Exercise Physiologists vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Registered Nursess out-earn Exercise Physiologistss by $38K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Exercise Physiologistss land at $59,460 and Registered Nursess at $97,550. The education gap is real: exercise physiologist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Exercise Physiologistss is Washington ($81,310); for Registered Nursess it's California ($140,270).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Exercise Physiologists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Exercise Physiologistss or Registered Nursess?
Registered Nursess earn more nationally. The median is $59,460 for Exercise Physiologistss versus $97,550 for Registered Nursess, a difference of $38K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Exercise Physiologists or Registered Nurses?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Exercise Physiologists or Registered Nurses?
Exercise Physiologists typically requires bachelor's degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Exercise Physiologistss get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Exercise Physiologistss at $81,310/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Exercise Physiologists vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Exercise Physiologistss earn $81,310 vs. $124,200 for Registered Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.