The American Council on Exercise (ACE) has released findings from its 2010 salary survey of fitness professionals. Nearly 3,000 fitness professionals completed the survey, conducted by an independent third-party research firm. The results reveal an overall increase in annual salary rates and benefits for full-time fitness professionals across all categories.
“We believe that the information gained from this survey will prove to be incredibly valuable for fitness professionals, as well as facility managers and owners,” said Scott Goudeseune, ACE president and CEO. “We hope that the survey results provide guidance for career-defining decisions, as they showcase the incredible amount of opportunity that exists within the fitness industry. Even in the midst of a recession, the average salary rates for full-time fitness professionals, personal trainers and club owners have exponentially increased from 2005, which only reiterates the stability of this industry.”
A summary of the findings:
- Increased Average Salary Rates for Full-Time Professionals: Since 2005, the annual salary rates for full-time personal trainers have increased almost 20 percent. Salaries for professionals with Group Fitness Instructor certifications have also increased over the past five years, while part-time salaries have generally declined.
- Average Salary by State/Region and Fitness Certification Type: The top five locations reporting the highest annual income for fitness professionals include the District of Columbia, Rhode Island, Oklahoma, Kansas and Maine. Overall, full-time fitness professionals are earning more across most regions compared to 2005, the exception being personal trainers in the Northwest. Professionals with Personal Training or Group Fitness Instructor certifications earn the most money in the Northeast, whereas full-time lifestyle and weight management consultants and advanced health and fitness specialists earn the most in the North Central region.
- Education Levels Positively Related to Salary Levels: In general, education levels are positively related to salary levels, particularly to full-time salaries. Advanced fitness consultants and specialists who also hold a bachelor’s degree earn 24 percent more than those with advanced certifications who have only some college. Furthermore, professionals who hold advanced certifications and a Master’s degree earn 16 percent more than personal trainers with a Master’s degree and 45 percent more than group fitness instructors with a Master’s degree.
- Most Popular Fitness Job Titles: Group fitness instructors and personal trainers still remain as the top job titles among fitness professionals, followed by fitness directors, advanced health and fitness specialists, Pilates instructors, group fitness directors and club owners. Not surprisingly, club owners earn the most money between both full-time and part-time fitness workers.
- Increase in Employee Benefits Offered to Full-Time Fitness Professionals: Over the last five years, employee benefits have become more prevalent among full-time fitness professionals. However, seven out of 10 part-time workers are not receiving any benefits, including health coverage. On average, across all benefit categories, advanced fitness specialists and consultants receive up to seven percent more in employee benefits.
For a complete survey summary including detailed charts and salary figures reference the latest issue of ACE Certified News® found on the ACE website at http://www.acefitness.org/certifiednews/11/september-2010.
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