Industry job expected to grow through 2020, but compensation and benefits are stagnant or declining
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — IDEA Health & Fitness Association, the leading membership organization of fitness professionals worldwide, has published the results of its 2013 IDEA Fitness Industry Compensation Trends Report. The report was compiled from the responses of 1,532 professionals and provides information on current wages in the fitness industry.
The survey covered a diverse cross-section of topics related to compensation from different fitness industry positions, including fitness/program directors, personal training directors, group exercise coordinators, personal trainers, fitness floor staff, group fitness instructors and yoga/Pilates instructors. The survey revealed that all nonsupervisory positions are above the national average ($20.06 per hour, April 2013) except the position of fitness floor staff, which averages $10.75 per hour.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, jobs in the fitness industry are expected to grow at the "faster than average" rate of 24% between 2010 and 2020. However some industry positions including personal trainers, fitness floor staff and yoga/Pilates instructors have experienced a decline in hourly pay. The average hourly rate for personal training declined to $30.50 from $34.75 in 2008.
"While the U.S. Labor statistics show robust growth in the industry, fitness professionals are facing increased competition. With the decrease we are seeing in personal training costs, more consumers should be able to afford personal training sessions," says Kathie Davis, executive director of IDEA Health & Fitness Association.
In addition to reporting on current fitness wage and salary trends, the survey also provides details on benefits, hiring, and pay raise and promotion criteria. Highlights from the 2013 report include:
- Over half of the facilities (57%) provide an education fund for staff members, with 10% covering the entire cost of continuing education and 47% providing partial coverage.
- A personal trainer who is classified as an employee receives on average 52% of the client fee when splitting with a facility, while a personal trainer who is classified as an independent contractor receives 60% of the split.
- For the first time in 7 years, the percentage of group exercise coordinators who are salaried has increased (53% in 2013; 50% in 2006; 47% in 2008; and 44% in 2010).
- This year's survey, asked program directors to report the average session fees for various session lengths. Average fees range from $34.50 for 30 minutes to $91 for 90 minutes.
- The hourly rate for Group Fitness instructors increased to $26 per hour after a decline in 2010 ($24.50).
- Of the facilities surveyed 65% employ Pilates or yoga instructors. They earn an average of $32.50 per hour.
- Group exercise instructors in the Southwest make significantly more per hour ($30) than those who live in the North Central region of the United States ($20).
Detailed results from the 2013 IDEA Fitness Industry Compensation Trends Report are available to the media at http://www.ideafit.com/files/ifj201309-compensation-survey.pdf.
Contact:
Kelly Nakai
IDEA Health & Fitness Association
858.535.8979, ext. 212