Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for gymnasium instructors in the United States
Gymnasium instructor job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected gymnasium instructor job growth rate is 19% from 2018-2028.
About 57,800 new jobs for gymnasium instructors are projected over the next decade.
Gymnasium instructor salaries have increased 6% for gymnasium instructors in the last 5 years.
There are over 9,387 gymnasium instructors currently employed in the United States.
There are 24,977 active gymnasium instructor job openings in the US.
The average gymnasium instructor salary is $27,585.
Are gymnasium instructor jobs in demand?
Gymnasium instructor job and salary trends over time
Gymnasium instructor jobs over time
Gymnasium instructor job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9,387 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 10,339 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 12,950 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 12,432 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 11,681 | 0.00% |
Average gymnasium instructor salary over time
Gymnasium instructor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $27,585 | $13.26 | +0.3% |
| 2024 | $27,503 | $13.22 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $27,115 | $13.04 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | $26,700 | $12.84 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $25,985 | $12.49 | +5.5% |
Gymnasium instructor jobs by state
Most common states for gymnasium instructors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 494 | 9% |
| 2 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 45 | 8% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 578 | 7% |
| 4 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 354 | 7% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 66 | 7% |
| 6 | Alaska | 739,795 | 52 | 7% |
| 7 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 670 | 6% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 249 | 6% |
| 9 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 66 | 6% |
| 10 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 532 | 5% |
| 11 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 421 | 5% |
| 12 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 162 | 5% |
| 13 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 34 | 5% |
| 14 | Vermont | 623,657 | 31 | 5% |
| 15 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,677 | 4% |
| 16 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 402 | 4% |
| 17 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 287 | 4% |
| 18 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 259 | 4% |
| 19 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 49 | 4% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 42 | 4% |
Most common cities for gymnasium instructors
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Westfield | 1 | 3% | $40,986 |
| 2 | Centennial | 1 | 1% | $26,084 |
| 3 | Newton | 1 | 1% | $43,255 |
| 4 | Palatine | 1 | 1% | $31,511 |
| 5 | Thornton | 1 | 1% | $26,101 |
| 6 | Columbus | 2 | 0% | $20,426 |
| 7 | Dallas | 1 | 0% | $21,375 |
| 8 | Gilbert | 1 | 0% | $24,201 |
Gymnasium Instructor job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of gymnasium instructor experts
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
University of Central Missouri
Howard University
University of Michigan
USA Rugby Football Union
Next College Student Athlete
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Brigham Young University–Hawaii
Chadron State College
Denison University
Belhaven University
CREP - Coalition for the Registration of Exercise Professionals
University of Southern Mississippi
Center of Excellence for Sport Science and Coach Education
What will help Gymnasium Instructors increase their earning potential?
Cathy Allen: In the field of Dance, it is essential that a professional dancer maintain dance class participation on a weekly if not daily basis. Keeping your instrument (the body) in excellent physical condition and the mind sharp for picking up movement material is imperative. Taking "dance class" also connects you to the pulse of the dance community in your area along with audition posts and networking.
Dr. Kenneth Bias
Professor & Program CoordinatorUniversity of Central Missouri
School of Teaching and Learning
What Gymnasium Instructor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Kenneth Bias: The gap year really depends on the level in which they want to use their degree. Those going into collegiate coaching would be well served to volunteer coach to gain experience. Those choosing to go into the sports and recreation side would be better severed working on their knowledge of what opportunities there are in their region of the country and enhancing their knowledge in those areas.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Gymnasium Instructors?
Dr. Jason Perry: It is unclear what the long-term effects will be on the sports business industry moving forward. A lot is unknown of how live sporting events will be impacted in the future. We may find that fans do not rush back to attend games in-person as they did prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Thus, leaving some gaps in the positions that employers are hiring for in the foreseeable future.
However, it is likely that many facets of the industry will continue to move towards making processes easier for consumers through technology even after the pandemic. As a result, graduates must be tech-savvy. Further they must be flexible and possess the ability to adapt quickly as changes occur related to the pandemic. Graduates that have obtained practical work experience that has introduced them to various job responsibilities in the field can stand out in the talent pool.
A specific job experience on a graduate's resume can be the deciding factor in receiving an interview during these challenging times. Previous experience in the desired area of employment can also help graduates to adapt more quickly to working in a new position during the pandemic.
What type of skills will young Gymnasium Instructors need?
Dr. Jason Perry: It is best that graduates have some of the traditional skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, organizational, and time management. In addition, depending on the position in the sports business industry, the ability to handle a fast-paced work environment is important. These skills translate well in a variety of business environments and employers are looking to add those who adapt well to their organizational landscape.
Additional skills that are key at this time include analytical, critical thinking, digital, and emotional intelligence. I think that emotional intelligence should be on the top of the list of skills that young professionals should have as they transition into careers in sports and recreation. The ability to foster meaningful relationships with people in the workplace and the capacity to manage stress, conflicts, and one's emotions is needed to finding sustainability in the profession.
What experience really stands out on Gymnasium Instructor resumes?
Dr. Jason Perry: Due to the high level of competition for jobs in the industry, sports management students cannot simply wait until the pandemic is over to gain professional experience in the field. Many sports businesses and professional organizations have altered internship positions during the pandemic and are still offering opportunities to budding professionals. A growing number of professional sports organizations have implemented virtual internships, distance-learning experiences, and other programs in lieu of the traditional internships that were available prior to the pandemic. Experience in sports analytics, sales, marketing, and digital communication are areas that stand out to employers.
What Gymnasium Instructor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Amy West: Certifications in somatics such as Pilates, Personal Trainer, nutrition, yoga, etc. Dancers have such a body awareness that they would be a great candidate. They should look for organizations that are nationally accredited since those companies have had to go through rigorous accreditation certifications. Certifications are affordable and can be done in a relatively short period of time. Also, the information they learn will only enhance their dancing and body knowledge.
What Gymnasium Instructor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jessica Dombrowski: Any experience goes a long way, whether networking and organizational, learning a new language, or volunteering. The biggest thing that I look for is someone taking the initiative, making strides towards what they want to do, and honing transferable skills for whatever their next professional step is.
What type of skills will young Gymnasium Instructors need?
Lisa Strasman: Adaptability, great communication skills, time-management, strong work ethic/grit, teamwork, resilience, humility.
Julie Richardson
Professor of Exercise ScienceKentucky Wesleyan College
Department of Exercise Science
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Gymnasium Instructors to find work opportunities?
Julie Richardson: As the world becomes more aware of the detrimental effects of society's current lifestyle, more opportunities will arise within the health sciences. Graduates should pursue higher education within this field to gain an edge over other applicants. This will allow them to access the many job opportunities available in research labs and sports facilities.
What experience really stands out on Gymnasium Instructor resumes?
Joel Reece Ph.D.: I teach my students that the experience that stands out most on a resume is the experience that best matches the job posting. A resume is only a selected snapshot of your experiences. Choose to display the experiences you have had with what the job posting is looking for.
What Gymnasium Instructor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joel Reece Ph.D.: It depends on what they want to do. Look at the job postings or graduate school applications you want to apply for. Of course, there are universal skills that apply across jobs/graduate programs. For example, communication skills (e.g., writing, oral), collaboration, leadership, critical thinking, etc... However, it is also important to find opportunities to develop or observe skills in people that have the job you want. If you want to apply to a physical therapy program and you have a gap year, reconsider taking a year off to travel, and look for a job that puts you in a setting that will help you observe the in and outs of being a physical therapist. Be a sponge and soak up everything you can about the business.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Gymnasium Instructors in the next 3-5 years?
Joel Reece Ph.D.: I think the use of wearable technology used by both fitness and health care professionals to observe, monitor, and encourage behavior change among clients will become a more normal practice. Learn how to use the data provided by wearable technology to teach about personal behavioral patterns and opportunities to improve health and quality of life.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Gymnasium Instructor job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Brittany Helmbrecht: The most significant trend I have noticed is a move to online and outdoor workouts. Many trainers are offering recorded or live activity classes delivered online. Others are hosting group fitness classes outdoors, where social distancing is possible. The ability to market oneself as a fitness professional will be a necessary skill as these trends continue.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Gymnasium Instructors in the next 5 years?
Dr. Brittany Helmbrecht: I am not sure. I hope this pandemic has caused people to evaluate their health and make positive changes, but I can't say it has. I believe the difference in fitness delivery, when fitness centers and gyms were shut down, changed the fitness industry and how people prefer to work out. Though there are still many who went back to fitness centers as soon as possible, I think many recognized how easy it could be to work out in your own home.
Dr. Eric Winters Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorDenison University
Department of Health, Exercise, and Sport Studies
How do you envision technology impacting Gymnasium Instructors in the next 5 years?
Dr. Eric Winters Ph.D.: I look for young professionals who can examine and identify current, unfulfilled needs within the community, and effectively design programs that draw upon technology's strengths to augment professional practice. The influence of a knowledgeable, caring practitioner will remain central to the profession of Kinesiology, but the needs we address and how we intervene have changed. The young professionals who seek unique settings and opportunities to engage in practice with creativity will always be valued colleagues.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Gymnasium Instructors?
Dr. Eric Winters Ph.D.: This pandemic will most certainly have an enduring effect within our profession; to believe otherwise is wishful thinking. Now, is the time to reframe opportunities and boldly engage the emerging needs of those we serve within nontraditional settings and incorporate unique methods that draw upon technology. Those that begin this journey now will become our future leading figures within Kinesiology.
Dr. Benjamin Carr Ph.D.
Associate Professor and ChairBelhaven University
Department of Sports Medicine and Exercise Science Faculty
How do you envision technology impacting Gymnasium Instructors in the next 5 years?
Dr. Benjamin Carr Ph.D.: Technology is a vital part of all the occupations in sports medicine/exercise science, with most of the rehabilitative sciences' careers. Therapeutic modalities, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, cryotherapy, and infrared, are commonly employed in physical therapy, athletic training, and chiropractic. Since I don't work directly in those fields, I'm not a useful resource regarding the specifics of technology/equipment. From an educational standpoint, technology will be vital for moving more coursework to a virtual format shortly. Things like virtual cadavers and other physiological laboratory experiences will play a critical educational role over the next few years. Due to Covid-19, we've already moved a number of our courses to a strictly virtual format. Video conferencing technology, such as Zoom, has made this relatively easy. With Zoom's screen sharing and whiteboard capabilities, lecturing virtually has become a legitimate alternative to in-person courses.
Brian Biagioli
Immediate Past PresidentCREP - Coalition for the Registration of Exercise Professionals
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Gymnasium Instructors?
Brian Biagioli: Covid has had a diverse impact on the fitness industry; in the positive sense, it has restored work-life balance for some, forced others contemplating entrepreneurial pursuits to leap successfully, and made facilities realize the importance of engagement relationships in maintaining a clientele. Additionally, depending on the political theatre following the election and signs pointing to a potential Covid-rebound, many more exercise professionals will likely embrace the different opportunities to train online, write and manage individual programs, and even establish home-based businesses the industry pivots further away from a club-based, face-to-face interaction. As for the different sized boxes, the overhead the facility carries and where it's located will determine the level and effects of ongoing business stress. That said, 2021, as a whole, will bring a new demand for exercise professionals to replace those who have left the clubs and the industry altogether.
What type of skills will young Gymnasium Instructors need?
Brian Biagioli: Regardless of the type of job a professional pursues in the fitness or sports industry, employers cite three critical areas of deficiency among new graduates: (1) business acumen and communication skills; (2) proficiency in human engagement; and (3) a lack of organizational efficiencies, related to task completion. Many graduates have a skill set associated with the technical competencies of being in the fitness or sports industry; these are often tested successfully on certification exams, but they lack business and corporate/organizational insight. These skills require positive internship experiences and mentoring and should be a capstone of any educational process.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Gymnasium Instructors to find work opportunities?
Jeff Mitchell: I encourage young graduates to choose where they want to live and thrive and limit their work options based solely on location. We're seeing more flexibility in the workplace today as remote collaboration has proven successful.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Gymnasium Instructors?
Meg Stone: There is no doubt that the coronavirus, to state the obvious, has had a tremendous impact on everyone. Wither there will be an enduring impact on the field of sport and sport coaching has yet to be determined. Presently, there is no doubt that sport has been detrimentally affected with everything from potential school sports closures, to NCAA restrictive guidelines, sports being dropped at the D1 level, and NFL/NBA reorganized schedules.
A few of our former graduates have been placed on furloughs or restrictive coaching schedules involving pay cuts. One of the positive aspects of the Sports Science program at ETSU is the dual-track aspect of our doctoral program. One track is physiology and research-orientated, and the other is heavily practical coaching, but each track must take classes in the other, so the students coming out of the program have two options for employment teaching/researching and/or coaching. With the present uncertainness in sport and coaching positions, with this background, the graduate from our program is equipped to make the transition into a more stable job opportunity in teaching at the collegiate level.