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Gym Instructor Courses

Gym instructors teach fitness in individual and group settings, guiding members on equipment use and leading various exercise classes to achieve goals.

    • AI Exposure: Low

      This role has a low level of AI exposure. Core skills such as adaptability, social intelligence, and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.

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  • This role has a low level of AI exposure. Core skills such as adaptability, social intelligence, and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).

How do I become a Gym Instructor?

Get qualified to work as a Gym Instructor with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

In Australia, a full time gym instructor generally earns $1,300 per week ($67,600 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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There were 37,800 people employed as gym instructors as of May 2019, with that number expected to grow to 43,900 by May 2024. There is likely to be more than 4,000 job openings a year across that span. Female gym instructors comprised 60% of the industry, which has been and is expected to remain strong in the years to come.

Source: The Labour Market Information Portal - 2019 Occupational Projections and Australian Government Job Outlook

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To become a gym instructor, you usually must complete a Certificate IV in Fitness. This course of study can take 9-12 months to complete depending on if you study full time or part time and whether you choose to study in-person, online or a mix of study modes. You will also often need to complete a practical placement, as well as earn first-aid and CPR certificates.

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Related fields of study

Sport, Fitness and Recreation

Have a passion for sports and fitness? Set your career on the right track with an accredited course in sport, fitness and recreation. Start today!

All Sport, Fitness and Recreation

Fitness

Fitness courses are designed to prepare students with everything they need for careers as personal trainers and fitness instructors. Start today!

Career opportunities

Further reading

How to get your first job in the fitness industry

29th January 2025

What can you do with a Certificate IV in Fitness?

15th October 2020

What can you do with a Certificate III in Fitness?

27th May 2021

All gym instructor courses

Gym Instructor careers

Gym instructors teach and educate trainers in both individual and group settings. Responsibilities can include everything from showing fitness centre members how to use equipment and keeping workout areas clean to teaching group classes focused on HIIT training, boxing, aqua sports, yoga and more.

Gym instructors work face-to-face with trainers of all ages, levels and abilities to help them achieve fitness goals. Depending on your qualification, you might be able to specialise in working with elderly gym members, younger trainers learning how to use equipment or athletes who want to improve in specific areas.

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