Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

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.

$46,180
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+12% projected 2024โ€“2034
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors spend their days working directly with clients to help them reach their health and wellness goals. They design personalized workout programs, demonstrate proper exercise techniques, and monitor form to prevent injuries. During one-on-one sessions, they might adjust equipment settings, count repetitions, and provide encouragement as clients push through challenging sets. Group fitness instructors lead energetic classes in activities like spinning, yoga, Zumba, or boot camp, cueing movements to music while keeping participants motivated and engaged.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(doctoral)University of Western States, OR
$77,396
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)CUNY Brooklyn College, NY
$76,067
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(doctoral)University of North Carolina at Greensboro, NC
$71,670
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(doctoral)United States Sports University, AL
$71,149
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Plymouth State University, NH
$70,081
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Saint Mary's College of California, CA
$64,450
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY
$63,418
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Concordia University-Irvine, CA
$61,782
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Central Washington University, WA
$61,551
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, TX
$60,785
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Sul Ross State University, TX
$60,059
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)American Public University System, WV
$59,601
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Concordia University-Nebraska, NE
$58,863
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Northwestern University, IL
$58,537
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)American University, DC
$58,019
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Auburn University at Montgomery, AL
$55,725
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Ohio University-Main Campus, OH
$55,675
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Texas Woman's University, TX
$55,110
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)East Texas A&M University, TX
$55,000
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Georgetown University, DC
$54,668
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)University of Virginia-Main Campus, VA
$54,185
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)United States Sports University, AL
$54,034
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Dallas Baptist University, TX
$53,971
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Southeastern Oklahoma State University, OK
$53,961
Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Arkansas State University, AR
$53,952

Related Careers

Other occupations in Personal Care & Service