Career comparison
Athletic Trainer vs. Exercise Physiologist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Athletic trainers earn more at the median ($62,520 vs. $59,460), while exercise physiologists usually get to work faster (4 years of training). Athletic trainers prevent, treat and rehabilitate injuries for athletes and active people. Exercise physiologists use exercise to improve health and help patients recover from illness.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Athletic Trainer | Exercise Physiologist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $62,520 | $59,460 ($28.59/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $48,180 – $88,760 | $42,760 – $80,560 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +12.7% (much faster than average) | +12.8% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 2,400 | 1,400 |
| Typical entry education | Master's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s | 4 years |
| Key credential | BOC Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) | ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) |
| Work setting | Athletic trainers work in training rooms, on fields and courts, in clinics and at industrial sites, in all weather.. | Exercise physiologists work in hospitals, rehab centers, clinics, fitness centers and universities.. |
What each job does
Athletic Trainer
- Prevent injuries with taping, bracing and conditioning
- Evaluate injuries on the field and in the clinic
- Provide emergency care
- Design and supervise rehabilitation
- Manage concussion protocols
Exercise Physiologist
- Conduct fitness and stress tests
- Analyze patient health data
- Design exercise programs for medical conditions
- Monitor patients during exercise
- Educate patients on lifestyle changes
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, working with people, and in-demand. Both are part of the beauty, fitness & personal care field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose athletic trainer if…
- I love sports and medicine
- I stay calm during injuries
- I like hands-on care
Choose exercise physiologist if…
- I love exercise science
- I want to help patients
- I like data and testing
Still torn? Take the Athletic Trainer fit quiz and the Exercise Physiologist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, athletic trainer or exercise physiologist?
Athletic Trainers earn more at the median: $62,520 versus $59,460 for exercise physiologists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Exercise Physiologists typically train faster (4 years) than athletic trainers (Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects exercise physiologists to grow +12.8% from 2025–35, compared with +12.7% for athletic trainers.