Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $51,680 +11.9% vs national
Median hourly $24.85
10th percentile $30,360
90th percentile $98,480
Employed locally 15,160
National median $46,180

Compare Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Chicago, IL-IN stacks up on salary and cost of living.

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Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
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Chicago, IL-IN
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $30,360
    25th
    $35,200
    50th (median)
    $51,680
    75th
    $77,730
    90th
    $98,480

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors salary vs area income 58% Median Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors salary is 42% 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
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $78,160
    Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT $73,880
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $56,850
    Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $52,510
    Illinois $50,290
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $49,230

    Related occupations in Chicago, IL-IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Childcare Workers $34,110
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $35,560
    Recreation Workers $34,100
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $31,350
    Animal Caretakers $35,090
    Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $30,490

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors in Chicago, IL-IN is $24.85, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $45.63 or more per hour.

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

    The median Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 11.9% above 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 Chicago?

    Entry-level Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors (10th percentile) earn around $30,360 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $35,200.