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The differences between pilates instructors 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 pilates instructor and a fitness trainer. Additionally, a pilates instructor has an average salary of $52,353, which is higher than the $28,702 average annual salary of a fitness trainer.
The top three skills for a pilates instructor include customer service, yoga and training programs. The most important skills for a fitness trainer are customer service, front desk, and CPR.
| Pilates Instructor | Fitness Trainer | |
| Yearly salary | $52,353 | $28,702 |
| Hourly rate | $25.17 | $13.80 |
| Growth rate | 19% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 25,496 | 23,881 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
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.
The job of a fitness trainer is to instruct and motivate individuals and groups in physical activities, including stretching, cardiovascular exercise, and strength training. The typical duties of a fitness trainer include demonstrating how to perform various exercises, guiding them during the exercise to improve fitness and minimize injuries, and monitoring their progress. As a fitness trainer, you are also responsible for explaining and enforcing safety rules on exercise equipment usage, recreational activities, and sports, and giving clients resources and information about weight control, lifestyle issues, and nutrition.
Pilates instructors and fitness trainers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pilates Instructor | Fitness Trainer | |
| Average salary | $52,353 | $28,702 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $74,000 | Between $19,000 And $41,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Hospital for Special Surgery | Kohler Co. |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between a pilates instructor and a fitness trainer in terms of educational background:
| Pilates Instructor | Fitness Trainer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Dance | Kinesiology |
| Most common college | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Here are the differences between pilates instructors' and fitness trainers' demographics:
| Pilates Instructor | Fitness Trainer | |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 9.5% Female, 90.5% | Male, 59.8% Female, 40.2% |
| 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% |