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Exercise science instructor vs fitness instructor

The differences between exercise science instructors and fitness instructors 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 instructor. Additionally, a fitness instructor has an average salary of $35,495, 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 instructor are CPR, customer service, and work ethic.

Exercise science instructor vs fitness instructor overview

Exercise Science InstructorFitness Instructor
Yearly salary$32,209$35,495
Hourly rate$15.49$17.06
Growth rate19%19%
Number of jobs30,05531,212
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age3737
Years of experience1212

Exercise science instructor vs fitness instructor salary

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

Exercise Science InstructorFitness Instructor
Average salary$32,209$35,495
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $51,000Between $23,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City-Berkeley, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-Massachusetts General Hospital
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between exercise science instructor and fitness instructor education

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

Exercise Science InstructorFitness Instructor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorKinesiologyKinesiology
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Exercise science instructor vs fitness instructor demographics

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

Exercise Science InstructorFitness Instructor
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 36.8% Female, 63.2%Male, 32.2% Female, 67.8%
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 instructor 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 instructor example responsibilities.

  • Provide market research and generate leads using social media (facebook) in order to target prospective clients.
  • Train in community water safety as well as deep water aerobics, first aid, life-guard assistance, and CPR.
  • Teach adult swimming lessons; staff lifeguard; implement department staff training
  • Step aerobic instructor, lifeguard and swim instructor, swim team coach.
  • Engage kids with a learning activity, and communicate achievements and behaviors to parents
  • Host and participate in company workshops, health fairs, and kids' day events.
  • Show more

Exercise science instructor vs fitness instructor skills

Common exercise science instructor skills
  • Exercise Physiology, 23%
  • Yoga, 20%
  • ACSM, 12%
  • Health Education, 7%
  • Exercise Program, 6%
  • Zumba, 5%
Common fitness instructor skills
  • CPR, 25%
  • Customer Service, 17%
  • Work Ethic, 6%
  • Front Desk, 6%
  • Yoga, 6%
  • Cleanliness, 6%

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