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Group exercise instructor vs head instructor

The differences between group exercise instructors 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 group exercise instructor and a head instructor. Additionally, a head instructor has an average salary of $47,768, which is higher than the $34,348 average annual salary of a group exercise instructor.

The top three skills for a group exercise instructor include CPR, yoga and kids. The most important skills for a head instructor are classroom management, curriculum development, and CPR.

Group exercise instructor vs head instructor overview

Group Exercise InstructorHead Instructor
Yearly salary$34,348$47,768
Hourly rate$16.51$22.97
Growth rate19%19%
Number of jobs33,70432,924
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age3737
Years of experience1212

Group exercise instructor vs head instructor salary

Group exercise instructors and head instructors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Group Exercise InstructorHead Instructor
Average salary$34,348$47,768
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $53,000Between $23,000 And $98,000
Highest paying CityLos Angeles, CARandolph, NJ
Highest paying stateCaliforniaMassachusetts
Best paying companyMassachusetts General HospitalV-Soft Consulting
Best paying industryEducation-

Differences between group exercise instructor and head instructor education

There are a few differences between a group exercise instructor and a head instructor in terms of educational background:

Group Exercise InstructorHead Instructor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorKinesiologyBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Group exercise instructor vs head instructor demographics

Here are the differences between group exercise instructors' and head instructors' demographics:

Group Exercise InstructorHead Instructor
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 23.5% Female, 76.5%Male, 59.4% Female, 40.6%
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 group exercise instructor and head instructor duties and responsibilities

Group exercise instructor example responsibilities.

  • Manage general fitness center cleanliness and coordinate group fitness instructor schedules
  • Create classes base on high intensity cardio and strength training using a wide array of fitness equipment.
  • Instruct a group of up to 50 people in exercises ranging from strength training to Zumba.
  • Maintain up keep and cleanliness of the facility, restocking cleaning supplies, cleaning fitness equipment, and re-racking weights.
  • Instruct classes and individuals in mat Pilates as well as on equipment including reformer, barrel, chair, and cadillac.
  • Group equipment classes including springboard.
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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.
  • Show more

Group exercise instructor vs head instructor skills

Common group exercise instructor skills
  • CPR, 36%
  • Yoga, 14%
  • Kids, 8%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • AFAA, 6%
  • Zumba, 4%
Common head instructor skills
  • Classroom Management, 42%
  • Curriculum Development, 15%
  • CPR, 10%
  • Water Safety, 7%
  • Resuscitation, 3%
  • Self Defense, 3%

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