Professional Fitness Careers

If you are interested in a career in fitness, you're in luck. The field is booming, according to CNNMoney.com. Fitness jobs will increase by more than 27 percent by 2014 compared to 2004. Fitness professionals need to have good social skills as their jobs involve working directly with people. If this sounds like a good fit for you, many options are available in this growing career field.

Personal Trainer

Personal trainers work with individuals or small groups to instruct, motivate and inspire people to reach their fitness goals. Personal trainers generally work in gyms or in their client’s homes. Certification through a professional organization is mandatory for most personal trainer jobs. Many personal trainers hold degrees in related fields such as health, nutrition or exercise science. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a personal trainer and aerobics instructors as of 2009 is $35,340 per year.

Fitness Instructor

Fitness instructors conduct exercise classes. Their job is to motivate the class participants and ensure that they use proper form to avoid injury. Gyms and fitness centers employ fitness instructors, although many instructors are self-employed. Fitness instructors typically have or are working towards professional certification. Yoga and Pilates instructors require specialized training in their field. Most fitness instructors earn between $19,000 and $45,000 per year.

Gym Teacher

Gym teachers instruct students on physical fitness and health subjects. Classes are usually active and focus around sports activities. School districts employ gym teachers to work at grade schools, middle schools and high schools. Gym teacher jobs require a bachelor’s degree, usually in physical education, and a state teaching certificate. Gym teachers earn between $34,000 and $62,000 per year.

Sports Massage Therapist

Sports massage therapists focus their practice on providing services to professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts. This type of massage focuses on pain management and increasing range of motion to avoid injuries. Education requirements vary by state; certification or licensing is usually necessary. The income for massage therapists ranges between $34,000 and $54,000 per year.

Sports Medicine Physician

Sports medicine physicians treat injuries associated with sports and athletic activities. Professional sports teams and universities employ sports medicine doctors to maintain the health of their athletes. Like other medical doctors, sports medicine physicians need an undergraduate degree, followed by four years of medical school followed by two to six years of residency. These professionals command high salaries, with incomes ranging between $250,000 and $750,000 per year.