Aerobics Instructors and Fitness Trainers

Although aerobics instructors are usually paid by the class, in 2024, they earned a median hourly rate of $20.95, according to PayScale.com. Most earned between between $10.38 and $40.00 per hour. Salary.com reports that fitness instructors had average annual earnings of $46,792 in 2024, with most earning between $34,433 and $65,443 per year. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that fitness workers such as aerobics instructors had median annual earnings of $46,480 in May 2023. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $26,840, and the highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $80,740 annually.

Although a professional sports season lasts only about six months, athletes train year-round to remain in shape and require trainers to guide them. Many personal trainers are paid on a client-by-client basis. Contracts are drawn up, and the payment is agreed upon before the training starts. Some trainers get paid more or less depending on the results.

A compensation survey by the health and fitness organization IDEA reports that many employers offer full-time employees health insurance and paid sick and vacation time. They also may provide discounts on products sold in the club (such as shoes, clothes, and equipment) and free memberships to use the facility.