Why We Love It
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$40,970Potential Avg. Salary
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8.4%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Creativity FocusedCareer Attribute
Pole fitness is a specialized type of workout using a fixed pole as the only workout equipment. It provides both cardiovascular and strength training by incorporating dance elements with lifting and manipulating body weight and natural resistances. Pole fitness instructors lead pole workout classes.
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What is a Pole Fitness Instructor?
The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in pole fitness instructor roles:
- Lead pole fitness classes for different skills levels and different lengths of time
- Create routines that cater to varying goals and skills levels
- Select music to play during classes, and choreograph dance moves for routines
- Provide instructions and motivate students during class
- Ensure students are engaging in safe practices while taking class to avoid injuries
A Day in the Life
Pole fitness instructors lead classes that utilize a fixed pole as the sole piece of workout equipment. Routines commonly incorporate both cardio exercise through dancing and strength training through climbing, hanging, and swinging on the pole. Rather than lifting weights or running, pole fitness provides a fun and entertaining means of using one’s own body weight to lose fat, build muscle, and work toward a defined figure. Pole fitness instructors lead these classes and teach students how to work out on poles.
The role of the pole fitness instructor is to establish different types of routines that cater to different class lengths and different skill levels. The instructor may offer an introductory course that lasts only 30 minutes and allows students to learn the basics of pole aerobics. For another class, they may cater to advanced students, offering longer class lengths and featuring more complex pole acrobats. Pole fitness instructors develop these routines, choose motivational music, and choreograph dance moves.
Because students in pole fitness classes are often hanging upside down or performing other potentially dangerous moves, another important role of the pole fitness instructor is making sure students are engaging in safety best practices during classes. They motivate students to do their best while also making sure students don’t perform acrobats they’re not yet prepared for, putting themselves and other students in dangerous situations. The pole fitness instructor works to develop routines that promote safety, and engages in practices that discourage risky behavior.
Typical Work Schedule
Pole fitness instructors may work part-time or full-time hours. Most are self-employed, so they’re able to set their own working hours. However, classes that tend to be the most popular are held at lunch times, in evenings, and on weekends, so pole fitness instructors tend to work irregular hours.
Typical Employers
Because the exercise form may be considered risqué to certain individuals, pole fitness classes are commonly offered through independent studios rather than chain gyms and fitness centers. Most pole fitness instructors are self-employed and either own their own studios or teach classes for independent studio owners.
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How To Become a Pole Fitness Instructor
The first step in becoming a pole fitness instructor is to refine your own pole fitness skills. Training programs for instructors are limited in the amount of instruction they can provide, so the best training you can get is to attend pole fitness classes until you’re able to complete advanced classes with ease. Once you feel confident that your skills are good enough to lead a class of your own, it’s time to pursue earning a certificate in pole fitness instruction.
Several organizations offer pole fitness training, and each institution has different requirements. Some prioritize self-study, providing students with manuals and videos that can be watched on their own time to refine and improve skills and learn the basic of putting routines together. Other certification programs require students to attend an in-person training session. Review the credentials of different certifying organizations to determine which best fits your needs, and begin the process of getting certified.
Once you’re a certified pole fitness instructor, you can begin teaching classes in gyms—if offered in your area—or independent studios. The studio you attended to practice your skills may be a good place to inquire at about teaching first. Teach several classes, earn some professional recommendations, and start gaining students, and one day you may be able to open your own pole fitness studio.
Pole Fitness Instructor Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$23,280Average
$40,970High Range
$70,180National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$11/hrAverage
$20/hrHigh Range
$34/hrHow do Pole Fitness Instructor salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Pole Fitness Instructor's can make an average annual salary of $40,970, or $20 per hour. This makes it an Above Average Salary. On the lower end, they can make $23,280 or $11 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#511 Nationally for All Careers
Highest Education Among Pole Fitness Instructors
- 1.2% Doctorate
- 9.7% Masters
- 36.4% Bachelors
- 9.1% Associates
- 25% College
- 16.2% High School
- 2.4% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
279,1002024 Est. Jobs
302,500Job Growth Rate
8.4%Est. New Jobs
23,400How does Pole Fitness Instructor job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 23,400 jobs for a total of 302,500 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 8.4% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Below Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#264 Nationally for All Careers
What Companies Employ The Most Pole Fitness Instructors
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitness and recreational sports centers | 161,800 | 14,300 | 14% |
| Civic and social organizations | 34,000 | 400 | 0% |
| Self-employed workers | 29,500 | 2,100 | 2% |
