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Pilates instructor vs personal trainer

The differences between pilates instructors and 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 personal trainer. Additionally, a pilates instructor has an average salary of $52,353, which is higher than the $37,214 average annual salary of a personal trainer.

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

Pilates instructor vs personal trainer overview

Pilates InstructorPersonal Trainer
Yearly salary$52,353$37,214
Hourly rate$25.17$17.89
Growth rate19%19%
Number of jobs25,49634,023
Job satisfaction55
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
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 personal trainer do?

A personal trainer is responsible for monitoring the client's fitness goals by assisting the client with specific and customized routines and exercises to promote healthy well-being. Duties of a personal trainer also include evaluating the client's fitness progress, creating safe programs to improve the client's stamina, educating the client with workout benefits, suggesting on a client's best nutrition plans, and motivating clients with their capabilities. A personal trainer should have excellent knowledge of the fitness industry to support the client's needs.

Pilates instructor vs personal trainer salary

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

Pilates InstructorPersonal Trainer
Average salary$52,353$37,214
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $74,000Between $26,000 And $53,000
Highest paying CityOakland, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsCalifornia
Best paying companyHospital for Special SurgeryAEA Investors
Best paying industryHealth CareRetail

Differences between pilates instructor and personal trainer education

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

Pilates InstructorPersonal Trainer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorDanceKinesiology
Most common collegeUniversity of Michigan - Ann ArborUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Pilates instructor vs personal trainer demographics

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

Pilates InstructorPersonal Trainer
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 9.5% Female, 90.5%Male, 63.3% Female, 36.7%
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 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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Personal trainer example responsibilities.

  • Help clients achieve fitness goals through diet and heavy weight lifting with HIIT cardio.
  • Achieve high customer satisfaction and budget efficiency in the group fitness department and yoga department.
  • Provide market research and generate leads using social media (facebook) in order to target prospective clients.
  • Shape the social media aspect of the facility which include Facebook and Instagram.
  • Ensure trainers and team members are consistent in punctuality, dress code, compliance, and customer service.
  • Follow ACSM guidelines ensuring safe and healthy exercise technique for strength training and cardiovascular activity.
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Pilates instructor vs 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 personal trainer skills
  • CPR, 23%
  • Customer Service, 21%
  • Resuscitation, 7%
  • Fitness Programs, 7%
  • NASM, 5%
  • Physical Fitness, 4%

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