Physical Instructor Salary in the United States

How much does a Physical Instructor make in the United States?

As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physical Instructor in the United States is $60,761 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $75,629
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $51,860 to $68,543
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $43,756
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View as table View as graph 25% $51,860 10% $43,756 90% $75,629 75% $68,543 $60,761 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Physical Instructor Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $68,543 $5,712 $1,318 $33
Average $60,761 $5,063 $1,168 $29
25th Percentile $51,860 $4,322 $997 $25
Check out Physical Instructor Job Openings in the United States
K-9 Fitness Instructor/Physical Education Teacher

Performance Academies - Akron, OH

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Instructor Program Coordinator

Lake Region State College - DEVILS LAKE, ND

Physical Therapist

Cioffredi & Associates Physical Therapy - LEBANON, NH

Physical Therapist

Orthopedic & Spine Physical Therapy - QUEENSBURY, NY

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Key Factors That Influence Physical Instructor Salaries

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.

How Do Physical Instructor Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:

  • District of Columbia: $67,275.
  • California: $67,019.
  • Massachusetts: $66,126.

Top Paying Cities for Physical Instructors

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $76,638
  • San Francisco: $75,885
  • Oakland: $74,201

What Skills Can Increase a Physical Instructor's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 12.82% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Spring (Mentioned in 1.97% Job Postings): Spring is the season during which the natural world revives and reinvigorates after the colder winter months. During spring, dormant plants begin to grow again, new seedlings sprout out of the ground and hibernating animals awake.
  • Safety Standards (Mentioned in 1.43% Job Postings): Safety standards are designed to ensure the safety of products, activities and processes, etc. They may be advisory or compulsory and are normally laid down by an advisory or regulatory body that may be either voluntary or statutory.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 12.82%
Spring 1.97%
Safety Standards 1.43%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Physical Instructor's salary.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Motivating: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Interpersonal Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Analysis
$68,052
12%
Motivating
$68,052
12%
Interpersonal Communication
$67,445
11%
Presentation
$65,622
8%
Facilitation
$65,622
8%
Coordination
$65,622
8%
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How Education impacts a Physical Instructor's Salary?

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

Typical Education for Physical Instructor
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%
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Physical Instructor Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 April 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Physical Instructor

Salaries 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, .

Average Annual Salary of Physical Instructor Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$57,420
2024
$56,686
2025
$55,462
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $57,420
2024 $56,686
2025 $55,462
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Physical Instructor

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Physical Instructor

Here are companies hiring for Physical Instructor and their salaries, click below for more details.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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