Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors vs. Childcare Workers: Who Earns More?
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors out-earn Childcare Workers by $12K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors land at $47,160 and Childcare Workers at $34,980. The education gap is real: exercise trainers and group fitness instructor programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while childcare worker programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors is Massachusetts ($64,620); for Childcare Workers it's District of Columbia ($47,340).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors or Childcare Workers?
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors earn more nationally. The median is $47,160 for Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors versus $34,980 for Childcare Workers, a difference of $12K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors or Childcare Workers?
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors has the better 10-year outlook at 11.9% projected growth, compared to -2.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors or Childcare Workers?
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Childcare Workers requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors get paid the most?
Massachusetts is the top-paying state for Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors at $64,620/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors vs. Childcare Workers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Massachusetts, Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors earn $64,620 vs. $40,900 for Childcare Workers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.