### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Fitness Trainers and Instructors Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			fitness trainers and instructors imageFitness trainers and instructors lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities.							
						Quick Facts:     Fitness Trainers and Instructors2023     Median Pay
            						$46,480     per year
										$22.35     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    High school diploma or equivalentWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    Short-term on-the-job trainingNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    329,500Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    14% (Much faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    45,200What Fitness Trainers and Instructors Do
                                                
                        
                        
Fitness trainers and instructors lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Fitness trainers and instructors work in facilities such as recreation centers, health clubs, and yoga studios. Many work variable or part-time schedules that may include nights, weekends, or holidays.
            
                                                How to Become a Fitness Trainer or Instructor
                                                
                        
The education and training typically required for fitness trainers and instructors varies by type of specialty, and employers prefer to hire those with certification.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for fitness trainers and instructors was $46,480 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow							 14 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 69,000 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.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for fitness trainers and instructors.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of fitness trainers and instructors with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about fitness trainers and instructors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Fitness Trainers and Instructors Do 
            

			Fitness trainers and instructorsFitness trainers and instructors work with people of all ages and skill levels.			
Fitness trainers and instructors lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities, including cardiovascular workouts (for the heart and blood circulation), strength training, and stretching. They work with people of all ages and skill levels.
Duties
Fitness trainers and instructors typically do the following:
Demonstrate or explain how to perform various exercises and routines to minimize injuries and improve fitness
Watch clients do exercises to ensure that they are using correct technique
Provide options during workouts to help clients feel successful
Monitor clients’ progress and adapt programs as needed
Explain and enforce safety rules and regulations on sports, recreational activities, and the use of exercise equipment
Give clients information or resources about topics such as nutrition and lifestyle
Give emergency first aid if needed*Fitness trainers and instructors* work with individual clients or prepare or choreograph their own group classes. They may do a variety of tasks in addition to their fitness duties, such as managing the front desk, signing up new members, giving tours of the facility, or supervising the weight-training and cardiovascular equipment areas. Fitness trainers and instructors also may promote their facilities and instruction through social media, by writing newsletters or blog posts, or by creating posters and flyers.
***Exercise trainers***, also known as *personal fitness trainers*, work with individual clients or small groups. They may train in a gym or in clients’ homes. They evaluate their clients’ current fitness level, personal goals, and skills. Then, they develop personalized training programs for their clients to follow and monitor the clients’ progress. In gyms or other fitness facilities, these workers often sell training sessions to members.
***Group fitness instructors*** organize and lead group exercise classes, which may include cardiovascular exercises, muscle strengthening, or stretching. Some instructors create a routine or select exercises for participants to follow, and they then choose music that is appropriate to the movement. Others teach prechoreographed routines that were created by fitness companies or organizations. They may lead classes that use specific exercise equipment, such as stationary bicycles; teach a specific conditioning method, such as yoga; or instruct specific age groups, such as seniors or youths.
For information about workers who develop fitness programs to help people recover from illness or injury, see the profile on exercise physiologists.
 Work Environment
			Fitness trainers and instructorsGroup instructors may demonstrate how to perform various exercises and routines.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Fitness trainers and instructors held about 329,500 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of fitness trainers and instructors were as follows:
        Fitness and recreational sports centers
                54%Self-employed workers
                19Educational services; state, local, and private
                7Civic and social organizations
                7Government
                3Fitness trainers and instructors may work in standalone fitness centers or centers maintained by other types of establishments for their employees or for members of civic and social organizations. Some work in clients’ homes.
Work Schedules
Many fitness trainers and instructors work variable or part-time schedules that may include nights, weekends, or holidays. Some travel to different gyms or to clients’ homes to teach classes or conduct personal training sessions. Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors sometimes hold jobs in other fields and conduct training sessions or teach fitness classes at times that accommodate their work schedules.
 How to Become a Fitness Trainer or Instructor

			Fitness trainers and instructorsPersonal trainers may work with individual clients or teach group classes.			
The education and training required for fitness trainers and instructors varies by specialty. Employers usually prefer to hire those with certification, but requirements vary by facility.
Education
Fitness trainers and instructors typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation. Employers may prefer to hire fitness workers, particularly personal trainers, who have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a field such as recreation and fitness or healthcare and related studies. Programs in exercise science, kinesiology, physical education, or related majors often include courses in nutrition, exercise techniques, biology, and anatomy. Personal trainers also may learn how to develop fitness programs for clients of all ages.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Most fitness trainers or instructors have certification related to the area of fitness in which they specialize. Personal trainers usually must be certified before they begin working with clients or with members of a gym or health club. Group fitness instructors may begin work without certification, but employers often encourage or require them to get their credentials. Most fitness instructors receive certification for their preferred type of training, such as yoga, kickboxing, or strength training.
Many organizations offer certification. For example the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accredits certifying organizations in the fitness and wellness industry, including several that offer personal trainer or general certification. In addition, some private companies offer certification in the types of classes they offer.
Certification exams that have a written portion measure candidates’ knowledge of human physiology, understanding of proper exercise techniques, and ability to assess clients’ fitness levels and develop appropriate exercise programs. Certification also may require the candidate to teach a class for a live or video skills demonstration, which is then assessed by the certifying organization.
Most trainers or instructors also need certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid, as well as in use of automated external defibrillators (AED).
Training
After becoming a certified personal trainer, new trainers may be required to work alongside an experienced trainer before they are allowed to train clients alone.
Training for fitness instructors varies greatly. For example, the Yoga Alliance requires 200 and 500 hours of training, depending on the credential.
Important Qualities
***Communication skills.***Fitness trainers and instructors must be able to clearly explain exercises that they demonstrate to clients.
***Customer-service skills.*** Many fitness trainers and instructors sell their services, motivating clients to hire them as personal trainers or to sign up for the classes they lead. Fitness trainers and instructors must therefore be encouraging, friendly, and polite to maintain relationships with their clients.
***Listening skills.*** Fitness trainers and instructors must listen carefully to what clients tell them in order to determine the clients’ fitness levels and desired fitness goals.
***Motivational skills.***To keep clients coming back for more classes or to continue personal training, fitness trainers and instructors must keep their clients motivated.
***Physical fitness.*** Fitness trainers and instructors must be able to lead classes and to demonstrate exercises to participants or their clients.
***Problem-solving skills.*** Fitness trainers and instructors must evaluate members’ or client’s fitness levels and create appropriate fitness plans to meet their needs.
Advancement
Fitness trainers and instructors who are interested in management may need a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, physical education, kinesiology, or a related subject. Employers often require that trainers or instructors have experience in order to advance to a management position, such as the *fitness director* who oversees scheduling, workout incentive programs, and selecting exercise equipment in a health club or fitness center.
Personal trainers may advance to a *head trainer* position and become responsible for hiring and overseeing the personal training staff or for bringing in new personal training clients. Fitness trainers and instructors also may go into business for themselves or open their own fitness centers.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Fitness Trainers and InstructorsMedian annual wages, May 2023Total, all occupations$48,060  Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors$46,480  Personal care and service occupations$34,260Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for fitness trainers and instructors was $46,480 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,840, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $80,740.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for fitness trainers and instructors in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Government
                $47,730Fitness and recreational sports centers
                47,670Educational services; state, local, and private
                39,940Civic and social organizations
                36,250Many fitness trainers and instructors work variable or part-time schedules that may include nights, weekends, or holidays. Some travel to different gyms or to clients’ homes to teach classes or conduct personal training sessions. Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors sometimes hold jobs in other fields and conduct training sessions or teach fitness classes at times that accommodate their work schedules.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Fitness Trainers and InstructorsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors14%  Personal care and service occupations6%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow				 14 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 69,000 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.
			Employment
	
			
As employers continue to recognize the benefits of health and fitness programs for their employees, incentives to join gyms or other types of health clubs are expected to increase the need for fitness trainers and instructors. For example, some organizations may open their own exercise facilities onsite to promote employee wellness.
Other employment growth will come from the continuing emphasis on exercise to combat obesity and encourage healthier lifestyles for people of all ages. In particular, the baby-boom generation should continue to remain active to help prevent injuries and illnesses associated with aging.
Participation in yoga and Pilates is expected to continue to increase, driven partly by older adults who want low-impact forms of exercise and relief from arthritis and other ailments.
			

                        Employment projections data for     fitness trainers and instructors, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors**
			39-9031
			329,500
			374,600
			14
			45,200
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of fitness trainers and instructors. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides**
            Physical therapist assistants and aides are supervised by physical therapists to help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries and illnesses.
            See How to Become One
            $58,740**Physical Therapists**
            Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $99,710**Recreation Workers**
            Recreation workers design and lead activities to help people stay active, improve fitness, and have fun.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $34,410**Recreational Therapists**
            Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based medical treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses.
            Bachelor's degree
            $57,120
 Contacts for More Information
								
For information about certifications for fitness trainers and instructors, visit
American College of Sports Medicine
American Council on Exercise
National Academy of Sports Medicine
National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), part of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence
National Council on Strength and Fitness
National Federation of Professional Trainers
National Pilates Certification Program
National Strength and Conditioning Association
US Registry of Exercise Professionals
Yoga Alliance
For information about health clubs and sports clubs, visit
International Health, Racquet & SportsClub Association

CareerOneStop
For a career video on fitness trainers and aerobics instructors, visit
Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Fitness Trainers and Instructors, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/fitness-trainers-and-instructors.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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