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Exercise science instructor vs fitness trainer

The differences between exercise science 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 an exercise science instructor and a fitness trainer. Additionally, an exercise science instructor has an average salary of $32,209, which is higher than the $28,702 average annual salary of a fitness trainer.

The top three skills for an exercise science instructor include exercise physiology, yoga and ACSM. The most important skills for a fitness trainer are customer service, front desk, and CPR.

Exercise science instructor vs fitness trainer overview

Exercise Science InstructorFitness Trainer
Yearly salary$32,209$28,702
Hourly rate$15.49$13.80
Growth rate19%19%
Number of jobs30,05523,881
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age3737
Years of experience1212

Exercise science instructor vs fitness trainer salary

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

Exercise Science InstructorFitness Trainer
Average salary$32,209$28,702
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $51,000Between $19,000 And $41,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-Hawaii
Best paying company-Kohler Co.
Best paying industry-Hospitality

Differences between exercise science instructor and fitness trainer education

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

Exercise Science InstructorFitness Trainer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorKinesiologyKinesiology
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Exercise science instructor vs fitness trainer demographics

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

Exercise Science InstructorFitness Trainer
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 36.8% Female, 63.2%Male, 59.8% Female, 40.2%
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 trainer 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 trainer example responsibilities.

  • Provide market research and generate leads using social media (facebook) in order to target prospective clients.
  • Monitor the swimming area and CPR certify.
  • Certify for CPR and a and always have first aid available.
  • Improve the cleanliness of the community recreations centers by implementing an hourly maintenance and cleaning schedule.
  • Maintain fitness center cleanliness while assisting members.
  • Assist in the cardiac rehabilitation clinic which include implementing progressive rehabilitation methods with education for long term health and wellness.
  • Show more

Exercise science instructor vs fitness trainer skills

Common exercise science instructor skills
  • Exercise Physiology, 23%
  • Yoga, 20%
  • ACSM, 12%
  • Health Education, 7%
  • Exercise Program, 6%
  • Zumba, 5%
Common fitness trainer skills
  • Customer Service, 31%
  • Front Desk, 28%
  • CPR, 24%
  • Cleanliness, 6%
  • Physical Fitness, 2%
  • Fitness Equipment, 1%

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