Fitness Instructors vs Physical Therapists salary

As stated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary for Fitness Instructors is $45,870, compared to $92,920 for Physical Therapists. This shows that the pay for Physical Therapists is much higher than for Fitness Instructors.

Keep in mind, however, that factors such as location, experience, and the specific workplace can affect salary. For instance, Fitness Instructors in New York may have higher earnings (averaging $61,840 per year) compared to those in Kansas ($34,270). As another example, the average salary of Physical Therapists in Nevada is 28% higher than those in North Dakota.

Fitness Instructors vs Physical Therapists overview

Fitness Instructors and Physical Therapists are fundamental to the Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries and Health Care Services industries respectively. People are often interested in learning about the differences between these occupations, as well as the average pay for each.

Fitness Instructor job description

Alternative names: Personal Trainers, Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

Fitness Instructors 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.

Fitness Instructor education and experience

Most Fitness Instructors (57%) have completed a Post-Secondary Certificate. But additionally, among employees with this job title, there are also some with a High School Diploma (14%) and an Associate's Degree (10%). When it comes to experience, about a third of Fitness Instructor occupations require a 6 months to 1 year of previous work-related experience. A smaller number of roles (14%) require a previous experience of 1 to 3 months.

Fitness Instructor average salary

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 221,600 Fitness Instructors employed in the United States in 2021, and they earned an average annual income of $45,870. The bottom 10 percent had earnings of $22,960 or less, and the top 10 percent had earnings of $75,940 or more. The average salary has increased by 0.5% in comparison to the previous year.

Do Fitness Instructors make good money?

The mean salary of Fitness Instructors is 21% below the average wage in the United States ($58,260). However, they make about a quarter more than the mean earnings of the Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries industry ($36,910).

The mean salary of Fitness Instructors is 21% below the average wage in the United States ($58,260).

Fitness Instructors job growth

There has been a decrease in the employment of Fitness Instructors in the last two years. In 2021, there have been 26,470 less positions than the previous year across the nation, and that marks a decrease of 10.7%. Job growth has averaged -9.6% over the past 3 years.

Physical Therapist job description

Physical Therapists assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

Physical Therapist education and experience

About a half of Physical Therapists hold a Doctoral Degree, 38% have a Master's Degree, and 8% hold a Bachelor's Degree. Regarding experience, about a third of Physical Therapist jobs require no previous experience. A smaller part of jobs (23%) require a previous experience of 1 to 2 years.

Physical Therapist average salary

As stated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States employed 225,350 Physical Therapists in 2021, and the mean income they earned annually was $92,920. The bottom 10 percent had earnings of $61,930 or less, and the top 10 percent had earnings of $127,110 or more. The average salary has grown by 1.4% compared the previous year.

Do Physical Therapists make good money?

Physical Therapists are usually paid well, as their average salary is 59% higher than the average salary in the United States ($58,260). Additionally, they earn about a third more than the average pay of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).

Physical Therapists are usually paid well, as their average salary is 59% higher than the average salary in the United States ($58,260).

Physical Therapists job growth

In 2021, there have been 4,480 more Physical Therapist roles than the previous year nationwide, which marks a growth of 2%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged -0.4%.

FAQ

Do Fitness Instructors or Physical Therapists make more?

The average earnings of Physical Therapists are 103% higher than those of Fitness Instructors. On average, Fitness Instructors make $45,870 per year, while Physical Therapists make $92,920.

How long does it take to become a Fitness Instructor vs Physical Therapist?

Fitness Instructors typically need a Post-Secondary Certificate. A Post-Secondary Certificate usually takes between 1 year and 2 years to obtain. On the other hand, Physical Therapists typically need a Doctoral Degree. A Doctoral Degree itself usually takes between 4 years and 6 years to obtain. However, if we consider that a Master's Degree is required beforehand, it might take around 13 years to complete the full education.

Is it harder to become a Fitness Instructor vs Physical Therapist?

Becoming a Physical Therapist is much more difficult than becoming a Fitness Instructor, since an additional 11 years of education are required.