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The differences between group fitness instructors and fitness trainers 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 fitness instructor and a fitness trainer. Additionally, a group fitness instructor has an average salary of $35,867, which is higher than the $28,702 average annual salary of a fitness trainer.
The top three skills for a group fitness instructor include CPR, yoga and customer service. The most important skills for a fitness trainer are customer service, front desk, and CPR.
| Group Fitness Instructor | Fitness Trainer | |
| Yearly salary | $35,867 | $28,702 |
| Hourly rate | $17.24 | $13.80 |
| Growth rate | 19% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 38,457 | 23,881 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A group fitness instructor is responsible for creating fitness programs for a group with the same fitness goals, tailoring special instructions to engage the group and helping each individual achieve their healthy lifestyle objectives. Group fitness instructors monitor each trainee's progress, adjusting exercise routines and diet plans as needed, and ensuring that the group follows the training disciplines during fitness sessions. They must have excellent knowledge of the fitness industry, including the latest routines to provide options and a wide range of fitness programs.
The job of a fitness trainer is to instruct and motivate individuals and groups in physical activities, including stretching, cardiovascular exercise, and strength training. The typical duties of a fitness trainer include demonstrating how to perform various exercises, guiding them during the exercise to improve fitness and minimize injuries, and monitoring their progress. As a fitness trainer, you are also responsible for explaining and enforcing safety rules on exercise equipment usage, recreational activities, and sports, and giving clients resources and information about weight control, lifestyle issues, and nutrition.
Group fitness instructors and fitness trainers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Group Fitness Instructor | Fitness Trainer | |
| Average salary | $35,867 | $28,702 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $54,000 | Between $19,000 And $41,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Bridgewater State University | Kohler Co. |
| Best paying industry | Education | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between a group fitness instructor and a fitness trainer in terms of educational background:
| Group Fitness Instructor | Fitness Trainer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Kinesiology | Kinesiology |
| Most common college | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Here are the differences between group fitness instructors' and fitness trainers' demographics:
| Group Fitness Instructor | Fitness Trainer | |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 29.5% Female, 70.5% | Male, 59.8% Female, 40.2% |
| 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% |