Exercise and Sports Scientist

An Exercise and Sports Scientist conducts research, assessment, and intervention programmes in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and sports performance within clinical, community, or elite sports settings. They use laboratory equipment and field-based testing to evaluate cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and metabolic responses to exercise, and prescribe evidence-based training or rehabilitation programmes tailored to individual or team needs.

Conduct maximal and submaximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing using protocols such as treadmill VO2 max testing and indirect calorimetry to assess aerobic capacity and metabolic function. Perform biomechanical analysis using video analysis software, force plates, and motion capture technology to identify movement dysfunction or performance deficits in athletes and clinical populations. Administer standardised fitness and functional capacity tests including sit-and-reach, hand grip dynamometry, sit-ups, and single leg stance to quantify physical performance or injury risk. Prescribe personalised exercise programmes incorporating cardiovascular training, resistance training, flexibility work, and sport-specific drills based on individual assessment findings and performance goals. Collect and analyse physiological data such as heart rate variability, lactate threshold, oxygen uptake, and body composition using calibrated laboratory equipment and software. Deliver exercise supervision and coaching sessions to ensure correct technique, appropriate progression, and adherence to prescribed programmes in gymnasium, field, or clinical settings. Liaise with multidisciplinary teams including physiotherapists, medical practitioners, strength and conditioning coaches, and sports medicine professionals to coordinate rehabilitation or performance enhancement programmes. Maintain detailed client records documenting baseline assessments, exercise prescription parameters, progress data, and outcome measures to track programme effectiveness and inform modifications.

The standard entry pathway requires a bachelor degree or higher (ABS Skill Level 1). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

You'll need formal accreditation (ESSA registration in Australia) which takes time and money beyond your degree. Pay is modest compared to other allied health roles, especially in community settings. Clinical positions are competitive, elite sports roles are rare, and some employers still confuse this role with personal training, offering lower wages.

Hospitals and rehabilitation clinics employ the most. Elite sports teams cluster around AFL, NRL, and cricket hubs. Regional Australia has fewer positions. Private practice and sports clubs are concentrated in cities with large populations and professional sports.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 2349, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Active Listeningcore
• Appointment Schedulingcore
• Case Note Documentationcore
• Confidentiality and Privacy Compliancecore
• Customer Needs Assessmentcore
• Empathy and Emotional Intelligencecore
• Goal Setting and Planningcore
• Health Terminology Literacycore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Report Writingcore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Risk Identificationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity
• Data Entry and Accuracy
• Inclusive Practice
• Microsoft Excel Data Management
• Professional Boundaries Maintenance
• Referral Coordination
• Regulatory and Legislative Awareness
• Reporting and Analytics
• Team Collaboration

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026