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The differences between class instructors and fitness trainers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a class instructor and a fitness trainer. Additionally, a class instructor has an average salary of $37,717, which is higher than the $28,702 average annual salary of a fitness trainer.
The top three skills for a class instructor include CPR, customer service and yoga. The most important skills for a fitness trainer are customer service, front desk, and CPR.
| Class Instructor | Fitness Trainer | |
| Yearly salary | $37,717 | $28,702 |
| Hourly rate | $18.13 | $13.80 |
| Growth rate | 19% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 52,349 | 23,881 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
Class instructors are teachers who apply to teach hands-on skills. The instructors are tasked with the preparation and delivery of lesson plans and other instructional materials for active learning. They manage student behavior in the classroom by establishing academic rules and procedures. They maintain discipline following the disciplinary systems of the school. These instructors must have the ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally, report to work on a regular and punctual basis, and meet professional instructor's education requirements of the district, school, and state.
The job of a fitness trainer is to instruct and motivate individuals and groups in physical activities, including stretching, cardiovascular exercise, and strength training. The typical duties of a fitness trainer include demonstrating how to perform various exercises, guiding them during the exercise to improve fitness and minimize injuries, and monitoring their progress. As a fitness trainer, you are also responsible for explaining and enforcing safety rules on exercise equipment usage, recreational activities, and sports, and giving clients resources and information about weight control, lifestyle issues, and nutrition.
Class instructors and fitness trainers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Class Instructor | Fitness Trainer | |
| Average salary | $37,717 | $28,702 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $60,000 | Between $19,000 And $41,000 |
| Highest paying City | Long Beach, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Rutgers University | Kohler Co. |
| Best paying industry | Education | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between a class instructor and a fitness trainer in terms of educational background:
| Class Instructor | Fitness Trainer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Business | Kinesiology |
| Most common college | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Here are the differences between class instructors' and fitness trainers' demographics:
| Class Instructor | Fitness Trainer | |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 42.8% Female, 57.2% | Male, 59.8% Female, 40.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 5.1% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 5.1% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 13% | 13% |