Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for weight training instructors in the United States
Are weight training instructor jobs in demand?
Weight training instructor job and salary trends over time
Weight training instructor jobs over time
Weight training instructor job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 246 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 276 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 362 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 343 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 311 | 0.00% |
Average weight training instructor salary over time
Weight training instructor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $48,809 | $23.47 | +0.3% |
| 2024 | $48,665 | $23.40 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $47,978 | $23.07 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | $47,243 | $22.71 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $45,978 | $22.10 | +5.5% |
Weight training instructor jobs by state
Most common states for weight training instructors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 105 | 18% |
| 2 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 159 | 15% |
| 3 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 101 | 15% |
| 4 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,079 | 13% |
| 5 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 732 | 13% |
| 6 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 630 | 13% |
| 7 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 169 | 13% |
| 8 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,290 | 12% |
| 9 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 365 | 12% |
| 10 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 165 | 12% |
| 11 | Delaware | 961,939 | 118 | 12% |
| 12 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 93 | 12% |
| 13 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,130 | 11% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 626 | 11% |
| 15 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 202 | 11% |
| 16 | Alaska | 739,795 | 81 | 11% |
| 17 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 718 | 10% |
| 18 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 426 | 10% |
| 19 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 306 | 10% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 102 | 10% |
Most common cities for weight training instructors
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $45,698 |
| 2 | Dover | 1 | 3% | $46,456 |
| 3 | Holyoke | 1 | 2% | $57,896 |
| 4 | Tallahassee | 2 | 1% | $44,148 |
| 5 | Danbury | 1 | 1% | $55,336 |
| 6 | Springfield | 1 | 1% | $48,399 |
| 7 | Phoenix | 2 | 0% | $48,460 |
| 8 | Washington | 2 | 0% | $53,857 |
| 9 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $38,817 |
| 10 | Tucson | 1 | 0% | $48,264 |
Weight Training Instructor job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of weight training instructor experts
University of Central Missouri
Howard University
USA Rugby Football Union
Next College Student Athlete
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Brigham Young University–Hawaii
Chadron State College
CREP - Coalition for the Registration of Exercise Professionals
University of Southern Mississippi
Center of Excellence for Sport Science and Coach Education
Dr. Kenneth Bias
Professor & Program CoordinatorUniversity of Central Missouri
School of Teaching and Learning
What Weight Training Instructor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Kenneth Bias: The gap year really depends on the level in which they want to use their degree. Those going into collegiate coaching would be well served to volunteer coach to gain experience. Those choosing to go into the sports and recreation side would be better severed working on their knowledge of what opportunities there are in their region of the country and enhancing their knowledge in those areas.
What general advice would you give to a Weight Training Instructor?
Dr. Kenneth Bias: Have a plan for what it is you want to do as a career. Sports and recreation is a wide-open career area, but it can lead students to not knowing exactly what it is they want to do. Have a focus area and become as knowledgeable in that area as you can.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Weight Training Instructors?
Dr. Jason Perry: It is unclear what the long-term effects will be on the sports business industry moving forward. A lot is unknown of how live sporting events will be impacted in the future. We may find that fans do not rush back to attend games in-person as they did prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Thus, leaving some gaps in the positions that employers are hiring for in the foreseeable future.
However, it is likely that many facets of the industry will continue to move towards making processes easier for consumers through technology even after the pandemic. As a result, graduates must be tech-savvy. Further they must be flexible and possess the ability to adapt quickly as changes occur related to the pandemic. Graduates that have obtained practical work experience that has introduced them to various job responsibilities in the field can stand out in the talent pool.
A specific job experience on a graduate's resume can be the deciding factor in receiving an interview during these challenging times. Previous experience in the desired area of employment can also help graduates to adapt more quickly to working in a new position during the pandemic.
What type of skills will young Weight Training Instructors need?
Dr. Jason Perry: It is best that graduates have some of the traditional skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, organizational, and time management. In addition, depending on the position in the sports business industry, the ability to handle a fast-paced work environment is important. These skills translate well in a variety of business environments and employers are looking to add those who adapt well to their organizational landscape.
Additional skills that are key at this time include analytical, critical thinking, digital, and emotional intelligence. I think that emotional intelligence should be on the top of the list of skills that young professionals should have as they transition into careers in sports and recreation. The ability to foster meaningful relationships with people in the workplace and the capacity to manage stress, conflicts, and one's emotions is needed to finding sustainability in the profession.
What experience really stands out on Weight Training Instructor resumes?
Dr. Jason Perry: Due to the high level of competition for jobs in the industry, sports management students cannot simply wait until the pandemic is over to gain professional experience in the field. Many sports businesses and professional organizations have altered internship positions during the pandemic and are still offering opportunities to budding professionals. A growing number of professional sports organizations have implemented virtual internships, distance-learning experiences, and other programs in lieu of the traditional internships that were available prior to the pandemic. Experience in sports analytics, sales, marketing, and digital communication are areas that stand out to employers.
What general advice would you give to a Weight Training Instructor?
Jessica Dombrowski: It's the oldest piece of advice in the book, but don't give up, and don't settle. If you know what you want to do or where you want to do it, then keep at it because eventually, you will get there. I know too many people that have taken a job just for a paycheck or something to do and then get stuck. If something doesn't excite you or drive you to become better, then what are you getting out of it? Stick to your guns and don't give up!
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Weight Training Instructor job market given the pandemic?
Jessica Dombrowski: I think we will continue to see more remote access opportunities, from online webinars and courses to more open forum discussion platforms. All of our members have been too enthusiastic about any online educational opportunities; this has given us a chance to think more creatively about what type of content we can deliver and give us a broader audience.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Weight Training Instructors?
Lisa Strasman: With many companies operating remotely throughout the pandemic, recent college graduates face unique circumstances as they enter the workforce. Instead of happy hours with new co-workers, many recent college grads find themselves logging into work from their living room. Great companies find ways to maintain a strong company culture and team unity even in a remote environment. Recent grads should seek out organizations where they can embrace the culture and mission, regardless of where their desk may be located.
What type of skills will young Weight Training Instructors need?
Lisa Strasman: Adaptability, great communication skills, time-management, strong work ethic/grit, teamwork, resilience, humility.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Weight Training Instructors to find work opportunities?
Lisa Strasman: I am not sure which field specifically you are referring to, so I'll go with working in sports. If you want to work for a team, you will likely need to be in the city that the team resides. Fortunately, most major cities have multiple professional and semi-professional teams. Other sports organizations such as NCSA have a national presence. NCSA has transitioned to a remote-first culture, and team members can work from anywhere within the U.S.
Julie Richardson
Professor of Exercise ScienceKentucky Wesleyan College
Department of Exercise Science
What type of skills will young Weight Training Instructors need?
Julie Richardson: With technology continuing to advance, the world is faced with an oversaturation of information that is readily available in the palm of one's hand. Young graduates must be fluent in many fields to remain competitive and provide innovative ideas to their specific clientele. Increasing one's knowledge within the liberal arts will allow them to cater to a broader range of individuals, which will increase their odds of impressing potential employers.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Weight Training Instructors to find work opportunities?
Julie Richardson: As the world becomes more aware of the detrimental effects of society's current lifestyle, more opportunities will arise within the health sciences. Graduates should pursue higher education within this field to gain an edge over other applicants. This will allow them to access the many job opportunities available in research labs and sports facilities.
What experience really stands out on Weight Training Instructor resumes?
Joel Reece Ph.D.: I teach my students that the experience that stands out most on a resume is the experience that best matches the job posting. A resume is only a selected snapshot of your experiences. Choose to display the experiences you have had with what the job posting is looking for.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Weight Training Instructors in the next 3-5 years?
Joel Reece Ph.D.: I think the use of wearable technology used by both fitness and health care professionals to observe, monitor, and encourage behavior change among clients will become a more normal practice. Learn how to use the data provided by wearable technology to teach about personal behavioral patterns and opportunities to improve health and quality of life.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Weight Training Instructors in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Brittany Helmbrecht: Recording technology, whether as simple as a phone or as complex as a dedicated studio set, is up to the fitness professional. I have completed workouts during the pandemic on Facebook Live, Instagram, and YouTube from the comfort of my own home.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Weight Training Instructors in the next 5 years?
Dr. Brittany Helmbrecht: I am not sure. I hope this pandemic has caused people to evaluate their health and make positive changes, but I can't say it has. I believe the difference in fitness delivery, when fitness centers and gyms were shut down, changed the fitness industry and how people prefer to work out. Though there are still many who went back to fitness centers as soon as possible, I think many recognized how easy it could be to work out in your own home.
Brian Biagioli
Immediate Past PresidentCREP - Coalition for the Registration of Exercise Professionals
What type of skills will young Weight Training Instructors need?
Brian Biagioli: Regardless of the type of job a professional pursues in the fitness or sports industry, employers cite three critical areas of deficiency among new graduates: (1) business acumen and communication skills; (2) proficiency in human engagement; and (3) a lack of organizational efficiencies, related to task completion. Many graduates have a skill set associated with the technical competencies of being in the fitness or sports industry; these are often tested successfully on certification exams, but they lack business and corporate/organizational insight. These skills require positive internship experiences and mentoring and should be a capstone of any educational process.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Weight Training Instructors?
Brian Biagioli: Covid has had a diverse impact on the fitness industry; in the positive sense, it has restored work-life balance for some, forced others contemplating entrepreneurial pursuits to leap successfully, and made facilities realize the importance of engagement relationships in maintaining a clientele. Additionally, depending on the political theatre following the election and signs pointing to a potential Covid-rebound, many more exercise professionals will likely embrace the different opportunities to train online, write and manage individual programs, and even establish home-based businesses the industry pivots further away from a club-based, face-to-face interaction. As for the different sized boxes, the overhead the facility carries and where it's located will determine the level and effects of ongoing business stress. That said, 2021, as a whole, will bring a new demand for exercise professionals to replace those who have left the clubs and the industry altogether.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Weight Training Instructors to find work opportunities?
Jeff Mitchell: I encourage young graduates to choose where they want to live and thrive and limit their work options based solely on location. We're seeing more flexibility in the workplace today as remote collaboration has proven successful.
How do you envision technology impacting Weight Training Instructors in the next 5 years?
Jeff Mitchell: Technology unites us across distance and exists as a critically valuable asset for the business. Graduates who enter the workforce with experience using advanced tools or openness to adopt them will find their transition to work more welcoming and empowering. Similarly, leaders can differentiate how to problem solve and create innovative solutions by leveraging data to improve fiscal operations, team engagement, and human resource management.
How do you envision technology impacting Weight Training Instructors in the next 5 years?
Meg Stone: In the past ten years or so, technology has become an ever-increasing part of the sport both at the grassroots level and especially at the collegiate and professional level. This discrepancy is mainly due to cost. Schools at the D1 level with a big budget have invested heavily in technology to support their programs. It is my opinion this serves two purposes.
Firstly, a genuine effort to quantify exactly what factors influence athletic development. Secondly, and much less important, is the recruiting aspect. Young recruits are heavily influenced by "bells and whistles," and demonstrating these tools in recruiting can be an advantage. Professional sports have benefited substantially from technological advancement in sports such as soccer. Alex Ferguson, while manager of Manchester United, has been quoted as saying that one of the main reasons for that team's success was developments in sport science, particularly GPS tracking systems.
I believe presently we are reaching a plateau in the application of technology in sport, but there will always be ongoing developments. However, I believe the application of technology in sport is slowing considerably compared with the past ten years. Technology in the future may take us into the realm of Star Trek with transports etc. My concern is for the role of the coach, the human relationship with the athlete, the coaching eye (which is very much undervalued), and the motivational aspect through human interaction.