Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area earn a median of $37,960 a year ($18.25 an hour), based on BLS data for 170 workers.
Pay ranges from $24,640 for the lowest-paid 10% to $51,450 for the top 10%. That is 20% lower than the national median of $47,160. Pay here is 5% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $36,160. There are 2.1 exercise trainers and group fitness instructors per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $38,310, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for exercise trainers and group fitness instructors in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $24,640 | $11.85 |
| 25th percentile | $29,170 | $14.02 |
| Median | $37,960 | $18.25 |
| 75th percentile | $46,110 | $22.17 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $51,450 | $24.74 |
| Average (mean) | $38,310 | $18.42 |
Half of exercise trainers and group fitness instructors earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,163.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,581.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,460 |
| Weekly | $730 |
| Hourly | $18.25 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $37,960 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $38,700 | 920 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $37,790 | 210 |
| Dubuque, IA | $35,990 | 100 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $35,130 | 70 |
| Iowa City, IA | $34,900 | 150 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $32,910 | 1,340 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $32,670 | 360 |
| Ames, IA | $32,150 | 110 |
Highest-paying states for exercise trainers and group fitness instructors
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $64,620 |
| Connecticut | $61,580 |
| New Jersey | $59,870 |
| Oregon | $58,510 |
| California | $57,990 |
| Nevada | $57,960 |
| Vermont | $57,300 |
| Washington | $50,830 |
| Wyoming | $50,250 |
| Colorado | $49,900 |
See Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $27,580 | $13.26 |
| Recreation Worker | $29,700 | $14.28 |
| Residential Advisor | $38,170 | $18.35 |
| Animal Caretaker | $29,870 | $14.36 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,400 | $12.69 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $35,360 | $17.00 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $37,890 | $18.22 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $21,390 | $10.29 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $43,950 | $21.13 |
| Skincare Specialist | $39,170 | $18.83 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-9031. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a exercise trainers and group fitness instructors make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median salary for exercise trainers and group fitness instructors in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area is $37,960 a year, or $18.25 an hour. Pay ranges from $24,640 for the lowest-paid 10% to $51,450 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid exercise trainers and group fitness instructors make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The top 10% of exercise trainers and group fitness instructors in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area earn at least $51,450 a year. The top 25% earn $46,110 or more.
What is the starting pay for exercise trainers and group fitness instructors in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $24,640 a year, and a quarter of exercise trainers and group fitness instructors earn $29,170 or less.
How many exercise trainers and group fitness instructors work in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
About 170 exercise trainers and group fitness instructors are employed in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.