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Physical trainer vs head instructor

The differences between physical trainers 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 physical trainer and a head instructor. Additionally, a head instructor has an average salary of $47,768, 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 head instructor are classroom management, curriculum development, and CPR.

Physical trainer vs head instructor overview

Physical TrainerHead Instructor
Yearly salary$25,278$47,768
Hourly rate$12.15$22.97
Growth rate19%19%
Number of jobs72,86532,924
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age3737
Years of experience1212

Physical trainer vs head instructor salary

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

Physical TrainerHead Instructor
Average salary$25,278$47,768
Salary rangeBetween $17,000 And $35,000Between $23,000 And $98,000
Highest paying City-Randolph, NJ
Highest paying state-Massachusetts
Best paying company-V-Soft Consulting
Best paying industry--

Differences between physical trainer and head instructor education

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

Physical TrainerHead Instructor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorKinesiologyBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Michigan - Ann ArborUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Physical trainer vs head instructor demographics

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

Physical TrainerHead Instructor
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 67.2% Female, 32.8%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 physical trainer and head 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.

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

Physical trainer vs head instructor skills

Common physical trainer skills
  • Physical Therapy, 45%
  • Strength Training, 12%
  • Soccer, 12%
  • Weight Loss, 8%
  • Training Sessions, 8%
  • Front Desk, 8%
Common head instructor skills
  • Classroom Management, 42%
  • Curriculum Development, 15%
  • CPR, 10%
  • Water Safety, 7%
  • Resuscitation, 3%
  • Self Defense, 3%

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