With U.S. unemployment numbers worsening by the week, there are positive signs that say Pilates jobs may be more secure than average occupations. According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the fitness industry is expected to grow 27 percent by 2016, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. And a recent fitness industry compensation survey by the IDEA Health & Fitness Association reinforced that finding.

The survey, which included responses from 501 IDEA members working in a variety of positions in health club settings, found that wages for all positions except fitness floor staff are higher than the national average, and all positions reported wages higher than they were two years ago.


Pilates and yoga instructors, specifically, reported receiving an average hourly wage of $33.25, the highest of all types of instructors. This is up from $29.50 in 2006, indicating that wages have kept up with inflation.

What accounts for these positive projections when most industries are dealing with breathtaking downturns? According to the DOL, “an increasing number of people are spending time and money on fitness, and more businesses are recognizing the benefits of health and fitness programs for their employees.” The DOL also credits aging baby boomers, who are concentrating on staying healthy and fit, as well as the reduction of physical education in schools and parents’ concern about childhood obesity. “Participation in yoga and Pilates is expected to continue to increase, driven partly by the aging population that demands low-impact forms of exercise and seeks relief from arthritis and other ailments,” says the DOL.

So, even if your business is experiencing a downturn, the prospects remain good for the future. If you’re looking to draw in new clients, perhaps working to tap into the older and younger members of your community may be a good strategy.

Other findings from the IDEA survey include:

• 60 percent of full-time employees surveyed are covered by liability insurance, and more than 55 percent receive benefits such as health insurance and paid sick time.

• Communication and leadership skills are the two most important factors for promotion (recognized by 100 percent of respondents), whereas job performance is key to receiving a merit raise, according to 88 percent of respondents.

• 58 percent of respondents said their companies pay for continuing education, in the forms of workshops and in-service training.

By: Amy Leibrock

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