Post job

Pilates instructor vs fitness instructor

The differences between pilates instructors and fitness 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 pilates instructor and a fitness instructor. Additionally, a pilates instructor has an average salary of $52,353, which is higher than the $35,495 average annual salary of a fitness instructor.

The top three skills for a pilates instructor include customer service, yoga and training programs. The most important skills for a fitness instructor are CPR, customer service, and work ethic.

Pilates instructor vs fitness instructor overview

Pilates InstructorFitness Instructor
Yearly salary$52,353$35,495
Hourly rate$25.17$17.06
Growth rate19%19%
Number of jobs25,49631,212
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
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 fitness instructor do?

A fitness instructor advocates good physical health by crafting different fitness programs and providing fitness training sessions to a group of clients or individuals. They focus on different kinds of work-out and exercise routines. A fitness instructor mostly works at a gym; however, there are instances when one can work independently or by providing house calls. Furthermore, a fitness instructor needs to build rapport with clients, making them feel at ease during sessions, which will also be beneficial in gaining a strong client base.

Pilates instructor vs fitness instructor salary

Pilates instructors and fitness instructors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Pilates InstructorFitness Instructor
Average salary$52,353$35,495
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $74,000Between $23,000 And $53,000
Highest paying CityOakland, CABerkeley, CA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsCalifornia
Best paying companyHospital for Special SurgeryMassachusetts General Hospital
Best paying industryHealth CareEducation

Differences between pilates instructor and fitness instructor education

There are a few differences between a pilates instructor and a fitness instructor in terms of educational background:

Pilates InstructorFitness Instructor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorDanceKinesiology
Most common collegeUniversity of Michigan - Ann ArborUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Pilates instructor vs fitness instructor demographics

Here are the differences between pilates instructors' and fitness instructors' demographics:

Pilates InstructorFitness Instructor
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 9.5% Female, 90.5%Male, 32.2% Female, 67.8%
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 fitness instructor 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.
  • Show more

Fitness instructor example responsibilities.

  • Provide market research and generate leads using social media (facebook) in order to target prospective clients.
  • Train in community water safety as well as deep water aerobics, first aid, life-guard assistance, and CPR.
  • Teach adult swimming lessons; staff lifeguard; implement department staff training
  • Step aerobic instructor, lifeguard and swim instructor, swim team coach.
  • Engage kids with a learning activity, and communicate achievements and behaviors to parents
  • Host and participate in company workshops, health fairs, and kids' day events.
  • Show more

Pilates instructor vs fitness instructor skills

Common pilates instructor skills
  • Customer Service, 48%
  • Yoga, 17%
  • Training Programs, 12%
  • Group Fitness Classes, 8%
  • Body Alignment, 3%
  • Barrel, 3%
Common fitness instructor skills
  • CPR, 25%
  • Customer Service, 17%
  • Work Ethic, 6%
  • Front Desk, 6%
  • Yoga, 6%
  • Cleanliness, 6%

Browse personal care and attendants jobs