Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Also called: Exercise Trainers and 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.
Also called: Aerobics Instructor, Aerobics Teacher, Aquatics Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Pilates Instructor, Certified Yoga Instructor
Median pay
$47,160
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$28,800 – $83,100
People employed
322,930
Holland code
SRE
Social · Realistic · Enterprising
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 2.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 3.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 4.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 5.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 6.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 7.Are you OK with hours that change?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors salary in every state →
What exercise trainers and group fitness instructors do
- 01Observe participants and inform them of corrective measures necessary for skill improvement.
- 02Offer alternatives during classes to accommodate different levels of fitness.
- 03Monitor participants' progress and adapt programs as needed.
- 04Plan routines, choose appropriate music, and choose different movements for each set of muscles, depending on participants' capabilities and limitations.
- 05Evaluate individuals' abilities, needs, and physical conditions, and develop suitable training programs to meet any special requirements.
- 06Instruct participants in maintaining exertion levels to maximize benefits from exercise routines.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Learning Strategies
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Psychology
- Biology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Social Orientation
- Optimism
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from exercise trainers and group fitness instructors
- Physical Therapist Assistants80% · +45%
- Self-Enrichment Teachers79% · −1%
- Occupational Therapy Assistants79% · +53%
- Exercise Physiologists79% · +26%
- Occupational Therapy Aides78% · −17%
Change into exercise trainers and group fitness instructors
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Coaches and Scouts79% · $47,320
- Animal Trainers77% · $39,990
- Occupational Therapy Aides76% · $39,160
- Fitness and Wellness Coordinators75% · $69,770
- Exercise Physiologists74% · $59,460
Majors that lead here
- Physical Education Teaching and Coaching
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General
- Sport and Fitness Administration/Management
- Physical Fitness Technician
- Yoga Teacher Training/Yoga Therapy
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.