As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for an Exercise Specialist in California is $56,056 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, an Exercise Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Exercise Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $62,706 | $5,225 | $1,206 | $30 |
| Average | $56,056 | $4,671 | $1,078 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,658 | $4,138 | $955 | $24 |
Valid8 Financial, Inc. - Cupertino, CA
Plus One, an Optum Company - Los Angeles, CA
Paycom Online- ATS - Torrance, CA
Ymcaeastbay - Albany, CA
An Exercise Specialist'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Exercise Specialist'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 Exercise Specialist | $53,955 |
| Intermediate Level Exercise Specialist | $54,146 |
| Senior Level Exercise Specialist | $56,552 |
| Specialist Level Exercise Specialist | $59,331 |
| Expert Level Exercise Specialist | $59,529 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Exercise Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Understanding how an Exercise Specialist'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 | $62,706 | $5,225 | $1,206 | $30 |
| Average | $56,056 | $4,671 | $1,078 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,658 | $4,138 | $955 | $24 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Exercise Specialist, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Physiologist | $74,569 | 33% |
| Physical Therapist III | $134,788 | 140% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Exercise Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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