The Highest Paying Fitness Jobs

If you’d rather focus on crunching abs than numbers, it’s worth taking a calculated approach when deciding on the direction of your fitness career.

The industry is booming, career sectors are varied and the potential to earn decent coins is just a (life-changing) decision away.

So, what are the highest paid fitness jobs, and how can you secure a profitable position in the fitness industry?

The Fitness Sector

Fitness or Gym Instructors are usually self-employed and may work for a number of health and fitness facilities. To work in this sector, you must be accredited with a Certificate III in Fitness, however, a Certificate IV in Fitness will allow you to obtain specialised roles such as in exercise therapy. Most instructors are paid an hourly rate, with an average yearly salary of up to $50,000.

Personal Trainers are also employed by fitness centres but often run their own PT business or franchise. A Certificate IV in Fitness is mandatory for this role and a Diploma of Fitness is highly regarded. PTs can earn up to $136,000 per annum, and there is strong earning potential in this role when you obtain additional qualifications like Sports Science or Human Movement degrees and maximise customer benefits across multiple service areas like group fitness classes, rehabilitation and massage therapy.

The Sport Sector

Sponsorship Managers have high-level experience in sourcing and servicing sponsors, and are typically employed by larger commercial businesses. Fitness degrees are highly regarded, although sales qualifications and experience (normally at least 5 years) often take precedence. Due to the commission structure and the scale of services, there are significant variances in salaries, however, individuals can earn up to $100,000 a year.

Events Managers are usually employed by larger organisations and are responsible for the overall management of full-scale events within major sporting bodies. Fitness qualifications with a focus on event management are ideal. Depending on the scale of the event portfolio and the level of commercialisation, salaries can vary from $60,000 up to $150,000 per year.

The Leisure Sector

Centre Managers' roles primarily exist in local government and community-based organisations, with some centres tailoring services to a specific market segment and others offering a range of services across the full spectrum of health, fitness and leisure. Fitness qualifications and/or venue management qualifications are highly regarded. Again, salaries vary depending on the scale of the venue but can range from $60,000 to $90,000 per annum.

Recreation Officers are typically employed by university sport and leisure organisations, community-based businesses or local government agencies. Human Movement qualifications, as well as at least two years of experience in the role, are often pre-requisites. Salaries can range from $35,000 to $40,000 a year.

The Coaching Sector

Sports Coaches specialise in a particular sport, and an individual’s proficiency can vary from voluntary roles through to elite roles in highly commercialised arenas. There are no specific qualifications, however, most have a broad knowledge base and vast experience in the sport in which they’re involved. For Senior Coaches, Certificate or Bachelor qualifications are required. Typical salaries can range from $35,000 to $60,000 per year for general coaching roles, and up to a hefty $500,000 for Elite National Coaches.

Ready to activate a career in one of the highest paid fitness jobs the industry has on offer?

Talk to one of our Career Advisors about your study options across a wide range of fitness courses. Call 1300 616 180 today.