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Weight training instructor vs personal trainer

The differences between weight training 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 weight training instructor and a personal trainer. Additionally, a weight training instructor has an average salary of $48,809, which is higher than the $37,214 average annual salary of a personal trainer.

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

Weight training instructor vs personal trainer overview

Weight Training InstructorPersonal Trainer
Yearly salary$48,809$37,214
Hourly rate$23.47$17.89
Growth rate19%19%
Number of jobs46,02734,023
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age3737
Years of experience1212

Weight training instructor vs personal trainer salary

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

Weight Training InstructorPersonal Trainer
Average salary$48,809$37,214
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $71,000Between $26,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-AEA Investors
Best paying industry-Retail

Differences between weight training instructor and personal trainer education

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

Weight Training InstructorPersonal Trainer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorKinesiologyKinesiology
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Weight training instructor vs personal trainer demographics

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

Weight Training InstructorPersonal Trainer
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 59.4% Female, 40.6%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 weight training instructor and personal trainer duties and responsibilities

Weight training instructor example responsibilities.

  • Manage LEGO camps using set curriculum.
  • Develop courses to accommodate males and females ranging from inactive students to NCAA competitive athletes.
  • Provide professional personal training and group exercise instruction services for individuals of all ages and ability levels, including rehabilitation phases.
  • Gather data, compiles statistics, and prepares reports for submission to PRT supervisor/leadership as directed.
  • Participate in developing, implementing, and maintaining medical treatment facility PRT orient services to enhance resiliency of care providers.
  • Manage LEGO camps using set curriculum.

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.
  • Show more

Weight training instructor vs personal trainer skills

Common weight training instructor skills
  • Weight Loss, 40%
  • Strength Training, 23%
  • Training Programs, 14%
  • Training Curriculum, 8%
  • Training Sessions, 6%
  • Training Materials, 5%
Common personal trainer skills
  • CPR, 23%
  • Customer Service, 21%
  • Resuscitation, 7%
  • Fitness Programs, 7%
  • NASM, 5%
  • Physical Fitness, 4%

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