What is the average cancer exercise specialist salary? The exact average can change, but many sources show it sits around $55,000 to $65,000 each year. But this is just an average. Pay can be much higher or lower based on many things. This guide will help you learn what affects the pay for people in this important job. We will look at different roles, like oncology exercise physiologist pay and cancer rehabilitation specialist pay. We will also check out the salary for ACSM certified exercise specialist roles and see the average cancer exercise specialist income in different places.
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Finding Out What a Cancer Exercise Specialist Does
A cancer exercise specialist helps people who have or had cancer. They create safe and helpful exercise plans. These plans help patients feel stronger, have more energy, and live better lives. They work with doctors and other health helpers. They might work in hospitals, rehab centers, fitness clubs, or even at home. This work is key for patients getting better.
Looking at Average Pay
The average cancer exercise specialist income is a good place to start. But remember, it is only one number. It takes all the different pay levels and finds the middle point. Someone just starting might make less. Someone with lots of experience and special skills might make more. The exercise oncology salary range is wide.
Think about it like this: Some people make $40,000 a year. Others make $80,000 or more. The average might be $60,000. This means half the people make less than $60,000, and half make more.
Here is a simple look at what the average might be:
| Job Title | Average Yearly Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Cancer Exercise Specialist | $55,000 – $65,000 |
| Oncology Exercise Physiologist | $60,000 – $70,000+ |
| Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist | $58,000 – $68,000+ |
| Exercise Therapist (Cancer) | $50,000 – $60,000+ |
Note: These numbers are just examples. Real pay changes based on many factors.
Getting a clear picture of the average cancer exercise specialist income helps you know what to expect.
What Makes Pay Go Up or Down?
Many things change how much a cancer exercise specialist gets paid. Let’s look at the main ones.
Years Working
How long someone has done this job matters a lot.
* New Starters: People new to the field usually start at the lower end of the exercise oncology salary range. They might make $40,000 to $50,000.
* Some Experience: After a few years (2-5 years), pay often goes up. They might make $50,000 to $65,000.
* Lots of Experience: With many years (5+ years) and a strong track record, pay can be much higher. It might be $65,000 to $80,000 or even more, especially for lead roles or specialists.
Experience brings more skill and trust. This is why employers pay more for it.
Where You Work
The place where you work changes your pay.
* Hospitals/Medical Centers: Often pay more than other places. They might offer better benefits too. This is common for oncology exercise physiologist roles.
* Rehabilitation Clinics: Pay can be good, similar to hospitals. They focus on helping patients get back their strength. Cancer rehabilitation specialist pay is often seen here.
* Private Practice/Fitness Centers: Pay can be very different. Some high-end places pay well. Others might pay less hourly, or you might work as a contractor.
* Universities/Research: Pay can be good, especially if you are doing research or teaching.
The type of employer is a big part of the salary for cancer exercise specialist roles.
Education and Training
More school and special training can mean more pay.
* Bachelor’s Degree: This is usually the minimum needed.
* Master’s Degree: A master’s in exercise physiology or a related field can lead to higher pay and better jobs. This is often needed for higher-level exercise physiologist salary oncology jobs.
* Doctorate (PhD): For research or teaching roles, a PhD can lead to the highest pay.
Special Certifications
Having special certifications shows you have expert knowledge.
* ACSM Cancer Exercise Specialist (CES): This is a very important certification. The salary for ACSM certified exercise specialist is often higher than for those without it. It proves you have learned the specific skills needed.
* Other Certifications: Other fitness or health certifications can also help, but the ACSM-CES is key in this field.
Getting certified shows you are serious and skilled. This helps your earning power.
Salary by Location
Where you live and work makes a big difference in pay. Pay is often higher in big cities and states with a higher cost of living. It can also depend on how many jobs are open in that area.
Let’s look at some examples of cancer exercise specialist salary by state.
| State | Possible Average Pay Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | $60,000 – $80,000+ | Higher cost of living, many opportunities |
| New York | $60,000 – $78,000+ | High cost of living |
| Texas | $55,000 – $70,000+ | Large state, varies by city |
| Florida | $50,000 – $65,000+ | Popular state, varies by area |
| Ohio | $50,000 – $62,000+ | Lower cost of living than coasts |
| Massachusetts | $62,000 – $80,000+ | High cost of living, many hospitals |
This table shows possible ranges. Actual pay varies based on city, employer, and your skills.
States with many large hospitals and cancer centers often have more cancer exercise specialist jobs and possibly better pay due to demand. Checking the cancer exercise specialist salary by state for places you want to work is a good idea.
Different Job Titles and Pay
The job title can also affect pay. While the work is similar, titles like ‘Oncology Exercise Physiologist’ or ‘Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist’ might suggest a more medical setting or a higher level of skill needed.
- Oncology Exercise Physiologist Salary: Often slightly higher than a general ‘Cancer Exercise Specialist’. This title is common in hospitals and medical settings. It often requires a strong science background. The exercise physiologist salary oncology role usually means working closely with the medical team.
- Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist Pay: This title is used in places focused on helping patients recover. The pay is usually in a similar range to Oncology Exercise Physiologist. It highlights the rehab part of the job.
- Cancer Exercise Therapist Salary: This title might be used in fitness centers or less medical settings. The pay could be similar or sometimes a bit lower, depending on the place.
- Exercise Physiologist Salary Oncology: This title is very close to Oncology Exercise Physiologist. The pay expectations are the same. It means an exercise physiologist working specifically with cancer patients.
It is important to read the job description carefully, no matter the title. It tells you what skills they need and gives hints about the pay.
Seeing the Full Salary Picture
Looking at just the average cancer exercise specialist income does not tell the whole story. You need to see the range. The exercise oncology salary range shows the lowest pay, the average pay, and the highest pay reported.
- Entry-Level Range: $40,000 – $55,000
- Mid-Level Range: $50,000 – $68,000
- Experienced/Senior Range: $65,000 – $85,000+
These ranges show that there is room to grow your pay as you gain experience and skills. The salary for ACSM certified exercise specialist roles often falls into the mid-to-high range, especially with experience.
Finding Cancer Exercise Specialist Jobs
Knowing the pay is one thing. Finding the jobs is another. Where do you look for cancer exercise specialist jobs?
- Hospital websites and job boards (search for ‘Oncology Exercise Physiologist’ or ‘Cancer Rehab’).
- Rehabilitation clinic websites.
- Cancer support organizations.
- University medical centers.
- Major job sites (like Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, etc.) using keywords like ‘Cancer Exercise Specialist’, ‘Oncology Exercise’, ‘Cancer Rehab’.
- Professional group websites (like ACSM).
When you look at job ads, see what pay range they list. This can help you know what to expect in that specific job or area. Pay for oncology exercise physiologist or cancer rehabilitation specialist pay is often posted with salary ranges.
How Many Jobs Are There? The Employment Outlook
Is this a growing job field? The cancer exercise specialist employment outlook looks good. More and more people are seeing how important exercise is for cancer patients.
- More people are living longer after cancer treatment. They need help to get back to normal life.
- Doctors are telling patients to exercise more often.
- Research keeps showing the benefits of exercise for people with cancer.
- Healthcare is changing to focus more on wellness and helping people live well after sickness.
This means there is a growing need for skilled professionals in this area. The demand for oncology exercise physiologist and cancer rehabilitation specialist pay roles is likely to increase. This strong demand can also help keep salaries steady or help them rise over time.
How to Boost Your Pay
Want to make more money as a cancer exercise specialist? Here are some ways:
- Get Certified: The ACSM Cancer Exercise Specialist certification is key. The salary for ACSM certified exercise specialist is often higher.
- Get More Education: A master’s degree can open doors to higher-paying roles like exercise physiologist salary oncology jobs in hospitals.
- Gain Experience: Work for a few years. Learn as much as you can. Your value goes up with experience.
- Choose Your Workplace Wisely: Hospitals and big rehab centers often pay more than smaller gyms.
- Move to a Higher-Paying Area: Look at the cancer exercise specialist salary by state data. Some states or cities pay more.
- Specialize Further: Maybe focus on a certain type of cancer or a specific part of treatment (like before surgery or after chemo). Being an expert can increase your worth.
- Take on More Roles: Can you manage other staff? Can you lead a program? Taking on more responsibility usually means more pay.
- Negotiate: When you get a job offer, be ready to ask for a salary that matches your skills, experience, and the average pay in that area. Know the average cancer exercise specialist income for someone like you.
Comparing Pay to Other Exercise Jobs
How does the salary for a cancer exercise specialist stack up against other jobs in exercise science?
- General Exercise Physiologist: The pay is often similar. An exercise physiologist salary oncology role might pay slightly more due to the special skills needed. General exercise physiologists work with many different people and conditions.
- Personal Trainer: Pay for personal trainers changes a lot. Some make less than cancer exercise specialists. Top trainers with special skills or working with wealthy clients might make more. But personal trainers often don’t get benefits like health insurance unless they work for a big company.
- Athletic Trainer: Athletic trainers often work with sports teams or in schools. Their pay can be similar to or slightly higher than a cancer exercise specialist, especially at college or pro levels.
The cancer exercise specialist role is specialized healthcare. It requires specific knowledge about cancer and treatment. This special skill set helps keep the average cancer exercise specialist income competitive with related healthcare roles.
Digging Deeper into Experience Levels
Let’s look closer at how experience changes the exercise oncology salary range.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years):
- May work under guidance.
- Focus on learning protocols and patient care basics.
- Salary: $40,000 – $55,000.
- Often requires a Bachelor’s degree and maybe the ACSM-CES certification. The starting salary for ACSM certified exercise specialist can vary.
- Mid-Career (3-7 years):
- Works more independently.
- Manages complex cases.
- Might start guiding newer staff.
- Salary: $50,000 – $68,000.
- ACSM-CES is very common now. May have a Master’s degree. Oncology exercise physiologist or cancer rehabilitation specialist pay often falls into this range with experience.
- Senior/Lead (7+ years):
- Takes on lead roles.
- Develops programs.
- Might train staff or do research.
- Salary: $65,000 – $85,000+. Some senior roles in major centers can exceed $90,000.
- Often holds advanced degrees and certifications. This is where you see the higher end of exercise physiologist salary oncology.
This shows a clear path for pay growth as you gain years in the field and build your skills.
The Value of the ACSM Certification
Let’s talk more about the salary for ACSM certified exercise specialist roles. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is a top name in exercise science. Their Cancer Exercise Specialist certification is known as a gold standard.
- Why it matters: It proves you have met a certain level of knowledge and skill specific to working with cancer patients. Employers trust this certification.
- Impact on Pay: While it’s not a guarantee of a certain salary, having the ACSM-CES makes you a more attractive candidate. Employers are often willing to pay more for certified staff because they need less training and are seen as more qualified. The salary for ACSM certified exercise specialist is typically higher than someone without it, especially when comparing candidates with similar experience.
- Job Opportunities: Many cancer exercise specialist jobs list the ACSM-CES as required or preferred. This means having it opens up more job options, which can also lead to better pay.
If you are serious about this career, getting this certification is a smart move for your career and your earning potential.
Cancer Exercise Specialist Employment Outlook: More Details
We touched on the employment outlook being good. Let’s add a bit more detail. The overall field of exercise physiology is expected to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in the U.S. predicts growth for exercise physiologists.
Because cancer exercise specialists are specialized exercise physiologists, this overall growth helps their job outlook. The special need for cancer patients means this area might even grow faster than general exercise physiology.
- Aging Population: More people are living longer. As they age, the chance of getting cancer goes up. This means more people will need cancer exercise help.
- Focus on Wellness: Healthcare is moving towards keeping people well, not just treating them when they are sick. Exercise is a big part of wellness during and after cancer.
- New Treatments: As cancer treatments get better, more people become cancer survivors. These survivors need help to get back to living full lives, and exercise is key to this rehab. This drives the need for cancer rehabilitation specialist pay roles.
All these points make the cancer exercise specialist employment outlook strong for years to come.
Salary and Benefits
When looking at the average cancer exercise specialist income, remember that the total value of a job includes more than just the salary. Benefits are also a big part of your total pay package.
Common benefits might include:
- Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- Retirement plans (like a 401k or pension)
- Paid time off (vacation, sick days, holidays)
- Money for getting more education or certifications
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
Jobs in hospitals or large medical centers often offer better benefits packages than jobs in smaller clinics or gyms. When comparing job offers, look at the full package, not just the salary number. A job with a slightly lower salary but great benefits might pay you more in the long run than a job with a higher salary but poor benefits. This is especially true for roles like oncology exercise physiologist or cancer rehabilitation specialist pay in hospital settings.
How Negotiating Affects Pay
Many people don’t know they can ask for more money than first offered for cancer exercise specialist jobs. But you often can!
Before you talk about salary, do your homework:
* Know the average cancer exercise specialist income in your area.
* Look up the cancer exercise specialist salary by state for your location.
* Know the exercise oncology salary range for people with your experience and skills.
* If you have the ACSM-CES, know the typical salary for ACSM certified exercise specialist roles.
* Think about what you need and what you are worth based on your background.
When you get a job offer, if the salary is lower than you hoped, you can ask for more. Be polite and explain why you believe you are worth more. Talk about your skills, your experience, your certifications, and how you can help the employer.
Good negotiation can start you at a higher pay and also lead to faster pay increases later on.
Factors Not Always Listed
Some things that affect job satisfaction and your total life value are not always listed with the salary for cancer exercise specialist jobs.
- Work Hours: Are they regular? Or evenings and weekends?
- Work Setting: Do you like the place? The people?
- Chance to Learn: Does the job let you grow your skills?
- Type of Patients: Do you get to work with patients you want to help?
- Support from Doctors/Staff: Is the medical team easy to work with?
These things are important to think about along with the average cancer exercise specialist income.
A Look at Freelance or Private Practice
Some cancer exercise specialists work for themselves. They might visit clients at home or train them online. This is like having your own small business.
- Pay: You set your own rates. This can be very high per hour ($75 – $150+), but you don’t get paid for time between clients, finding new clients, or business tasks. Your yearly income can change a lot.
- Costs: You pay for your own insurance, marketing, equipment, and taxes.
- Benefits: You have to pay for your own health insurance and plan for retirement. There is no paid time off.
Working for yourself offers freedom but comes with more risk and work outside of training. It’s a different way to earn an average cancer exercise specialist income.
What About Advanced Roles?
As you get more experience and maybe more education, you might move into advanced roles. These roles usually pay more.
- Lead Specialist: You might lead a team of cancer exercise specialists. This involves managing people, planning programs, and working closely with hospital staff.
- Program Manager: You might run the entire cancer exercise program for a hospital or clinic. This is a management job with higher pay.
- Researcher: With a Master’s or PhD, you could work at a university or research center studying exercise and cancer. These roles often pay well, especially with grants. This is high-end exercise physiologist salary oncology work.
- Educator: You might teach students about cancer exercise in a college or university.
These roles are often where you see the highest end of the exercise oncology salary range. They require more skills beyond just working with patients one-on-one.
Summing Up Salary Expectations
So, what should you expect for a cancer exercise specialist salary?
* The average cancer exercise specialist income is around $55,000 to $65,000.
* Pay changes a lot based on experience, where you work (hospital vs. gym), education, certifications (like ACSM-CES), and where you live (cancer exercise specialist salary by state varies a lot).
* Roles like oncology exercise physiologist or cancer rehabilitation specialist pay might be slightly higher due to their medical setting.
* The exercise oncology salary range is wide, from maybe $40,000 for new grads to $85,000 or more for experts.
* The cancer exercise specialist employment outlook is positive, meaning jobs should be available.
By knowing these points, you can better plan your career and understand your earning potential in this important field. Getting the right education and certifications is key to earning a good salary for ACSM certified exercise specialist roles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a Master’s Degree Needed?
No, often a Bachelor’s degree is enough to start. But a Master’s can help you get higher-paying jobs, like some exercise physiologist salary oncology positions, and move into leadership or research roles.
How Important is the ACSM Certification?
Very important! Many employers prefer or require it. The salary for ACSM certified exercise specialist roles is often higher, and it shows you are serious and qualified for cancer exercise specialist jobs.
Do Cancer Exercise Specialists Get Benefits?
Yes, many do, especially those working in hospitals or larger healthcare systems. Benefits like health insurance and retirement plans are common and add to the total value of your pay package.
Can I Work for Myself?
Yes, you can work as a freelance cancer exercise therapist. This gives you flexibility, but you need to find your own clients and manage your own business, including getting your own benefits.
What States Pay the Most?
States with a higher cost of living and many large medical centers, like California, New York, Massachusetts, and others, often have higher cancer exercise specialist salary by state compared to states with lower living costs.
What is the Career Growth Like?
Growth can lead to higher pay. You can grow by gaining experience, getting more skills or certifications, getting more education, or moving into lead, manager, or research roles. The cancer exercise specialist employment outlook is good for growth.
This guide should help you get a clear idea of what to expect regarding cancer exercise specialist salary. It is a rewarding job, and with the right steps, it can also provide a good living.