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Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors in California

Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors teach individuals and groups how to exercise safely and effectively. They work in gyms, fitness studios, community centers, and sometimes client homes, demonstrating techniques, correcting form, and designing personalized fitness programs to help people meet their health goals. In California the median pay is $57,990 a year, 23% above the national median of $47,160.

$57,990median pay in California, per year
$45,350–$74,160middle half earn
43,600employed in California
$47,160U.S. median, for comparison
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What it takes

Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most hold a certificate or training program.

Skills that matter most

InstructingService OrientationSpeakingActive ListeningLearning StrategiesSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionCritical Thinking

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal ServiceEducation and TrainingEnglish LanguagePsychologyBiologyAdministration and Management

Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors.

Licenses and training in California

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors pay in other states

Related occupations

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against exercise trainers and group fitness instructors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
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O*NET-SOC 39-9031.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.