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Exercise science instructor vs fitness specialist

The differences between exercise science instructors and fitness specialists 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 specialist. Additionally, a fitness specialist has an average salary of $32,472, 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 specialist are CPR, fitness assessments, and ACSM.

Exercise science instructor vs fitness specialist overview

Exercise Science InstructorFitness Specialist
Yearly salary$32,209$32,472
Hourly rate$15.49$15.61
Growth rate19%19%
Number of jobs30,05528,175
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age3737
Years of experience1212

Exercise science instructor vs fitness specialist salary

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

Exercise Science InstructorFitness Specialist
Average salary$32,209$32,472
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $51,000Between $24,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-University Settlement
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between exercise science instructor and fitness specialist education

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

Exercise Science InstructorFitness Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorKinesiologyKinesiology
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Exercise science instructor vs fitness specialist demographics

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

Exercise Science InstructorFitness Specialist
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 36.8% Female, 63.2%Male, 44.8% Female, 55.2%
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 specialist 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 specialist example responsibilities.

  • Provide market research and generate leads using social media (facebook) in order to target prospective clients.
  • Lead group strength training exercises, conduct vitals, and monitor EKG telemetry before during and after exercise.
  • Conduct CPR and a workshops for facility.
  • Water safety, CPR, and a certified.
  • Maintain cleanliness of exercise equipment.
  • Maintain cleanliness and safety protocol of fitness equipment.
  • Show more

Exercise science instructor vs fitness specialist skills

Common exercise science instructor skills
  • Exercise Physiology, 23%
  • Yoga, 20%
  • ACSM, 12%
  • Health Education, 7%
  • Exercise Program, 6%
  • Zumba, 5%
Common fitness specialist skills
  • CPR, 16%
  • Fitness Assessments, 8%
  • ACSM, 7%
  • Sales Floor, 6%
  • Blood Pressure, 5%
  • Customer Service, 5%

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