Personal Care & Service
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Also called: Aerobics Instructor, Fitness Instructor, Fitness Specialist, Fitness Trainer
US median pay
$47,160
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+7.3%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
68,000
388,400 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
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 they do day to day
- 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.
- Teach proper breathing techniques used during physical exertion.
- Maintain fitness equipment.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Instructing4.0/5
- Service Orientation3.8/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Persuasion2.9/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.6/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.3/5
- Education and Training3.8/5
- English Language3.7/5
- Psychology3.6/5
- Biology2.9/5
- Sales and Marketing2.8/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Post-secondary certificate38%
- Post-baccalaureate certificate19%
- Less than high school14%
Who this job suits
Mostly Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.