Fitness trainer vs head instructor

The differences between fitness trainers and head 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 trainer and a head instructor. Additionally, a head instructor has an average salary of $47,768, which is higher than the $28,702 average annual salary of a fitness trainer.

The top three skills for a fitness trainer include customer service, front desk and CPR. The most important skills for a head instructor are classroom management, curriculum development, and CPR.

Fitness trainer vs head instructor overview

	Fitness Trainer	Head Instructor
Yearly salary	$28,702	$47,768
Hourly rate	$13.80	$22.97
Growth rate	19%	19%
Number of jobs	23,881	32,924
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 59%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age	37	37
Years of experience	12	12

Fitness trainer vs head instructor salary

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

	Fitness Trainer	Head Instructor
Average salary	$28,702	$47,768
Salary range	Between $19,000 And $41,000	Between $23,000 And $98,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Randolph, NJ
Highest paying state	Hawaii	Massachusetts
Best paying company	Kohler Co.	V-Soft Consulting
Best paying industry	Hospitality	-

Differences between fitness trainer and head instructor education

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

	Fitness Trainer	Head Instructor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 59%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common major	Kinesiology	Business
Most common college	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Fitness trainer vs head instructor demographics

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

	Fitness Trainer	Head Instructor
Average age	37	37
Gender ratio	Male, 59.8% Female, 40.2%	Male, 59.4% Female, 40.6%
Race ratio	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%	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 Percentage	13%	13%

Differences between fitness trainer and head instructor duties and responsibilities

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.

Head instructor example responsibilities.

Lead children's classes training kids in kicks and punch self-defense and how to avoid physical confrontations.
Lead modified yoga and meditation sessions to enhance balance and flexibility ;
Instruct the children involve in vocal coaching and memorization of lyrics.
Work with students on costumes, props, and set ideas for show.
Direct drama workshops for after school programs during the school year and the summer.
Train students in the mechanics of wearing the costumes and performing according to the choreography.

Fitness trainer vs head instructor skills

Common fitness trainer skills

Customer Service, 31%
Front Desk, 28%
CPR, 24%
Cleanliness, 6%
Physical Fitness, 2%
Fitness Equipment, 1%

Common head instructor skills

Classroom Management, 42%
Curriculum Development, 15%
CPR, 10%
Water Safety, 7%
Resuscitation, 3%
Self Defense, 3%