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Physical trainer vs fitness trainer

The differences between physical trainers 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 physical trainer and a fitness trainer. Additionally, a fitness trainer has an average salary of $28,702, which is higher than the $25,278 average annual salary of a physical trainer.

The top three skills for a physical trainer include physical therapy, strength training and soccer. The most important skills for a fitness trainer are customer service, front desk, and CPR.

Physical trainer vs fitness trainer overview

Physical TrainerFitness Trainer
Yearly salary$25,278$28,702
Hourly rate$12.15$13.80
Growth rate19%19%
Number of jobs72,86523,881
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age3737
Years of experience1212

Physical trainer vs fitness trainer salary

Physical trainers and fitness trainers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Physical TrainerFitness Trainer
Average salary$25,278$28,702
Salary rangeBetween $17,000 And $35,000Between $19,000 And $41,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-Hawaii
Best paying company-Kohler Co.
Best paying industry-Hospitality

Differences between physical trainer and fitness trainer education

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

Physical TrainerFitness Trainer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorKinesiologyKinesiology
Most common collegeUniversity of Michigan - Ann ArborUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Physical trainer vs fitness trainer demographics

Here are the differences between physical trainers' and fitness trainers' demographics:

Physical TrainerFitness Trainer
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 67.2% Female, 32.8%Male, 59.8% Female, 40.2%
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 physical trainer and fitness trainer duties and responsibilities

Physical trainer example responsibilities.

  • Manage various football, basketball, and speed camps while conveying the importance of self-motivation.
  • Receive NASM certification for personal training service.
  • Create feedback and progress reports regarding development for on boarding new associates and provide official information on a SharePoint database.
  • Create original TRX classes and encourage inactive members to participate consistently.

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.
  • Show more

Physical trainer vs fitness trainer skills

Common physical trainer skills
  • Physical Therapy, 45%
  • Strength Training, 12%
  • Soccer, 12%
  • Weight Loss, 8%
  • Training Sessions, 8%
  • Front Desk, 8%
Common fitness trainer skills
  • Customer Service, 31%
  • Front Desk, 28%
  • CPR, 24%
  • Cleanliness, 6%
  • Physical Fitness, 2%
  • Fitness Equipment, 1%

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