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Exercise science instructor vs fitness coach

The differences between exercise science instructors and fitness coaches can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both an exercise science instructor and a fitness coach. Additionally, a fitness coach has an average salary of $38,462, which is higher than the $32,209 average annual salary of an exercise science instructor.

The top three skills for an exercise science instructor include exercise physiology, yoga and ACSM. The most important skills for a fitness coach are CPR, kids, and fitness programs.

Exercise science instructor vs fitness coach overview

Exercise Science InstructorFitness Coach
Yearly salary$32,209$38,462
Hourly rate$15.49$18.49
Growth rate19%19%
Number of jobs30,05522,156
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age3737
Years of experience1212

Exercise science instructor vs fitness coach salary

Exercise science instructors and fitness coaches have different pay scales, as shown below.

Exercise Science InstructorFitness Coach
Average salary$32,209$38,462
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $51,000Between $24,000 And $59,000
Highest paying City-San Jose, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-AEA Investors
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between exercise science instructor and fitness coach education

There are a few differences between an exercise science instructor and a fitness coach in terms of educational background:

Exercise Science InstructorFitness Coach
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorKinesiologyKinesiology
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Exercise science instructor vs fitness coach demographics

Here are the differences between exercise science instructors' and fitness coaches' demographics:

Exercise Science InstructorFitness Coach
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 36.8% Female, 63.2%Male, 46.3% Female, 53.7%
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 exercise science instructor and fitness coach duties and responsibilities

Exercise science instructor example responsibilities.

  • Manage general fitness center cleanliness and coordinate group fitness instructor schedules
  • Choreograph and teach Zumba dance exercise
  • Teach water fitness and Zumba to residents.
  • Teach open level/advance Pilates mat and reformer classes
  • Provide professional personal training and group exercise instruction services for individuals of all ages and ability levels, including rehabilitation phases.
  • Manage LEGO camps using set curriculum.

Fitness coach example responsibilities.

  • Provide market research and generate leads using social media (facebook) in order to target prospective clients.
  • Train new employees on sales tactics, and point-of-sale (POS) system.
  • Certify in CPR and first aid to attend appropriately to health issues of participants.
  • Certify in CPR and first response a medical training in order to provide immediate medical response to members in need.
  • Develop and conduct group/individual diabetes self-management educational sessions using evidence-base protocols.
  • Design each HIIT class to match the skill and modifications for all physical levels for all participants.
  • Show more

Exercise science instructor vs fitness coach skills

Common exercise science instructor skills
  • Exercise Physiology, 23%
  • Yoga, 20%
  • ACSM, 12%
  • Health Education, 7%
  • Exercise Program, 6%
  • Zumba, 5%
Common fitness coach skills
  • CPR, 23%
  • Kids, 17%
  • Fitness Programs, 13%
  • Training Programs, 7%
  • Heart Rate, 6%
  • Injury Prevention, 4%

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