For those passionate about health, the fitness industry offers a wide range of exciting and rewarding job opportunities. The industry is currently booming with gyms, fitness businesses and new health products all experiencing serious growth. Health and fitness is now a major focus for millions and millions of people in the UK. This also means there’s a healthy job market out there. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a look at the key aspects when it comes to fitness jobs. We’ll take a look at salary expectations, required qualifications and potential career progression paths before heading into some of the best jobs in fitness. 

Whether you’re just starting out with your career or looking to take your role to the next level, there’s a fitness job out there that suits your skills, interests and aspirations. 

Salary expectations for fitness jobs

You may love health and fitness – I certainly do – but one of the most common questions we all ask before assessing a job or career is, ‘How much can I earn?’ The truth is, salary expectations for fitness jobs can vary greatly depending on factors such as your role, experience, qualifications and location. 

With entry-level positions, such as gym instructors or assistants, salaries typically start at around £20,000 per year. However, as you gain experience, acquire more qualifications and move up the career ladder, your earning potential can increase significantly. Specialising in a particular area, such as strength and conditioning or sports nutrition, can also lead to higher salaries. Take a look at our guide to strength and conditioning jobs.

For example, personal trainers can earn anywhere from £20,000 to £50,000 or more per year. This all depends on their client base and the services they offer. You can read more on how much do personal trainers earn here. Gym managers and especially gym owners have the potential to earn even more, with some successful entrepreneurs generating six-figure incomes. 

Earnings can start to skyrocket when you own your own business or product. Here, your income is directly tied to your ability to attract and retain clients and customers, market your services effectively and deliver exceptional results. This isn’t easy, which is why the rewards can be high. 

Other roles, such as sports psychologists or physiotherapists, may require additional education and university level qualifications. Full qualification takes years to achieve but these types of fitness jobs do tend to command higher salaries. 

What qualifications do I need to get a job in fitness?

The qualifications required for fitness jobs will vary depending on the specific role, employer and area of the industry you go into. However, most entry-level positions, such as gym instructors or fitness coaches, will require a minimum of a Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification. This foundational certification provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to safely and effectively guide others through exercise routines and basic fitness principles.

To advance your career and qualify for higher-paying roles, such as 1-to-1 personal training, you’ll need to obtain a Level 3 Personal Trainer certification. This comprehensive course cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition and advanced training techniques to prepare you when it comes to designing personalised fitness programmes for clients.

Specialising in a particular area of fitness can also enhance your employability and earning potential. For example, completing additional certifications in sports massage, strength and conditioning, nutrition or pre and post natal training can help you niche down and stand out in a competitive job market.

As you progress in your fitness career, or if you have specific ideas of what you want to do, you may consider further education, such as a university degree in exercise science, psychology or a sports-related business field.

Whilst university degrees can certainly open doors to higher-paying positions, it’s not always necessary to succeed in the fitness industry. Many fitness jobs prioritise practical skills, experience and relevant certifications over formal education. If you’re interested, take a look at our post on high paying jobs without a degree. That said, these advanced qualifications are likely to be needed for roles such as sports psychologists, physiotherapists or high-performance coaches.

In addition to formal qualifications, successful fitness professionals need to possess a range of key skills and personal qualities. These include excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to motivate and inspire others, a passion for continuous learning and a strong sense of empathy and understanding. Developing these soft skills alongside your technical knowledge will no doubt help you build a thriving career in the fitness industry.

Types of fitness jobs

The fitness industry is a broad field with a diverse range of job opportunities. Because of the variety, ‘fitness’ caters to a wide array of interests, skills and places of work. 

Some fitness jobs focus on the physical aspects of training. These include such as designing exercise programs, leading group classes or working one-on-one with clients to improve their strength, help them lose weight or improve overall fitness.

Other roles, such as sports nutritionists or physiotherapists, take a more scientific approach, using their knowledge of anatomy, physiology and nutrition to help clients optimise their health and performance. These professionals often work in more clinical settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centres or clinics.

Fitness jobs can also be found in educational settings, such as schools and universities, where physical education teachers and coaches help students develop a lifelong love of physical activity and healthy living. I know my primary school PE teacher was crucial in developing my love for fitness. In these roles, you’ll need to be able to engage and motivate young people with a higher requirement for the softer skills.

For those interested in the business side of fitness, roles such as gym managers, business owners or equipment sales reps offer the opportunity to combine your passion for health and wellness with your entrepreneurial spirit. These positions often involve managing staff, marketing services and ensuring the running of a profitable fitness facility.

The growing field of mental wellness has also created new opportunities for fitness professionals. Roles such as sports psychologists or mind-body specialists help clients develop mental resilience, manage stress and overcome barriers to achieving their fitness goals. I think this area will only continue to grow. 

As you can see, there’s a wide range of fitness job types to suit almost every interest and skill set. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best fitness jobs. 

15 best fitness jobs and careers

1. Personal Trainer

Personal trainers work one-on-one with clients to help them achieve their health and fitness goals. Personal trainers assess their clients’ fitness levels, set realistic goals and monitor progress over time. To help hit the goals, PTs design personalised workout plans, provide guidance on proper exercise form and can also offer nutrition advice and diet plans. As a PT, you’ll need to have a minimum Level 3 Personal Training qualification.

To study your Level 3 Personal Trainer course you can choose to do this with one of our in person face to face courses or via our online, flexible study option. For our in person courses you can choose to study to become a personal trainer in London, Glasgow PT Course, Manchester Personal Trainer Courses, Bristol Personal Training Courses or many more UK locations

We even offer International study at various locations such as Bucharest` and in the UAE with our Dubai Personal Trainer Courses.

Personal trainers usually work in gyms or fitness studios or offer online training services – a great business from home idea. The majority tend to be self-employed professionals, meaning you’re also running your own business. If this is the case, it’s important to protect yourself with personal trainer insurance.

PTs need to be excellent communicators, motivators and problem-solvers, as they work with clients of diverse backgrounds and fitness levels. 

Salaries can range from £20,000 to £50,000 or more per year, depending on experience, qualifications and client base. With the right skills and entrepreneurial spirit, personal training can be a highly rewarding and lucrative fitness job. Personal trainer jobs UK can be self employed or employed roles.

2. Strength and Conditioning Coach

Strength and conditioning coaches help more specific trainers and athletes improve their strength, power, speed and agility. They tend to work with individuals or teams to optimise athletic performance and reduce the risk of injury. From S&C roles, you’ll need a certified Level 4 Strength and Conditioning qualification, on top of your Level 2 and Level 3 PT quals.

S&C coaches often work in schools, colleges, professional sports teams or private training facilities. When the role involves high level athletes, strength coaches often collaborate with other sports coaches, physiotherapists and other trainers to make sure athletes receive comprehensive support both on and off the field. 

To succeed in this role, strength and conditioning coaches need a deep understanding of exercise science, biomechanics and sports-specific training methods. Salaries can range from £25,000 to £60,000 or more per year, depending on the level of competition and the coach’s experience and qualifications. Check out our guide to strength and conditioning jobs and how to become a S&C coach for more information.

3. Gym Owner

Gym owners are entrepreneurs who oversee the overall operation and management of a fitness facility. They may run a standard gym with a variety of weight training kit or specialise in an area of fitness like functional fitness, CrossFit or Hyrox. Either way, a gym owner is responsible for setting the vision and direction of the gym, hiring and training staff, managing finances and making sure the place meets the expectations of its members. 

Gym owners must have a strong understanding of the fitness industry, as well as business acumen and leadership skills. They often work long hours, especially during the start-up phase, and must be able to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences. 

Owning a gym can be a lucrative business, with the potential for high earnings based on the success and size of the facility. But it’s hard work. It also comes with significant responsibilities and financial risks, making it a challenging but rewarding career path for passionate and driven fitness professionals.

4. Gym Manager

If owning your own gym is a step too far, a gym manager role can be the next best thing. In fact, it’s a great gym job in its own right. 

As a gym manager you’ll oversee the day-to-day operations of a fitness facility, ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently. You’ll be responsible for managing staff, handling member inquiries and complaints, maintaining equipment and facilities and implementing sales and marketing strategies to attract and retain members. 

Gym managers must have excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills, as they interact with a wide range of people and handle various challenges on a daily basis. They also need to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices to ensure that their facility remains competitive and relevant.

Salaries for gym managers can range from £25,000 to £40,000 or more per year, depending on the size and location of the facility, as well as the manager’s experience and qualifications.

5. Sports Massage Therapist

Sports massage therapists use advanced massage techniques to help individuals prevent and recover from injuries, improve flexibility and increase range of motion. A sports massage therapist assesses clients’ needs and develops treatment plans that may include pre-event and post-event massages, deep tissue massage and stretching techniques. A good sports massage therapist is worth their weight in gold for athletes. 

They may work with individual clients or as part of a sports team, providing on-site support during training and competitions. They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists and sports coaches, to ensure that athletes receive comprehensive care. 

To become a sports massage therapist, individuals typically need to complete a recognised qualification, such as a Level 3 and Level 4 Sports Massage course, and gain practical experience working with athletes and sports teams. Salaries can range from £20,000 to £35,000 or more per year, depending on experience, clientele and work setting. Check out our page on how to become a sports massage therapist. 

6. Fitness Instructor

Fitness instructors lead group exercise classes, such as yoga, Pilates, spin, weight-based classes and dance-based workouts. They can also be called gym instructors as most work in a gym or fitness centre environment. It’s possible for fitness instructors to work in an outdoor setting too. 

Fitness instructors must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they need to engage and motivate people whilst creating a safe and enjoyable workout environment. Enthusiasm is a must here! 

To become a fitness instructor in the UK, you need to hold a recognised qualification, such as a Level 2 Gym Instructor course. Salaries for gym instructors can range from £15,000 to £30,000 per year, depending on the type of classes taught, the instructor’s experience and the work setting.

7. Sports Nutritionist

Sports nutritionists help individuals to optimise their performance and recovery through evidence-based nutrition strategies. They assess dietary habits, body composition and energy requirements before developing personalised meal plans that hit the right number of macronutrient and micronutrient requirements. It’s possible to provide guidance on supplement use too.

A sports nutritionist usually works with sports teams, athletes or in private practice. Depending on the setting it’s possible that you’d be collaborating with strength and conditioning coaches, sports psychologists and other professionals to provide integrated support. 

To become a sports nutritionist, individuals typically need to hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nutrition or a related field. You may also develop the right knowledge from completing courses such as our level 3 and level 4 nutrition courses. You can also specialise further with level 4 courses on obesity and diabetes. Salaries for sports nutritionists can range from £25,000 to £45,000 or more per year.

8. PE Teacher

PE teachers play a crucial role in promoting physical activity and healthy habits among children and adolescents. They design and deliver age-appropriate lessons that develop students’ motor skills, fitness and sports knowledge. The aim should also be to create a positive attitude and relationship with exercise, so that children develop a lifelong affection for fitness – don’t underestimate the positive impact a good PE teacher can have on children! 

PE teachers must have a strong understanding of child development, exercise physiology and teaching methodologies, as well as excellent communication and behaviour management skills. They usually work in primary or secondary schools, and may also be involved in organising extracurricular sports activities and competitions. 

To become a PE teacher, individuals need to hold a bachelor’s degree in physical education or a related field, and complete a teacher training programme, such as a PGCE. Salaries for PE teachers can range from £25,000 to £40,000 or more per year as standard.

9. Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists specialise in helping people prevent, manage and recover from injuries, illnesses and disabilities. They use a combination of manual therapy techniques, exercise prescription and patient education to promote recovery, improve mobility and enhance overall physical function. 

In the context of fitness and sports, physiotherapists often work with individuals to prevent and treat sports-related injuries and develop rehabilitation programmes. They may work in treatment centres, hospitals, sports teams or you may run your own private clinic.

To become a physiotherapist, you must complete a degree in physiotherapy, which typically takes three to four years of full-time study. Salaries for physiotherapists range from £25,000 to £65,000 or more per year, depending on experience and work setting.

10. Fitness Business Owner

Fitness business owners refers to entrepreneurs who create and manage their own fitness-related companies. This can cover a wide range of areas, such as supplement brands, workout clothing companies, those creating fitness accessories and much more. 

A fitness business owner will identify market opportunities, develop innovative products and build a brand that resonates with their target audience. These entrepreneurs are responsible for all aspects of their venture, from product design to marketing and customer service. Successful fitness entrepreneurs leverage their expertise and passion to create products that solve problems or enhance the fitness experience for their customers. 

The earning potential is technically unlimited and depends on the success and scalability of the products. For example, Ben Francis’ Gymshark business is now worth more than a billion pounds! However, starting and growing a fitness product business is extremely difficult. It comes with challenges and risks, such as high startup costs and intense competition, making it a rewarding but demanding career path for passionate entrepreneurs.

11. Sports Performance Coach

Sports performance coaches work primarily with athletes to analyse and improve their technical, tactical and mental skills. As a sports performance coach you’ll use a combination of video analysis, data tracking, sport-specific drills and strength and conditioning techniques to identify areas for improvement and develop targeted training programmes.

Sports performance coaches often work with individual athletes or sports teams, collaborating with head coaches, strength and conditioning coaches and other support staff to provide integrated performance support. They must have a deep understanding of the biomechanics, physiology  and psychology of sports performance, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

To become a sports performance coach, individuals usually need to hold a degree in sports science or a relevant field. It may be required to pursue further qualifications after this. Salaries for sports performance jobs can range from £30,000 to £60,000 or more per year.

12. Online Fitness Coach

Online fitness coaches provide personalised training, nutrition guidance and support to clients remotely. They do this via digital platforms such as Skype, Zoom or custom mobile apps. As an online fitness coach you’re essentially a remote personal trainer. It’s a great home business idea but you’ll still need the same level 3 PT qualifications as an in-person trainer. 

To do the job properly, an online PT must assess clients’ fitness levels, goals and preferences through online questionnaires, photos and video consultations, before designing a tailored workout plan and nutritional advice that clients can follow from home or whilst training on their own. 

Online fitness coaches should offer regular check-ins, progress tracking and motivation to help clients stay accountable and achieve their goals. They must have excellent communication skills, as well as a strong understanding of technology and digital marketing to attract and retain clients in a competitive online space. 

Salaries for online fitness coaches can vary widely, depending on the coach’s marketing skills, client base and services offered. A successful online coach can earn a significant income by leveraging the scalability and flexibility of the online platform as opposed to the limited number of 1-to-1 sessions you can do as a personal trainer.

13. Fitness Writer

Fitness writers create engaging and informative content related to health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness. They can work on a variety of platforms, such as company websites, magazines and newspapers. The type of writing covered can include articles, blog posts, product reviews, workout plans, website copy, email marketing, social media captions and more. 

Fitness writers must have excellent writing and research skills, as well as a deep understanding of the latest trends, scientific findings and best practices in the fitness industry. It’s possible to work on a freelance basis so you can contribute to multiple publications or as staff writers for specific brands or businesses. 

Salaries for fitness writers can range from £20,000 to £50,000 and more per year depending on experience and the type of publications they write for. Successful freelance writers can potentially earn higher incomes through a diverse client base and multiple income streams.

14. Sports Psychologist

Sports psychologists are mental health professionals who specialise in helping athletes and coaches optimise their performance, well-being and personal growth. They use evidence-based techniques, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness training and goal setting to help clients develop good mental skills, cope with performance anxiety and manage stress and emotions.  

Sports psychologists can work with individuals, teams or even organisations to provide one-on-one consultations, group workshops or team-building interventions. With a lot of pressure on athletes and high level teams, sports psychologists are becoming ever more important.

To become a sports psychologist, you need to have a relevant degree and further post-graduate qualifications. You need to be HCPC registered to practise psychology in the UK. Because of the qualifications needed, salaries for sports psychologists are often higher and range between from £40,000 to £70,000 or more per year depending on who you’re working for and your experience. Those with their own private practice or consulting roles can potentially earn significantly more.

15. Fitness Equipment Sales

Sales reps for fitness companies play an important role in helping gyms, fitness studios and individuals get hold of the right kit and equipment to help their clients. As a sales rep, you’ll know your products inside and out, providing expert advice on the features, benefits and limitations of various types of fitness equipment. Fitness kit can include treadmills, strength training machines, free weights, barbells and accessories. 

As well as product knowledge, fitness sales reps must be personable with fantastic communication and sales skills to close deals. They may work for fitness equipment manufacturers, distributors or retailers.

Salaries for fitness equipment sales professionals can range from £20,000 to £50,000 or more per year, depending on experience and commission structures, with successful sales leaders potentially earning significant incomes through performance-based bonuses and incentives. No formal qualifications are required to be in fitness sales.

Where to find fitness jobs?

So, you know about some of the best fitness jobs, but where do you find them? Because fitness jobs are wide-ranging, there are plenty of places to look for vacancies and opportunities, some depending on what type of job you’re looking for.

• Gym chains – Large gym chains, such as Pure Gym and The Gym Group have dedicated career pages on their websites where you can find job listings for personal trainers, fitness instructors and management positions.
• Fitness job boards – Websites like Leisure Jobs and Love Recruitment specialise in listing fitness job opportunities, making it easy to find roles that match your skills and experience. You can also find more specific ones, such as UK Sport and Jobs in Football.
• Jobs sites – Popular jobs sites, such as Indeed and Total Jobs list lots of fitness jobs. Listings for gym managers, PTs, equipment engineers, fitness instructors and more can be found on these sites. 
• Social media – Following fitness companies on platforms like LinkedIn can help you stay up-to-date on job openings and career development opportunities.
• Local sports clubs and teams – If you’re interested in working as a strength and conditioning coach or sports performance coach, reaching out to local sports clubs and teams can be a great way to find job opportunities and gain experience.
• Universities and colleges – Educational institutions often hire fitness professionals for roles such as sports coaches, personal trainers and facility managers. Check the job listings on university and college websites for potential opportunities.
• Hospitals and clinics – If you’re a physiotherapist or healthcare professional, NHS Jobs is going to be your go-to jobs board. 

As well as searching for fitness job listings, it’s always a good idea to proactively reach out to potential employers and businesses that you hold in high regard. You never know the hidden opportunities you might find now or it could pave a nice path for the future.

Looking to get started with your next fitness job? 

If you’re passionate about health, fitness and helping others achieve their goals, now is the perfect time to start your journey with a rewarding fitness job and long career in this great industry. At The Fitness Group, we offer a range of industry-leading courses and qualifications to help you kickstart your fitness career with confidence.

Our Level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience you need to succeed in the dynamic world of fitness. Whether you choose to study in-person at one of our training facilities or online at your own pace, our expert tutors and supportive learning environment will ensure that you’re well-prepared to take on your first fitness job.

In addition to our core qualifications, we also offer a range of specialised courses to help you stand out in a competitive job market. From sports massage therapy and strength and conditioning to nutrition and exercise referral, our courses can help you develop the niche skills and expertise that employers are looking for.

Our courses are regularly updated to reflect the latest industry trends and best practices. Plus our strong links with major gym chains and fitness employers can help you find exciting job opportunities when you complete your training. Get in touch with our friendly team today to discuss fitness jobs and your career goals to find the perfect course to help you achieve them.