As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physical Instructor in the United States is $60,744 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Physical Instructor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Physical Instructor's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Physical Instructors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 12.82% |
| Spring | 1.97% |
| Safety Standards | 1.43% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$68,033 |
12%
|
|
Motivating
|
$68,033 |
12%
|
|
Interpersonal Communication
|
$67,426 |
11%
|
|
Presentation
|
$65,604 |
8%
|
|
Facilitation
|
$65,604 |
8%
|
|
Coordination
|
$65,604 |
8%
|
For Physical Instructor roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Government, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Physical Instructor positions in Education typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Physical Instructor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government | $66,819 | $32.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Physical Instructors enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Physical Instructor with a Bachelor's Degree is between $52,103 and $58,985).
Physical Instructor Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 26.1% |
| High School | 39.1% |
| Associates | 34.8% |
| Bachelors | 26.1% |
| Masters | 39.1% |
| Doctorate | 34.8% |
Understanding how a Physical Instructor's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Physical Instructor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $57,420 in 2023 to around $55,462 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Physical Instructor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $57,420 |
| 2024 | $56,686 |
| 2025 | $55,462 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Government industry offers the highest average compensation for Physical Instructor roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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