Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
SOC code 39-9031 · O*NET-SOC 39-9031.00 · Medium preparation needed
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$47,160
a year
Hourly
$22.67
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$52,420
$25.20 per hour
Middle 50%
$35,280 – $61,730
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$28,800 – $83,100
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
322,930
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $28,800
- $13.85/hr
- 25th percentile
- $35,280
- $16.96/hr
- Median percentile
- $47,160
- $22.67/hr
- 75th percentile
- $61,730
- $29.68/hr
- 90th percentile
- $83,100
- $39.95/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+12%
Growing much faster than average
370,100
jobs in 2024
414,200
projected for 2034
About 44,100 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What do exercise trainers and group fitness instructors do?
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.
The tasks that matter most 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.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 38% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Post-Secondary Certificate38%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate19%
- Less than a High School Diploma14%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)10%
Common questions
How much does an exercise trainers and group fitness instructors earn?
The national median is $47,160 a year. The full range runs from $28,800 at the 10th percentile to $83,100 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become an exercise trainers and group fitness instructors without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Is exercise trainers and group fitness instructors in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 12% between 2024 and 2034 — growing much faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Speaking3.6/5
- Active Listening3.3/5
- Learning Strategies3.1/5
- Reading Comprehension3.0/5
- Critical Thinking3.0/5
- Active Learning3.0/5
- Monitoring3.0/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.3/5
- Education and Training3.8/5
- English Language3.7/5
- Psychology3.6/5
- Biology2.9/5
- Administration and Management2.8/5
- Sales and Marketing2.8/5
- Communications and Media2.7/5
Transferable strengths: Instructing, Service Orientation, Social Perceptiveness.