The fitness industry in Australia is packed with opportunity. Whether you’re passionate about coaching, sales, service, management or leadership, there’s a role that fits your strengths. The best part is that fitness careers are flexible, rewarding and offer clear progression pathways.
And yes, many of the roles pay better than most people think!
Here’s a simple breakdown of the top fitness industry jobs in Australia and what they typically earn. Use this as a guide to help you find the role that suits you best.
1. Personal Trainer
Perfect for: People who love coaching, motivating others and building client relationships.
PTs can work as contractors, employees or sub-contractors. Earnings vary because many PTs set their own hours and pricing. Great PTs often earn more than most full-time gym roles.
What PTs typically earn:
• Hourly rate: $40 to $90+ depending on gym and experience
• Full-time earnings: $50,000 to $90,000+ per year
• Online coaching can push earnings even higher
PTs with strong communication skills and confidence build full client books fast.
2. Group Fitness Instructor
Perfect for: High-energy people who love music, movement and motivating rooms full of people.
Think HIIT, spin, boxing, pump, reformer Pilates, yoga and functional circuit coaching. Many instructors teach in multiple clubs or studios.
What Group Fitness Instructors earn:
• Per class: $35 to $80 depending on brand and certification
• Higher rates for Pilates, yoga and specialty classes
• Opportunities to teach multiple classes each week
This role is perfect if you love the energy of group training.
3. Membership Sales Consultant
Perfect for: Confident communicators who love helping people take the first step in their fitness journey.
Sales consultants play a huge part in whether a gym grows or struggles. The role rewards people who are proactive, friendly and comfortable with goals.
What Sales Consultants earn:
• Base salary: $45,000 to $60,000
• Commission: $300 to $1,500+ per month depending on performance
• Total earnings: $55,000 to $75,000+
If you’re naturally social and competitive, this role is a great way to build a career fast.
4. Assistant Club Manager
Perfect for: People who are organised, supportive and ready to take on leadership responsibility.
Assistant managers help with sales, member experience, operations and sometimes even PT or coaching.
What Assistant Managers earn:
• Salary: $50,000 to $65,000
• Bonuses: $3,000 to $10,000 depending on club performance
This role is often the main stepping stone to becoming a full Club Manager.
5. Club Manager
Perfect for: Leaders who love people, culture and driving results.
Club Managers oversee everything from team performance to member experience, sales growth, retention and daily operations. They are the engine of the gym.
What Club Managers earn:
• Salary: $60,000 to $90,000
• Bonuses: $5,000 to $20,000 depending on targets
• High-performing managers sometimes exceed $100,000+
Many of the best Club Managers started as PTs, receptionists or sales consultants.
6. Group Fitness Studio Manager
Perfect for: Leaders who love boutique studios, coaching culture and a more personalised member experience.
Studios like Pilates, yoga and HIIT concepts rely heavily on strong leadership and member engagement.
What Studio Managers earn:
• Salary: $55,000 to $80,000
• Bonuses or commissions: $3,000 to $15,000
• Often more flexible than large gym management roles
Great for people who enjoy smaller teams and community-driven environments.
7. Regional or Multi-Site Manager
Perfect for: Experienced leaders who want to support multiple locations and teams.
This is a senior role responsible for performance, culture and development across several clubs. It’s one of the highest-level jobs in traditional fitness.
What Regional Managers earn:
• Salary: $80,000 to $130,000+ depending on the group
• Performance bonuses can be significant
This is the career path for people who love leadership and big-picture growth.
8. Gym Reception / Front of House
Perfect for: Friendly, organised people starting their fitness career.
Reception roles are often the first step towards sales, admin, coaching or management. They build core skills fast.
What reception roles earn:
• Hourly rate: $26 to $33 depending on the gym
• Often includes free membership and perks
A great pathway into bigger roles inside the gym.
9. Fitness and Member Experience Coach
Perfect for: People who love supporting members but are not ready to become a full PT yet.
This hybrid role involves gym floor support, community engagement and light coaching.
Typical earnings:
• Hourly rate: $27 to $35
• Often part-time or casual
• Strong stepping stone into PT or management
Great for people who love helping others without the pressure of running a full PT business.
10. Kids Club or Childminding Assistant
Perfect for: People who enjoy working with children and want to be part of the fitness community.
Hourly rate:
• $26 to $32
• Flexible shifts
• Great starting point for parents, students or childcare workers
Many move into reception or sales from here.
Which Fitness Jobs Pay the Most?
In most gyms, the highest earning roles are:
• Regional Managers
• High-performing Club Managers
• Successful PTs or coaches
• Studio Managers with strong memberships
If you want maximum earning potential, focus on leadership or advanced coaching roles.
Which Jobs Are Easiest to Enter?
The roles below are the best places to start:
• Reception
• Membership Sales Consultant
• Gym Floor Support
• Kids Club
• Group Fitness Assistant
These positions build the skills that help you climb the ladder quickly.
Ready to Grow Your Fitness Career?
Whether you’re stepping into the industry for the first time or aiming to level up, fitin helps you find roles that match your strengths, personality and goals. You deserve a gym that supports your growth and helps you thrive.
Wherever you want to go in fitness, fitin helps you get there.