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:
Medical Exercise Physiologist Salaries by Percentile
| 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 |
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.
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:
| 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 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 2.79% |
| Patient Care | 3.77% |
| Advanced Cardiac Life Support | 1.58% |
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.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Stress Testing | $75,600 | |
| Dedication | $73,575 | |
| Cardiology | $73,575 |
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.
| 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 |
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).
| 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% |
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.
| 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 |
Next Role
Advancement
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.
Salaries for a Medical Exercise Physiologist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $93,397 in 2023 to around $90,396 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Medical Exercise Physiologist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $93,397 |
| 2024 | $93,555 |
| 2025 | $90,396 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Medical Exercise Physiologist roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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