54100 – Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness
TEER 4Occupations usually requiring a high school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job training
Lead statement
Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness lead and instruct groups and individuals in recreational, sports, fitness or athletic programs.
Main duties
- Plan and carry out recreational, athletic, fitness and sports activities
- Assemble supplies and sports and game equipment
- Demonstrate and instruct athletic, fitness or sports activities and techniques
- Instruct groups and individuals in arts, crafts and similar activities and lead groups and individuals in recreational or leisure programs
- Attend to clients with special needs
- Provide lifestyle awareness information
- Conduct therapeutic recreational or athletic activities
- Monitor recreational, sports or fitness activities to ensure safety and provide emergency or first aid assistance when required
- Enforce safety rules and regulations
- Assist with coordination of special events
- Schedule activities, keep logs, maintain records and prepare reports
- May train and supervise staff
- May maintain and repair sports equipment.
- Assess individual’s physical fitness through fitness tests and assessments and design fitness programs based on results
- Provide information to the public and individuals on lifestyle and methods to improve and maintain physical fitness and weight
- Measure and record individuals' bodily proportions, weight and body mass index
- Handle equipment to conduct fitness tests and assessments and deliver exercise programs.
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- Completion of a college program in recreation or physical educationorextensive experience in a specific recreational or sports program activity is usually required.
- Certification is usually required in a specific area of recreational, sports or fitness activity, such as ski instructor or personal trainer, or in first aid or emergency care.
- Demonstrated ability in a particular recreational, sports or fitness discipline is required.
- Fitness appraiser certification may be required for fitness appraisers.
Example job titles
sports leader · cultural activities leader · certified personal trainer · camp counsellor · martial arts instructor · arts and crafts instructor · recreation program leader · leisure program leader · sports instructor · athletics instructor · track and field instructor · activities leader - seniors · fitness appraiser · fitness supervisor · certified fitness appraiser
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $15.44 | $19.00 | $31.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $16.00 | $16.00 | $24.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $16.50 | $17.00 | $24.34 |
| New Brunswick | $15.65 | $16.80 | $25.00 |
| Quebec | $16.10 | $18.75 | $29.00 |
| Ontario | $17.60 | $18.50 | $31.00 |
| Manitoba | $16.00 | $17.50 | $24.04 |
| Saskatchewan | $15.35 | $18.86 | $28.99 |
| Alberta | $15.50 | $20.00 | $35.00 |
| British Columbia | $17.85 | $23.74 | $35.00 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.