Exercise physiologists
SOC Code: 29-1128
Exercise physiologists carries a 22% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $58,160 and +9.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 23,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Exercise physiologists (SOC 29-1128) carries an AI exposure score of 22%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 23,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +9.5% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $58,160, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Exercise physiologists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Develop exercise programs to improve participant strength, flexibility, endurance, or circulatory functioning, in accordance with exercise science standards, regulatory requirements, and credentialing requirements.
- 2. Provide emergency or other appropriate medical care to participants with symptoms or signs of physical distress.
- 3. Demonstrate correct use of exercise equipment or performance of exercise routines.
- 4. Recommend methods to increase lifestyle physical activity.
- 5. Interpret exercise program participant data to evaluate progress or identify needed program changes.
- 6. Prescribe individualized exercise programs, specifying equipment, such as treadmill, exercise bicycle, ergometers, or perceptual goggles.
- 7. Provide clinical oversight of exercise for participants at all risk levels.
- 8. Explain exercise program or physiological testing procedures to participants.
- 9. Interview participants to obtain medical history or assess participant goals.
- 10. Assess physical performance requirements to aid in the development of individualized recovery or rehabilitation exercise programs.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Instructing
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Therapy and Counseling
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Biology
- Psychology
- Administrative
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Exercise physiologists?
Exercise physiologists has an AI exposure score of 22%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Exercise physiologists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Exercise physiologists is projected to grow by 9.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 23,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Exercise physiologists?
Key skills for Exercise physiologists include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Exercise physiologists earn?
The median annual wage for Exercise physiologists is $58,160, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Exercise physiologists?
The typical entry-level education for Exercise physiologists is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Exercise physiologists?
Exercise physiologists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).