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Fitness instructor vs yoga instructor

The differences between fitness instructors and yoga instructors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a fitness instructor and a yoga instructor. Additionally, a yoga instructor has an average salary of $45,673, which is higher than the $35,495 average annual salary of a fitness instructor.

The top three skills for a fitness instructor include CPR, customer service and work ethic. The most important skills for a yoga instructor are CPR, customer service, and class attendance.

Fitness instructor vs yoga instructor overview

Fitness InstructorYoga Instructor
Yearly salary$35,495$45,673
Hourly rate$17.06$21.96
Growth rate19%19%
Number of jobs31,21225,406
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Average age3737
Years of experience1212

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.

What does a yoga instructor do?

A yoga teacher or instructor is an individual who teaches yoga lessons and works at yoga studios, gyms, or fitness centers. Yoga teachers are wellness and fitness professionals who lead yoga classes. They teach their students a variety of practice meditation, promote mindfulness, and stretching poses. It is expected of them to know about mindful meditation and Chakra system implementation. They should be equipped with energy, inspiration, authenticity, attention to detail, and diligence.

Fitness instructor vs yoga instructor salary

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

Fitness InstructorYoga Instructor
Average salary$35,495$45,673
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $53,000Between $33,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CityBerkeley, CASanta Rosa, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyMassachusetts General HospitalUMiami Health System
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between fitness instructor and yoga instructor education

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

Fitness InstructorYoga Instructor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common majorKinesiologyPsychology
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Fitness instructor vs yoga instructor demographics

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

Fitness InstructorYoga Instructor
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 32.2% Female, 67.8%Male, 13.0% Female, 87.0%
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 fitness instructor and yoga instructor duties and responsibilities

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

Yoga instructor example responsibilities.

  • Manage operations, develop and teach the syllabus for group/private classes.
  • Recognize by the gym ownership for utilizing a CPR certification and managing an on scene emergency.
  • Manage general fitness center cleanliness and coordinate group fitness instructor schedules
  • Lead adult fitness classes involving yoga & Pilates classes.
  • Educate the community in the philosophy and practice of yoga as well as the physical practice of Asana.
  • Instruct students on Pilates, TRX and HIIT principles.
  • Show more

Fitness instructor vs yoga instructor skills

Common fitness instructor skills
  • CPR, 25%
  • Customer Service, 17%
  • Work Ethic, 6%
  • Front Desk, 6%
  • Yoga, 6%
  • Cleanliness, 6%
Common yoga instructor skills
  • CPR, 42%
  • Customer Service, 20%
  • Class Attendance, 8%
  • Teacher Training, 5%
  • Pilates, 5%
  • Yoga, 4%

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