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Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed

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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $47,160/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$28,800$83,100

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +11.9% projected growth, 20242034 — much faster than average.

About 74,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
InstructingService OrientationSpeakingActive ListeningSocial PerceptivenessLearning StrategiesCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionMonitoringActive Learning
Top knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEducation and TrainingEnglish LanguagePsychologyBiologySales and MarketingAdministration and ManagementCommunications and Media
Core tasks

Observe participants and inform them of corrective measures necessary for skill improvement.

Offer alternatives during classes to accommodate different levels of fitness.

Monitor participants' progress and adapt programs as needed.

Plan routines, choose appropriate music, and choose different movements for each set of muscles, depending on participants' capabilities and limitations.

Evaluate individuals' abilities, needs, and physical conditions, and develop suitable training programs to meet any special requirements.

Instruct participants in maintaining exertion levels to maximize benefits from exercise routines.

Teach and demonstrate use of gymnastic and training equipment, such as trampolines and weights.

Explain and enforce safety rules and regulations governing sports, recreational activities, and the use of exercise equipment.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors?

The median pay for Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors is $47,160 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors?

Employment for Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors is projected to change +11.9% from 2024 to 2034 - much faster than average.

What education is typically required for Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

How many job openings are there each year for Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors?

About 74,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.