program development.
- Communication skills to interact with coaches, players, and stakeholders.
- Analytical mind to assess program effectiveness and compliance with policies
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8. Physical Therapist Assistant
Average salary: $66,095
Physical therapist assistants work alongside physical therapists to aid patients in their battle to achieve mobility and make the strained or weakened muscles stronger. They assess and supervise patients with exercises and develop customized treatment plans under the supervision of a physical therapist.
They also give therapeutic exercises and modalities, document patients’ progress and maintain current medical records, and educate them and their families about treatment plans and exercising making it one of the highest paying jobs with an exercise science degree.
Skills Needed
- Anatomy, physiology, and rehabilitation skills to be able to assist patients effectively.
- Interpersonal skills for communicating and motivating patients while in therapy.
- Commitment to following treatment plans prescribed by physical therapists
- Physical stamina in assisting patients with exercises or mobility activities
9. Healthcare Consultant
Average salary: $80,280 per year
Healthcare consultants offer advice to healthcare institutions such as hospitals, health insurance companies, private practices and clinics and pharmaceutical firms.
They review an organization’s daily activities and finances and report to the management. They also focus on compliance with laws, procedural efficiency, revenue generation and financial planning.
Skills Needed
- Analytical ability to analyze healthcare systems or organizational performance.
- Business acumen in healthcare management or policy-making.
- Communication skills to present findings or recommendations clearly.
- Research ability to stay abreast with industry trends or innovation
10. Chiropractor
Average salary: $81,846 a year
Chiropractors are medical practitioners in the treatment and diagnosis of neuromuscular conditions and major specialists in bones, nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Chiropractors perform spinal manipulations to improve the efficiency of the nerves, pain relief, and improvement of the circulation of blood, and manual alignments to correct misalignments.
These Chiropractors also administer a variety of procedures such as heat and cold, stimulation, relaxation, and soft tissue work.
Skills Needed
- A lot of knowledge regarding anatomy, biomechanics, and spinal manipulation.
- Manual dexterity to make adjustments safely and effectively
- Interpersonal and empathy skills to establish patient relationships
- Problem-solving skills to accurately diagnose musculoskeletal issues
11. Occupational Therapist
Average salary: $82,227 annually
Occupational therapists work with physically, sensory or mentally disabled patients. Occupational therapists use treatment procedures to improve the motor ability and movement of the patient.
These Occupational therapists can even cooperate with other medical professionals like doctors, psychologists and physical therapists in a bid to recover the patient.
Skills Needed
- Detailed knowledge on rehabilitation program techniques, biomechanics and motor development.
- Innovativeness in adjusting the equipment or surroundings to accommodate patients effectively.
- Educational skills in communicating with patients about exercises or adaptive methods.
- Tolerance and compassion when dealing with patients with physical difficulties
12. Registered Nurse
Average salary:$70,822 annually
Registered nurses provide patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and patient homes, among others. They monitor and record patients’ vital signs, wound dressings and wound care, implement patient care plans and provide treatment and medication. They also assist doctors with treatments and diagnostic tests.
Skills Needed
- Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and medical procedures to provide patient care.
- Critical thinking abilities for assessing patient status or emergency decision-making.
- Communication abilities for working with healthcare teams or communicating with patients regarding treatments.
- Empathetic interpersonal abilities to provide emotional support during the process of care delivery
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Tips for Securing These Highest Paying Jobs With Exercise Science Degree
Discovering highest paying jobs with an exercise science degree requires career planning, continuing education, and professional development. The following is career-specific advice for the careers you have mentioned:
- Acquire Job-Relevant Experience: An internship or volunteer experience in your industry could be excellent experience and an open door to networking contacts.
- Get Certifications: Gain industry-specific certifications (e.g., CSCS, CEP) to advance credentials and career opportunities.
- Create a Solid Network: Join professional associations and go to industry conferences to network with potential employers and mentors.
- Consider Advanced Education: The majority of high-salary careers prefer or even need advanced degrees (for example, master’s or doctoral degrees)
Give priority to these strategies and you will be more likely to procure high-salary jobs in these career fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is research potential with a doctoral or master’s degree in exercise science. Typically, it includes studying the influence of exercise on performance and health
Job title, number of years in the field, geographic location, and specialized schooling or training set exercise science salaries
Most high paying jobs required more education than a bachelor or even some certain certifications. As an example for a physical therapy, one may need a degree in a Doctorate level or at least certain certifications like for the athletic trainer to be attained the NATA ATC.
Experience also plays a significant role when determining exercise science salaries. More experienced personnel, such as senior physical therapists or senior exercise physiologists, for instance, will tend to attract higher salaries compared to new graduates
Conclusion
An exercise science degree can lead to many challenging yet rewarding career opportunities. From sports management to health coaching, here are some of the highest paying exercise science degree jobs that can get you where you need to be.
As health and fitness continues to be a growing need, exercise science graduates are in high demand. Learn about some of the highest paying jobs with an exercise science degree and start creating a successful career today!
References
- www.indeed.com – 21 High-Paying Jobs in Exercise Science (With Salaries)
- research.com – Highest-Paying Exercise Science Degree Jobs: Salary & Careers in 2025
