Gym Manager: Job Description, Salary, and How to Become One

When people think of working in the fitness industry, personal training roles are some of the first to come to mind. Certainly, personal trainers are important. They help clients safely reach their fitness goals—and in less time. But what if you’re interested in a higher-level position or don’t want to work with clients one on one? You may get more satisfaction as a gym manager.

Here we explore what a gym manager does, in part, by looking at a typical job description. We also discuss the tools and skills important to a gym manager, where they work, and potential income. If after learning more about the gym manager role, you want to become one, we talk about that too.

What a Gym Manager Does

A gym manager is essentially a general manager for a fitness business. Like any other general manager, a gym manager is responsible for ensuring that the business runs as smoothly as possible. This involves performing duties related to both employees and facility members. It also includes looking after the facility and gym equipment.

In terms of staff members, a manager is responsible for their scheduling. It’s up to them to ensure the facility is staffed at all times. A manager is also in charge of making sure trainers have the necessary certifications. These certifications can change based on the type of fitness training they offer. If they lead group fitness classes, for instance, they may be required to have group fitness instructor certification. If they lead yoga classes, a yoga instructor certification would be needed instead.

A gym manager is also the pinnacle in customer service. If members have a question that the staff is unable to answer, they look to the manager for help. The gym manager also oversees marketing efforts to draw in new members. They promote the facility’s physical fitness programs and product offerings.

If the facility needs maintenance, this falls on the manager’s shoulders as well. The same is true with regard to equipment. The manager makes sure all necessary equipment is on hand. They also inspect it regularly to make sure it is safe to use.

Typical Gym Manager Job Description

One of the best ways to understand what a gym manager does is to look at a job description. Each job description varies slightly depending on the employer. However, many include similar duties and responsibilities. 

A typical job description may look like this:

• Hires fitness instructors, front desk staff, and other employees 

• Trains and manages all facility staff

• Verifies compliance with all company policies and procedures

• Handles employee disciplinary procedures

• Conducts employee assessments regularly

• Oversees payroll and employee scheduling

• Implements programs to attract new members

• Employs marketing strategies to increase gym membership

• Handles any issues that arise, both for customers and employees 

• Promotes a positive customer experience 

• Inspects the facility and equipment regularly

Important Skills for Gym Managers

If you want to become a gym manager, it can help to develop certain skills. Since you have many job duties, the ability to juggle all of them is paramount. This makes multitasking a good skill to have. It’s also important to have strong decision-making and communication skills.

Being proficient with computers is critical. Most companies use computers to manage both employee and member files. Important business information is also typically kept via electronic records. Managers must be able to learn and use these systems. 

Gym managers also benefit from being good with math. This is helpful during tasks related to scheduling and payroll. Since you are in charge, it’s also helpful to be a self-starter. A gym owner needs to know that you will get things done—even if they aren’t looking over your shoulder.

Managers also often set the tone for the facility. Thus, being enthusiastic and energetic are other skills that can create a more dynamic environment. 

Tools Used in this Managerial Fitness Role

A successful gym manager uses a variety of tools to perform their job functions. One of the most common tools is gym management software, such as that offered by Gymdesk.

Gymdesk provides all-in-one management software for businesses within the fitness industry. This includes not just gyms, but also martial arts schools and fitness studies. (Examples of the latter include yoga, Pilates, and dance.) With this software, gym managers can:

• Record and organize gym membership data

• Track gym member attendance and progress

• Bill members for dues, whether one-time or reoccurring payments

• Schedule and book fitness classes online

• Monitor inventory

• Manage marketing strategies to attract new members

Gymdesk charges a monthly fee for its software. The fee is based on the size of the fitness facility. This enables businesses to continue to use the same software as the number of members grows. Each account also comes with an unlimited number of accounts for staff. It even includes a responsive gym website. 

Where Gym Managers Work

As the job title implies, you’re likely to find a gym manager in a commercial gym. A smaller-sized gym owner may also hire a manager. This frees them up to handle other business duties.

Really, any fitness center can employ a gym manager. This includes health clubs or even a private fitness club. You’ll also find these managers in recreational centers.

Gym Manager vs Assistant Gym Manager

Some fitness facilities employ assistant manager roles. What’s the difference between the two?

A gym manager generally has more job functions. They also tend to have greater oversight than an assistant. While an assistant manager can perform some supervisory functions, most of the responsibility falls on the gym manager. In the end, it’s up to them to ensure that each job duty is performed.

How Much Do Gym Managers Make?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t provide wage information for fitness professionals in a manager role. It does, however, share pay information for general managers.

According to the BLS, the median annual pay for a general manager is $97,970 per year as of May 2021. This equates to roughly $47.10 per hour. (1)

Information provided by other sources suggests that, for most fitness managers, this number may be a bit less. For instance, Indeed places the average base salary for a fitness manager at $54,401 per year. (2)

Similarly, Glassdoor indicated the average annual base salary for a gym manager to be $56,305. However, the total pay is listed at $75,642. This includes potential extra pay from bonuses, commissions, etc. (3)

Your salary potential as a gym manager depends on a variety of factors. Among them is the level of experience, education, and certifications. Where you work geographically can impact your income as well.

Ways to Become a Gym Manager

If you want to be a gym manager, there are a few actions you can take to work toward this goal. The first is to earn your degree.

Some employers require a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Others accept degrees in other fields. Generally, these fields must be fitness related. For example, they may accept a degree in kinesiology or exercise science. 

Employers may also require a certain amount of experience. It’s common for them to want at least two to four years. They might accept experience in any type of supervisory or managerial role. Although, some want experience within a fitness environment.

Another way to work into a gym manager role is to start in a non-supervisory position. You may begin as a personal trainer, for instance. This gives the gym time to see your work ethic and skills. It also allows them to assess your ability to motivate and communicate with others. If you have these skills, they may be more inclined to move you into a manager role.

Obtaining your certification is another step you can take. This shows that you are serious about your fitness career. It also says that you are willing to do what it takes to ensure that your knowledge is up to date. 

If you’re ready to get started, ISSA offers Personal Trainer certification. In this course, you learn all about exercise program design. You also learn about business and marketing. This can be helpful for those wanting to pursue a gym manager role.

References

1. General and Operations Managers. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, March 31). Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes111021.htm 

2. Fitness manager salary in United States. Indeed. (2023, April 3). Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www.indeed.com/career/fitness-manager/salaries 

3. Salary: Gym manager. Glassdoor. (2022, September 15). Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/gym-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,11.htm