According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for Athletic Trainers is $54,650 per year, while Fitness Instructors earn an average of $45,870 annually. As a result, Fitness Instructors earn a lower salary than Athletic Trainers.
However, it's important to keep in mind that the amount of pay an employee receives can be influenced by factors like location, experience, and the specific setting in which they work. In particular, Athletic Trainers working in Washington DC (with a wage of $67,760 on average) may have higher salaries than those in West Virginia ($43,950). To give another example, the average salary of Fitness Instructors in New York is 80% higher compared to those in Kansas.
Athletic Trainers vs Fitness Instructors overview
Athletic Trainers and Fitness Instructors are two important roles in the Educational Services industry. There is a common interest in understanding the differences between these job titles, as well as the average salaries for each.
Athletic Trainer job description
Athletic Trainers evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.
Athletic Trainer education and experience
The majority of Athletic Trainers (54%) have obtained a Master's Degree. However, among employees in this occupation, there are also some with a Bachelor's Degree (37%) and a High School Diploma (8%). Regarding experience, 43% of Athletic Trainer jobs require a 2 to 4 years of experience in the field. A smaller percentage of jobs (40%) require a previous experience of 1 to 2 years.
Athletic Trainer average salary
As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States had a workforce of 26,070 Athletic Trainers in 2021 and they earned an average of $54,650 per year. The lowest earning 10 percent made $36,960 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $76,180 or more per year. Compared to the previous year, the average salary has grown by 4.6%.
Do Athletic Trainers make good money?
Athletic Trainers are not typically well paid, as their average salary is 6% lower than the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Furthermore, they earn 11% less than the average wage of the Educational Services industry ($61,620).
Athletic Trainers are not typically well paid, as their average salary is 6% lower than the average wage in the United States ($58,260).
Athletic Trainers job growth
There has been a decrease in the employment of Athletic Trainers in the last two years. In 2021, there have been 1,360 less positions than the previous year nationwide, which marks a decrease of 5%. Job growth has averaged -0.9% for the last 3 years.
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 this field also includes some employees who have a High School Diploma (14%) and an Associate's Degree (10%). Regarding experience, about a third of Fitness Instructor occupations require a 6 months to 1 year of previous experience working in the field. A smaller number of roles (14%) require a previous experience of 1 to 3 months.
Fitness Instructor average salary
As stated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States employed 221,600 Fitness Instructors in 2021, and the average income they earned annually was $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
The demand for Fitness Instructors in the workforce has decreased 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%. The average job growth rate for the past 3 years has been -9.6%.
FAQ
Do Athletic Trainers or Fitness Instructors make more?
Athletic Trainers make 19% more than Fitness Instructors. The average annual salary for Fitness Instructors is $45,870, compared to $54,650 for Athletic Trainers.
How long does it take to become an Athletic Trainer vs Fitness Instructor?
Athletic Trainers typically need a Master's Degree. A Master's Degree itself usually takes between 2 years and 3 years to obtain. And, given that a Bachelor's Degree is a prerequisite, it could take around 7 years to complete the full educational process. On the other hand, Fitness Instructors typically need a Post-Secondary Certificate. A Post-Secondary Certificate usually takes between 1 year and 2 years to obtain.
Is it harder to become an Athletic Trainer vs Fitness Instructor?
It is more difficult to become an Athletic Trainer than a Fitness Instructor, since it takes 5 more years of education.