Physical trainer vs group exercise instructor

The differences between physical trainers and group exercise 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 physical trainer and a group exercise instructor. Additionally, a group exercise instructor has an average salary of $34,348, 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 group exercise instructor are CPR, yoga, and kids.

Physical trainer vs group exercise instructor overview

	Physical Trainer	Group Exercise Instructor
Yearly salary	$25,278	$34,348
Hourly rate	$12.15	$16.51
Growth rate	19%	19%
Number of jobs	72,865	33,704
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Average age	37	37
Years of experience	12	12

Physical trainer vs group exercise instructor salary

Physical trainers and group exercise instructors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Physical Trainer	Group Exercise Instructor
Average salary	$25,278	$34,348
Salary range	Between $17,000 And $35,000	Between $22,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	-	Los Angeles, CA
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	Massachusetts General Hospital
Best paying industry	-	Education

Differences between physical trainer and group exercise instructor education

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

	Physical Trainer	Group Exercise Instructor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common major	Kinesiology	Kinesiology
Most common college	University of Michigan - Ann Arbor	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Physical trainer vs group exercise instructor demographics

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

	Physical Trainer	Group Exercise Instructor
Average age	37	37
Gender ratio	Male, 67.2% Female, 32.8%	Male, 23.5% Female, 76.5%
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 physical trainer and group exercise instructor 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.

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.

Physical trainer vs group exercise instructor skills

Common physical trainer skills

Physical Therapy, 45%
Strength Training, 12%
Soccer, 12%
Weight Loss, 8%
Training Sessions, 8%
Front Desk, 8%

Common group exercise instructor skills

CPR, 36%
Yoga, 14%
Kids, 8%
Customer Service, 7%
AFAA, 6%
Zumba, 4%

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Physical Trainer vs Group Exercise Instructor

Updated January 8, 2025

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