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Studio & gym classes
Group Fitness Instructor
Paid by the class, which means the schedule is the whole equation.
Typical pay
$25k-$60k
How you get in
Group fitness certification plus format training
Outlook
Steady; boutique fitness continues expanding
Group fitness instructors lead classes in strength, cycling, HIIT and similar formats. Pay is per class, so income depends entirely on how many you can teach and how much energy you have left.
A day in the life
- 5:15aArrive, set up the room and check the sound system
- 6:00aTeach the morning class
- 7:15aSecond class back to back
- 12:00pMidday class or your own training
- 4:30pBuild playlists and plan next week's formats
- 6:00pEvening classes, the busiest of the day
How to get in
Certification plus format training
Duration
2-6 months
Cost
$500-$2,500
Credential
ACE, AFAA or NASM group fitness certification
- Get a recognized group fitness certification
- Add specific format training — cycling, barre, HIIT or a branded program
- Audition at gyms and studios; they hire on energy and cueing
- Build a following, because your classes fill or they get cut
Add personal training
Duration
3-6 months
Cost
$600-$2,000
Credential
Personal training certification alongside group fitness
- Combine group classes with one-on-one clients
- Group classes market you to potential private clients continuously
- Personal training pays far more per hour
- This combination is how most instructors reach a full income
Into studio management or ownership
Duration
3-7 years
Cost
$0-$300,000
Credential
Certifications plus business experience
- Build a strong class following and teach multiple formats
- Move into a studio lead or general manager role
- Or open a boutique studio, which is capital intensive
- Management brings salary and benefits instead of per-class pay
What people love
- · Certified and teaching in months
- · Genuinely energizing community work
- · Flexible around another job
- · Boutique studios pay well per class
What wears people down
- · Paid per class, so income caps quickly
- · Split shifts — early mornings and evenings
- · Vocal strain and joint wear from demonstrating
- · Contractor status with no benefits