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Fitness coordinator vs fitness instructor

The differences between fitness coordinators and fitness instructors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a fitness coordinator has an average salary of $39,963, which is higher than the $35,495 average annual salary of a fitness instructor.

The top three skills for a fitness coordinator include CPR, payroll and group fitness classes. The most important skills for a fitness instructor are CPR, customer service, and work ethic.

Fitness coordinator vs fitness instructor overview

Fitness CoordinatorFitness Instructor
Yearly salary$39,963$35,495
Hourly rate$19.21$17.06
Growth rate19%19%
Number of jobs27,00931,212
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4737
Years of experience-12

What does a fitness coordinator do?

A fitness coordinator spearheads and organizes fitness programs in gyms and other facilities, ensuring efficiency and client satisfaction. Their responsibilities include performing research and analysis to develop ideal programs, identifying program requirements, coordinating with fellow fitness experts, establishing objectives and guidelines, monitoring budgets and schedules, and ensuring that facilities meet the clients' needs. They must also develop strategies to build positive relationships with clients. Moreover, a fitness coordinator must maintain an active communication line with staff to maintain smooth workflow operations.

What does a fitness instructor do?

A fitness instructor advocates good physical health by crafting different fitness programs and providing fitness training sessions to a group of clients or individuals. They focus on different kinds of work-out and exercise routines. A fitness instructor mostly works at a gym; however, there are instances when one can work independently or by providing house calls. Furthermore, a fitness instructor needs to build rapport with clients, making them feel at ease during sessions, which will also be beneficial in gaining a strong client base.

Fitness coordinator vs fitness instructor salary

Fitness coordinators and fitness instructors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Fitness CoordinatorFitness Instructor
Average salary$39,963$35,495
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $54,000Between $23,000 And $53,000
Highest paying CityPalo Alto, CABerkeley, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyThe American Musical and Dramatic AcademyMassachusetts General Hospital
Best paying industryGovernmentEducation

Differences between fitness coordinator and fitness instructor education

There are a few differences between a fitness coordinator and a fitness instructor in terms of educational background:

Fitness CoordinatorFitness Instructor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorKinesiologyKinesiology
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Fitness coordinator vs fitness instructor demographics

Here are the differences between fitness coordinators' and fitness instructors' demographics:

Fitness CoordinatorFitness Instructor
Average age4737
Gender ratioMale, 39.1% Female, 60.9%Male, 32.2% Female, 67.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 4.3% White, 66.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%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 Percentage16%13%

Differences between fitness coordinator and fitness instructor duties and responsibilities

Fitness coordinator example responsibilities.

  • Lead classes in chair aerobics, stretch and balance, yoga, water aerobics, water volleyball and water walking.
  • Maintain the functional requirements of a well-organize studio- cleanliness, maintenance, ventilation etc.
  • Assist in the cardiac rehabilitation clinic which include implementing progressive rehabilitation methods with education for long term health and wellness.
  • Administer a HIIT program to students, faculty, and staff of Vassar.
  • Market myself by building TRX classes to a full capacity and gain many personal training clients from those classes.

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

Fitness coordinator vs fitness instructor skills

Common fitness coordinator skills
  • CPR, 24%
  • Payroll, 10%
  • Group Fitness Classes, 9%
  • Cleanliness, 6%
  • Yoga, 5%
  • Group Fitness Instructors, 5%
Common fitness instructor skills
  • CPR, 25%
  • Customer Service, 17%
  • Work Ethic, 6%
  • Front Desk, 6%
  • Yoga, 6%
  • Cleanliness, 6%

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