Medical Exercise Physiologist Salary in the United States

How much does a Medical Exercise Physiologist make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Medical Exercise Physiologist in the United States is $67,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.

However, a Medical Exercise Physiologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $81,064
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $61,000 to $74,600
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $55,082

Key Factors That Influence Medical Exercise Physiologist Salaries

A Medical Exercise Physiologist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Medical Exercise Physiologist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Medical Exercise Physiologist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $65,366
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $65,560
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $68,030
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $70,997
  • Expert (over 8 years): $71,209
Levels Salary
Entry Level Medical Exercise Physiologist$65,366
Intermediate Level Medical Exercise Physiologist$65,560
Senior Level Medical Exercise Physiologist$68,030
Specialist Level Medical Exercise Physiologist$70,997
Expert Level Medical Exercise Physiologist$71,209

Top Paying Cities for Medical Exercise Physiologists

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $85,200
  • San Francisco: $84,200
  • Oakland: $82,500

What Skills Can Increase a Medical Exercise Physiologist's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 2.79% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Patient Care (Mentioned in 3.77% Job Postings): Patient care refers to the prevention, treatment, and management of illness and the preservation of physical and mental well-being through services offered by health professionals.
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (Mentioned in 1.58% Job Postings): It is used to provide urgent treatment to cardiac emergencies such as cardiac arrest, stroke, myocardial infarction, and other conditions.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 2.79%
Patient Care 3.77%
Advanced Cardiac Life Support 1.58%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Medical Exercise Physiologist's salary.

  • Stress Testing: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Dedication: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Cardiology: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Stress Testing $75,600
12%
Dedication $73,575
9%
Cardiology $73,575
9%

Medical Exercise Physiologist Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Medical Exercise Physiologist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $71,644. While startup companies pay approximate $61,011.

Medical Exercise Physiologist Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $61,011
Growth Stage 51~500 $64,420
Established 501~5000 $69,285
Enterprise 5000+ $71,644

Medical Exercise Physiologist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Medical Exercise Physiologist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Medical Exercise Physiologist positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Medical Exercise Physiologist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Medical Exercise Physiologist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$81,000$39.020%

How Education impacts a Medical Exercise Physiologist's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Medical Exercise Physiologists enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Medical Exercise Physiologist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $56,640 and $60,509).

Medical Exercise Physiologist Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Medical Exercise Physiologist
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.3%
High School 0.3%
Associates 0.8%
Bachelors 41.6%
Masters 55.1%
Doctorate 2.2%

Medical Exercise Physiologist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Medical Exercise Physiologist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$61,000
Average $67,500/year
$74,600
$5,083
Average $5,625/month
$6,217
$1,173
Average $1,298/week
$1,435
$29
Average $32/hour
$36
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $74,600 $6,217 $1,435 $36
Average $67,500 $5,625 $1,298 $32
25th Percentile $61,000 $5,083 $1,173 $29

Medical Exercise Physiologist Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Medical Exercise Physiologist, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Physical Therapy Team Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $107,200 - a projected growth of 59% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Medical Exercise Physiologist

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Medical Exercise Physiologist

Here are companies hiring for Medical Exercise Physiologist and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Medical Exercise Physiologist

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Medical Exercise Physiologist?

The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Medical Exercise Physiologist roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. How long does exercise physiologist certification last?

The ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) certification is renewed every three years. Certification holders must obtain 60 continuing education credits (CECs) and maintain a current CPR/AED certification during each three-year recertification cycle. The salary for a Medical Exercise Physiologist ranges from $53,700 to $70,300, with a mid-salary of $60,800.

3. How much does it cost to become an exercise physiologist?

Becoming a Medical Exercise Physiologist typically requires a bachelor's degree, which takes about 5 years to complete. The salary range for this profession is between $53,700 and $70,300 annually. Therefore, the cost of education can vary, but in-state students at public institutions may spend around $44,000 to $54,000, while out-of-state students might pay between $65,000 and $81,000.

4. Do I need a master's degree to be an exercise physiologist?

Exercise physiologists generally require a bachelor's degree in exercise physiology, exercise science, kinesiology, or a related healthcare field. While a master's degree can enhance career prospects, it is not mandatory. The salary for medical exercise physiologists ranges from $53,700 to $70,300, with a median salary of $60,800.

5. Is there a high demand for exercise physiologists?

The job outlook for exercise physiologists is positive, with growing demand for their expertise in promoting health and preventing chronic diseases. Salaries for this role range from $53,700 to $70,300, with a median salary of $60,800, reflecting the increasing recognition of their importance in healthcare and wellness.

6. How much does a clinical exercise physiologist make at Mayo Clinic?

The estimated total pay range for a Medical Exercise Physiologist at Mayo Clinic is approximately $53,700 to $70,300 per year, based on salary data. This range reflects the minimum, mid, and maximum salaries for the role, which may include base salary and additional compensation.

7. Are exercise physiologists worth it?

Exercise physiologists are indeed worth it. Their expertise is invaluable in creating preventive exercise regimens that enhance well-being and lower the risk of future health issues. With salaries ranging from $53,700 to $70,300, investing in their guidance can significantly contribute to a healthier lifestyle, making the journey more effective and informed.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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