For a fitness professional, understanding the field is important to your success in the rapidly growing industry. The American fitness industry commands a whole 5 billion dollars in paid gym subscriptions. Furthermore, there is an opportunity for more subscriptions to fitness centers. According to CDC, 70% of persons aged over 20 years are overweight whereas 35% have been diagnosed with obesity in the United States. Besides, there has been increased awareness about fitness and healthy living habits.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fitness and recreational sports centers employed 533,200 people in 2014, and jobs are expected to grow 8% by 2024.  Fitness trainers and instructors held about 279,100 jobs in 2014. The industries that employed the most fitness trainers and instructors were as follows:

  • Fitness and recreational sports centers – 58%
  • Civic and social organizations – 12%
  • Educational services; state, local, and private – 5%
  • Government – 4%
  • Healthcare and social assistance – 4%

As businesses, government, and insurance organizations continue to recognize the benefits of health and fitness programs for their employees, incentives to join gyms or other types of health clubs are expected to increase the need for fitness trainers and instructors. For example, some organizations may open their own exercise facilities onsite to promote employee wellness.

Other employment growth will come from the continuing emphasis on exercise to combat obesity and encourage healthier lifestyles for people of all ages. In particular, the baby-boom generation should continue to remain active to help prevent injuries and illnesses associated with aging.

Employment trends

If you’ve trained as a fitness professional, employments opportunities are available. Today, there are vast work opportunities in recreation centers, fitness facilities, work studios, and other commercial enterprises. As long as you are well trained and acquainted with the emerging trends in the industry, finding a good paying job will be easy.

Wages per state

Secondly, the fitness professional needs to know about the wages in different states. This will enable him/her to choose where to establish their businesses and the rates to charge. For instance, based on BLS, California employed 27540 fitness instructors and trainers by 2015 and paid them an average of $23.82 per hour compared to New York employment of 15970 individuals at an hourly wage of $ 28.76.

Having a good understanding of the industry is core to the success of any fitness instructor. For more salary and income statistics visit the Department of Labor Statistics.