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What is a fitness instructor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Greg Brown
introduction image

A fabricator is someone who builds or creates machines or objects. A fabricator produces and manufactures tools and equipment with various raw materials based on the production guidelines specified by the design experts to produce a standardized product. A fabricator may also work to create large-scale products from small-scale models. As a fabricator, you will ensure that your works are aligned with the instructions from the designer or the owner of the equipment or machinery you are fabricating. A fabricator also works to ensure coupled parts fit in properly and is also in charge of reporting product malfunctions.

A fabricator must be able to read and interpret blueprints, design diagrams, and engineering drawings correctly. The academic qualification requirement of a fabricator is a GED or high school diploma. Experience in the field of fabrication and relevant fabrication skills is necessary as well. A certification in welding and an in-depth understanding of basic construction tasks, as well as dexterity, are essential as well. A fabricator's average salary ranges from $21 to $24 per hour, and they make up to $33,290 per year.

What general advice would you give to a fitness instructor?

Greg Brown

Professor , Dept. of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences, University of Nebraska - Kearney

A lot of undergraduate students in Kinesiology are planning to move on to post-graduate education in allied health (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training, etc.) so their career advice will come from those allied health professionals. For those students going into a career right out of their undergraduate program, typically in the health and fitness industry (e.g. personal training, strength & conditioning, health coaching, corporate wellness), they need to keep an eye on budding trends in the industry and not jump on the latest fad. Basically, a trend is something that is new or innovative that also has staying power and will still be viable in a few years. Fads often seem too good to be true and only last a short time before fading away. Think of wearable technology as a trend while Tae Bo was more of a fad.
ScoreFitness InstructorUS Average
Salary
2.8

Avg. Salary $35,495

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.4

Growth rate 19%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.49%

Asian 5.11%

Black or African American 7.05%

Hispanic or Latino 10.64%

Unknown 5.40%

White 71.31%

Gender

female 67.76%

male 32.24%

Age - 36
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 36
Stress level
4.4

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level
5.5

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
10.0

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Fitness instructor career paths

Key steps to become a fitness instructor

  1. Explore fitness instructor education requirements

    Most common fitness instructor degrees

    Bachelor's

    64.2 %

    Associate

    14.6 %

    Master's

    8.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific fitness instructor skills

    SkillsPercentages
    CPR24.77%
    Customer Service17.17%
    Work Ethic6.34%
    Front Desk6.09%
    Yoga5.97%
  3. Complete relevant fitness instructor training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New fitness instructors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a fitness instructor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real fitness instructor resumes.
  4. Gain additional fitness instructor certifications

    Fitness instructor certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific fitness instructor certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for fitness instructors include Certified Personal Trainer and Instructor.

    More About Certifications
  5. Research fitness instructor duties and 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.
  6. Prepare your fitness instructor resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your fitness instructor resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a fitness instructor resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable fitness instructor resume templates

    Build a professional fitness instructor resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your fitness instructor resume.
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  7. Apply for fitness instructor jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a fitness instructor job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first fitness instructor job

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Are you a fitness instructor?

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Average fitness instructor salary

The average fitness instructor salary in the United States is $35,495 per year or $17 per hour. Fitness instructor salaries range between $23,000 and $53,000 per year.

Average fitness instructor salary
$35,495 Yearly
$17.06 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do fitness instructors rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

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Fitness instructor reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2023
Cons

Running out of time to help obtain a clean and safe environment in the gym


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2021
Pros

No punching a time clock. Ability to set own hours - although you’ll make more if you are flexible with client availabilities. Rewarding helping others get healthier and seeing the positive outcomes in their fitness/health.

Cons

Early mornings and late evenings - midday naps are often needed. Typically need to work Saturdays. People think that a personal trainer’s time is worthless because they rarely call to cancel… no-shows are always happening and it really sucks for the trainer, especially since it happens so often.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Pros

Watching our clients enjoy there work out & progress!

Cons

I love everything about Pilates.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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