What Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors this way: "Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Explain and enforce safety rules and regulations governing sports, recreational activities, and the use of exercise equipment"; "Offer alternatives during classes to accommodate different levels of fitness"; "Plan routines, choose appropriate music, and choose different movements for each set of muscles, depending on participants' capabilities and limitations"; "Observe participants and inform them of corrective measures necessary for skill improvement"; "Teach proper breathing techniques used during physical exertion".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 388,400 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 416,900 in 2035, an increase of 28,500 jobs (+7.3%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 68,000 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 17.5% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 14.8% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $47,160, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors earn the most
Across the 9 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $43,353 in Virginia to $57,014 in California, a gap of $13,661 (1.32 times). 3 of those 9 states average above the BLS national median of $47,160 and 6 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 42,740, which is 20.2% of the 211,440 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 32,310.
Highest-paying states
California ($57,014), New York ($52,177) and New Jersey ($52,127) lead the ranking, while Virginia ($43,353) and Indiana ($44,091) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors: pay against the cost of living
We compare 9 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Lake County, IN (Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN) at $18,143. The smallest margin is $1,953 in Kings County, NY.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 9 of the 9 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 33.3% and 76.4% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Recreation Workers belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (39-9000) include Childcare Workers.
Frequently asked questions about Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
How much do Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $47,160. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $43,353 to $57,014.
Which state pays Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $57,014. New York is next at $52,177.
Is Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 7.3% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 68,000 openings a year.
What education do Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Lake County, IN leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $18,143 on a median wage of $47,680.