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.
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
SOC: 39-9031 O*NET: 39-9031.00
Median Salary
$46,180
per year
Job Growth
🚀 11.9%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
74.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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 does a Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$27,580
10th percentile
Early Career
$34,090
25th percentile
Median
$46,180
50th percentile
Experienced
$60,920
75th percentile
Top Earners
$82,050
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$27,580
25th
$34,090
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$46,180
Mean: $51,360
75th
$60,920
90th
$82,050
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $54,470 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $34,090 and $60,920
- •Salary spread is 58.1% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 303,620 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:370,100
Top Industries
Other Amusement and Recreation Industries67.2%
Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers65.6%
Other Services (except Public Administration)13.5%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+11.9%
Annual Openings:74,200
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)370,100
Current
2034 (Projected)414,200
+11.9%
+44,100
Employment Change
+11.9%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
40,010 jobs$56,6001.13x
New York
19,430 jobs$47,7801.03x
Texas
18,730 jobs$39,9800.69x
Illinois
18,100 jobs$50,2901.52x
Florida
17,120 jobs$37,4200.89x
Virginia
12,150 jobs$38,6601.52x
Massachusetts
10,870 jobs$60,3901.52x
Colorado
10,830 jobs$49,2501.90x
Washington
10,480 jobs$50,3501.50x
Pennsylvania
10,330 jobs$42,0100.87x
New Jersey
10,080 jobs$60,6201.20x
North Carolina
9,970 jobs$45,0801.03x
Maryland
7,170 jobs$45,2601.33x
Ohio
6,620 jobs$31,5700.61x
Missouri
6,470 jobs$31,3201.13x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Instructing
100%
#2
Service Orientation
94%
#3
Speaking
86%
#4
Active Listening
80%
#5
Social Perceptiveness
74%
#6
Learning Strategies
66%
#7
Time Management
60%
#8
Judgment and Decision Making
54%
#9
Monitoring
46%
#10
Coordination
40%
Skills Overview
Instructing
advanced5.0
100%
Service Orientation
advanced4.7
94%
Speaking
intermediate4.3
86%
Active Listening
intermediate4.0
80%
Social Perceptiveness
intermediate3.7
74%
Learning Strategies
intermediate3.3
66%
Time Management
intermediate3.0
60%
Judgment and Decision Making
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Instructing
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Service Orientation
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Learning Strategies
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Time Management
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Coordination
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education82%
5 shared skills
Personal Care Aides73%
5 shared skills
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors67%
5 shared skills
Animal Trainers67%
5 shared skills
Chefs and Head Cooks67%
5 shared skills
Nannies67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Instructing
- ✓Service Orientation
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Learning Strategies
- →Time Management
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Instructing
- ✓Service Orientation
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Service Orientation
- ★Speaking
- ★Active Listening
- ★Social Perceptiveness
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Intuit QuickBooks
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Intuit QuickBooks
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
20
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (10)Planning & Development (3)Training & Development (3)Documentation & Record-Keeping (4)
1
Explain and enforce safety rules and regulations governing sports, recreational activities, and the use of exercise equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Offer alternatives during classes to accommodate different levels of fitness.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Plan routines, choose appropriate music, and choose different movements for each set of muscles, depending on participants' capabilities and limitations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Observe participants and inform them of corrective measures necessary for skill improvement.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Teach proper breathing techniques used during physical exertion.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development88% perform92%
6
Instruct participants in maintaining exertion levels to maximize benefits from exercise routines.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Teach and demonstrate use of gymnastic and training equipment, such as trampolines and weights.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development82% perform88%
8
Maintain fitness equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping79% perform86%
9
Conduct therapeutic, recreational, or athletic activities.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Monitor participants' progress and adapt programs as needed.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •35% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors professionals typically have a SRE Holland code and highly value relationships
SSocial
RRealistic
EEnterprising
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.86
Concern for Others
CriticalConcern for Others
Importance Level4.71
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.57
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.38
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.33
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.29
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.9
Concern for Others
4.7
Integrity
4.6
Self-Control
4.4
Cooperation
4.3
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.3
Independence
4.2
Social Orientation
4.2
Persistence
4.1
Leadership
4.1
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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