Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors Salary in Ames, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Ames, IA

Median annual salary $32,930 -28.7% vs national
Median hourly $15.83
10th percentile $18,000
90th percentile $46,320
Employed locally 100
National median $46,180

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Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
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Ames, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $18,000
    25th
    $23,110
    50th (median)
    $32,930
    75th
    $39,990
    90th
    $46,320

    Ames economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $71,090 2023 • Census ACS
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors salary vs area income 46% Median Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors salary is 54% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $78,160
    Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT $76,390
    Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT $73,880
    New Haven, CT $66,170
    Connecticut $65,790
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $62,050

    Nearby metros — Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    California $56,600
    Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area $54,870
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $54,480
    North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area $50,940
    Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO $50,000
    North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area $48,810

    Related occupations in Ames, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Animal Caretakers$37,050
    Recreation Workers$29,710
    Childcare Workers$27,580
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$37,400
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants$25,550
    Residential Advisors$44,660

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors make per hour in Ames?

    The median hourly wage for Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors in Ames, IA is $15.83, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $25.61 or more per hour.

    Is Ames above or below average for Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors salaries?

    The median Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors salary in Ames, IA is 28.7% below the national median of $46,180. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors in Ames?

    Entry-level Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors (10th percentile) earn around $18,000 per year in Ames, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $23,110.