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Pilates instructor vs certified personal trainer

The differences between pilates instructors and certified personal 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 pilates instructor and a certified personal trainer. Additionally, a pilates instructor has an average salary of $52,353, which is higher than the $32,039 average annual salary of a certified personal trainer.

The top three skills for a pilates instructor include customer service, yoga and training programs. The most important skills for a certified personal trainer are CPR, customer service, and injury prevention.

Pilates instructor vs certified personal trainer overview

Pilates InstructorCertified Personal Trainer
Yearly salary$52,353$32,039
Hourly rate$25.17$15.40
Growth rate19%19%
Number of jobs25,49665,615
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age3737
Years of experience1212

What does a pilates instructor do?

Pilates instructors are exercise professionals who teach and coach groups or individuals who are enrolled in the fitness program referred to as pilates. These instructors must assist their students in using pilates exercises to promote overall health by improving muscle tone and achieve better posture. They should possess skills in using a wide range of pilates equipment so that they can effectively teach their students how to use them. Pilates instructors can also work in establishments such as fitness centers, health clubs, and community centers, as well as offer private lessons at their own studios.

What does a certified personal trainer do?

A Certified Personal Trainer is a person who will guide, help, and motivate you to move forward and become successful. Anyone with a mastery of a specific subject can become a personal trainer; however, certification is given only by accredited organizations that can offer licensure or certification programs. Many hope to find their own certified personal trainer in this hectic and convoluted society to accompany them through thick and thin in life.

Pilates instructor vs certified personal trainer salary

Pilates instructors and certified personal trainers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Pilates InstructorCertified Personal Trainer
Average salary$52,353$32,039
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $74,000Between $21,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CityOakland, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsCalifornia
Best paying companyHospital for Special SurgeryCity and County of Denver Government
Best paying industryHealth CareRetail

Differences between pilates instructor and certified personal trainer education

There are a few differences between a pilates instructor and a certified personal trainer in terms of educational background:

Pilates InstructorCertified Personal Trainer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorDanceKinesiology
Most common collegeUniversity of Michigan - Ann ArborUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Pilates instructor vs certified personal trainer demographics

Here are the differences between pilates instructors' and certified personal trainers' demographics:

Pilates InstructorCertified Personal Trainer
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 9.5% Female, 90.5%Male, 53.5% Female, 46.5%
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 pilates instructor and certified personal trainer duties and responsibilities

Pilates instructor example responsibilities.

  • Manage social media accounts while promoting camper interaction and sharing of the UCA brand experience.
  • Create yoga practices that provide rejuvenation of the mind, body and soul.
  • Lead group yoga and Pilates classes both at the studio and corporate settings.
  • Offer a healing space by leading relaxing classes fill with calming music, aromatherapy, reiki and massage.
  • Provide Reiki training and certification.
  • Gain leadership skills and deescalating very extenuating tense situations.
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Certified personal trainer example responsibilities.

  • Provide market research and generate leads using social media (facebook) in order to target prospective clients.
  • Train in CPR in case of emergencies.
  • Develop circuit training and small group Pilates classes.
  • Instruct Pilates classes and create a custom Pilates class for senior clients.
  • Coach and tutor colleagues on exercise science concepts as outlined in NASM certification material.
  • Assist in the cardiac rehabilitation clinic which include implementing progressive rehabilitation methods with education for long term health and wellness.
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Pilates instructor vs certified personal trainer skills

Common pilates instructor skills
  • Customer Service, 48%
  • Yoga, 17%
  • Training Programs, 12%
  • Group Fitness Classes, 8%
  • Body Alignment, 3%
  • Barrel, 3%
Common certified personal trainer skills
  • CPR, 21%
  • Customer Service, 15%
  • Injury Prevention, 9%
  • Group Training, 6%
  • NASM, 6%
  • Weight Loss, 5%

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