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For Educators: Military Resources

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

Median Salary
46,480
Job Outlook
+14%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

57%

Self-employed

31%

Private not for profit

9%

State and local government

2%

Federal Government

0%

What is the job outlook?

Employment of fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow 14 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 73,700 openings for fitness trainers and instructors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$23,020

10%

$46,480

Median

$65,710

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Post-secondary certificate

    57%

  • High school

    14%

  • Bachelor's degree

    9%

  • Associate's degree

    9%

  • Some college

    4%

  • Master's degree

    4%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Physical Education Teaching and Coaching
  • Sport and Fitness Administration/Management
  • Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General
  • Physical Fitness Technician
  • Yoga Teacher Training/Yoga Therapy

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Education and Training
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Psychology

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.