How Much Can You Earn As a Fitness Instructor? And do you Need Any Qualifications?

Are you a practical-minded person? Looking to start a career that won’t make you wait ten years for a reasonable income and financial independence?

If so, then you might think about a career as a fitness instructor. Becoming a fitness instructor offers a quicker route to success than many careers while also providing the chance to stay active and the flexibility to work around other commitments.

But can you really earn enough to support yourself on a fitness instructor salary? Are there any qualifications you need to become one? And is it really a good career in the long run?

What You Can Expect to Earn on a Fitness Instructor Salary

In the UK, how much you earn as a fitness instructor depends a lot on the hours worked and your experience. Many roles are paid by the hour, often on a zero-hour contract or freelance basis, making it a viable option for side hustles as well.

An entry-level gym instructor typically earns between £10 and £14 per hour. For someone working full-time, this is £18-24K per annum, assuming you work full-time. Of course, one of the advantages of this working style is that it’s flexible. This is perfect for those who may want to vary their hours, such as students, parents, and carers.

With experience, that income can rise to as high as £30K if you’re working in a larger gym or leisure centre, and possibly a little higher if you’re a senior instructor.

It is possible to earn more as a self-employed fitness instructor, as the gym won’t officially be taking any of your income. Self-employed instructors typically earn between £20 and £30 per hour. However, they also have to deal with the challenges of insecure work and need to attract and retain clients.

Now, if all that sounds a little disheartening, then don’t panic. Working as a fitness instructor might not earn you a lot on its own, but it can be the beginning of something big.

The Difference Between Fitness Instructors & Personal Trainers

While both work in the same industry, fitness instructors and personal trainers are quite different. A fitness instructor typically leads group classes, runs gym floor sessions and supports general members. Their focus is on helping people safely use equipment, follow class routines and maintain motivation.

Personal trainers, on the other hand, work with clients on a one-to-one basis, creating tailored exercise programmes. They assess individual needs, track progress, and adjust plans for specific goals such as weight loss, strength development, or rehabilitation. 

PTs earn significantly more than fitness instructors, with rates ranging from £35 to £60 per hour. With all that said, it’s a little easier to become a fitness instructor, which is why many use it as a stepping stone.

What Qualifications Do You Need?

In the UK, you do need qualifications to work as a fitness instructor in a gym or leisure centre. The standard entry route is a Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification. This covers anatomy, exercise programming, health and safety, and gym-based support. It is the minimum requirement for most employed roles and is widely recognised across the fitness industry.

Fitness instructor training at Level 2 usually takes between 8 and 12 weeks, depending on whether you study full time, part time or online. This is great because you can train up and get qualified in a relatively short amount of time compared to other careers.

If you want to become a personal trainer later, you can progress to a level 3 qualification. This is also good for employability generally, as it shows you have strong skills.

Ultimately, while becoming a fitness instructor is unlikely to see you bringing in a six- figure salary, you can earn a solid living and progress to bigger and better things. If you’re someone who enjoys exercise, this is a great way to stay fit while doing what you love and helping others improve their health.