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Class instructor vs life skills trainer

The differences between class instructors and life skills 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 life skills trainer. Additionally, a class instructor has an average salary of $37,717, which is higher than the $30,822 average annual salary of a life skills trainer.

The top three skills for a class instructor include CPR, customer service and yoga. The most important skills for a life skills trainer are medication administration, therapeutic recreation, and medical appointments.

Class instructor vs life skills trainer overview

Class InstructorLife Skills Trainer
Yearly salary$37,717$30,822
Hourly rate$18.13$14.82
Growth rate19%19%
Number of jobs52,34939,666
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age3737
Years of experience1212

What does a class instructor do?

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.

What does a life skills trainer do?

Life skills trainers are personal health professionals who provide training assistance and supervision to patients, such as personal care, financial management, and social integration. These trainers are required to assist their clients with disabilities with daily living activities while documenting their behaviors and personal hygiene. They can organize therapeutic activities for individuals or groups to maximize their quality of life. Life skills trainers must also assist in meal preparation as well as perform tasks that include glucose monitoring, insulin therapy, and diabetes management.

Class instructor vs life skills trainer salary

Class instructors and life skills trainers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Class InstructorLife Skills Trainer
Average salary$37,717$30,822
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $60,000Between $22,000 And $41,000
Highest paying CityLong Beach, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyRutgers University-
Best paying industryEducation-

Differences between class instructor and life skills trainer education

There are a few differences between a class instructor and a life skills trainer in terms of educational background:

Class InstructorLife Skills Trainer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common majorBusinessPsychology
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Class instructor vs life skills trainer demographics

Here are the differences between class instructors' and life skills trainers' demographics:

Class InstructorLife Skills Trainer
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 42.8% Female, 57.2%Male, 33.9% Female, 66.1%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage13%13%

Differences between class instructor and life skills trainer duties and responsibilities

Class instructor example responsibilities.

  • Lead modified yoga and meditation sessions to enhance balance and flexibility ;
  • Develop fitness and wellness classes such as step aerobics, pilates and other routines ensuring a diversity of class offerings.
  • Teach aerobics, step, kickboxing and Zumba classes.
  • Create syllabus, reading and writing assignments, develop and grade tests.
  • Create lesson plans and homework assignments for ESL students from diverse cultural backgrounds.
  • Prepare ESL Spanish-speakers to pass U.S. citizenship test through weekly lessons and mock interviews.
  • Show more

Life skills trainer example responsibilities.

  • Train and experience at managing challenging classroom situations using CPI methods and positive behavior reinforcement practices.
  • Deliver individual counseling and perform crisis intervention duties including reporting suicidal patients.
  • Cultivate a culture of community by providing community integration at a residential rehabilitation facility for persons with severe brain injuries.
  • Acquire CPR and life skills certifications.
  • Perform when and if need for first aid and or CPR.
  • Assist clients with proper ADL needs, such as showering, providing meals, and cleaning rooms.
  • Show more

Class instructor vs life skills trainer skills

Common class instructor skills
  • CPR, 29%
  • Customer Service, 27%
  • Yoga, 13%
  • Kids, 11%
  • Course Curriculum, 7%
  • Course Materials, 2%
Common life skills trainer skills
  • Medication Administration, 17%
  • Therapeutic Recreation, 16%
  • Medical Appointments, 9%
  • Direct Support, 8%
  • Rehabilitation, 6%
  • CPR, 6%

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