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Instructor Jobs in Lacey, WA (NOW HIRING)

Exercise Instructor

Lakewood, WA · On-site

$18.67 - $20.67/hr

As an Exercise Instructor, you will create a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement as you teach group exercise classes. Key Responsibilities: * Conduct fun, safe and ...

Exercise Instructor

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$19.23 - $19.73/hr

Exercise Instructor Wage: $19.23 to $19.73 per hour, depending on qualifications Hours: Part-Time, Up to 25 hours per week Location: Pearl Street Family YMCA, Tacoma, WA As an Exercise Instructor ...

Exercise Instructor

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$19.23 - $19.73/hr

Exercise Instructor Wage: $19.23 to $19.73 per hour (Compensation is determined based on relevant experience, skills, and qualifications, with most new hires starting between the minimum and midpoint ...

Paul Mitchell the School Federal Way, is seeking a qualified Cosmetology Instructor to join our family! With over one hundred schools nation-wide, Paul Mitchell Schools is growing faster than ever.

Showing results 41-60

Instructor information

See Lacey, WA salary details

$15

$49

$87

How much do instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for instructor in Lacey, WA is $49.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.21 and $66.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an instructor do?

An Instructor is a professional who teaches students in a specific subject or skill, often at the postsecondary, vocational, or training level. They design lesson plans, deliver lectures or hands-on training, and assess students' progress through assignments and exams. Instructors may work in colleges, technical schools, private organizations, or online platforms, adapting their teaching methods to meet the needs of diverse learners. Their goal is to help students understand new concepts, develop skills, and achieve their educational or professional objectives.

What does an instructor do?

It’s an instructor’s job to teach students how to improve their hands-on skills or learn more about a particular subject. Instructors work in various industries, but many of the essential skills, duties, and responsibilities overlap even if the subject material is specialized and the job qualifications differ. Instructors need to be comfortable working with different skill levels, age groups, and learning speeds. Of course, instructors need to have expertise in what they teach. As an instructor, it’s essential to have patience, to be an excellent listener, and to be comfortable providing feedback and constructive criticism. Having previous education or classroom teacher experience is helpful for getting started in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instructor, you need subject matter expertise, strong instructional abilities, and typically a relevant degree or teaching certification. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas or Blackboard and digital presentation tools is often required. Exceptional communication, adaptability, and classroom management skills help foster an engaging and inclusive learning environment. These skills ensure effective knowledge transfer, student engagement, and successful educational outcomes.

How do instructors typically collaborate with colleagues and support staff to enhance student learning outcomes?

Instructors often work closely with colleagues, such as teaching assistants, curriculum developers, and fellow faculty members, to create cohesive and engaging learning experiences. Regular meetings and team discussions help align teaching strategies and share best practices. Collaboration with administrative and support staff also ensures that classroom logistics, resources, and student needs are efficiently managed. This teamwork fosters a supportive environment where Instructors can focus on delivering effective instruction and addressing student challenges.

What is the difference between Instructor vs Trainer?

AspectInstructorTrainer
Required CredentialsTypically requires teaching certifications or subject-specific credentialsOften requires certifications in training methods or industry-specific skills
Work EnvironmentClassrooms, educational institutions, online learning platformsWorkshops, corporate settings, specialized training sessions
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, colleges, online education providersCorporations, training companies, professional development firms
Common Search & ComparisonOften searched by individuals seeking educational rolesOften searched by organizations or professionals seeking skill development

While both instructors and trainers focus on teaching, instructors typically deliver academic or theoretical content in educational settings, whereas trainers focus on practical skills and hands-on learning in corporate or specialized environments. The choice depends on whether the goal is academic instruction or skill development.

What are the career paths for instructors?

Instructors can advance to roles such as senior instructor, department head, curriculum developer, training manager, or educational coordinator. They may also pursue specialization in areas like instructional design, online education, or obtain certifications to qualify for higher-level teaching or administrative positions.

What cities near Lacey, WA are hiring for Instructor jobs?

Cities near Lacey, WA with the most Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Instructor job openings in Lacey, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,243 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

$18.67 - $20.67/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is seeking an Exercise Instructor to join our team.

The YMCA focuses on empowering people in all forms, by improving health and well-being and inspiring action in and across our neighborhoods.

This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading non-profit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

As an Exercise Instructor, you will create a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement as you teach group exercise classes.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Conductfun, safeand educational classes
  • Design classes to improve one or more of the four components of fitness; flexibility, strength, muscular endurance, and cardio-respiratory conditioning
  • Demonstrate techniqueswith different intensity levels.
  • Build relationships with members
  • Maintain equipment organization
  • Assist in compiling program statistics

Are you a good fit?

  • You have at least one year of experience leading challenging, yet safe, classes.
  • You have knowledge of the fitness components of a group exercise class.
  • You have a certification in Group Exercise or related specialty (preferred).
  • You have YMCA Foundations of Strength and Conditioning and/or Foundations of Group Exercise certification or equivalent, such as ACE, ACSM, or AFAA certifications (preferred).
  • You have a positive attitude and previous experience with diverse populations.
  • You are committed to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
  • You have current CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, AED, and Oxygen certifications (preferred).
  • Must be able to pass Background and Reference checks (in accordance with the WA State Fair Chance Act).
  • You are committed to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
  • Able and willing to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day, and other online and in-person training as required.

Wage:$18.67 to $20.67 per hour, depending on qualifications

Hours:Part-Time, Up to 25 hours per week

Location:Lakewood Family YMCA, Lakewood, WA


Benefits:

All YMCA Employees receive the below benefits:

  • A Personal YMCA membership and YMCA360 virtual streaming membership
  • Flexible scheduling around school and extracurricular activities Paid Sick Leave accrued at 1.23 hours for every 40 hours worked per year
  • Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Digital mental health counseling platform, Wellness program, and LifeMart employee discount center
  • Professional training, education, and certification opportunities
  • 20% discount on YMCA programs, childcare services and merchandise

Part-Time employees who work more than 20 hrs./week are eligible for the below voluntary benefit options:

  • HealthiestYou: by Teladoc (24/7 virtual general medical care access for non-emergency conditions)
  • Willamette Dental Plan
  • VSP Vision Plan


Ignite your Passion, Live the Y Cause, and Join our Team! To apply visit our website atwww.ymcapkc.org.

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is committed to diversity and inclusion throughout our organization and is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled.

Exercise Instructor Job Description

Position Summary

The Exercise Instructor provides direct leadership, instruction, and motivation for all members in group exercise classes. Develops, organizes, and implements high quality YMCA program(s). Provides a quality experience to members and participants focused on YMCA core values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct energizing, fun, safe, and educational classes.

Design the class to improve one or more of the four components of fitness; flexibility, strength, muscular endurance, and cardio-respiratory conditioning.

Perform aerobic/fitness techniques that demonstrate different intensity levels to meet the various fitness levels of participants and to provide clear directions of these techniques.

Be available before and after classes to build relationship with members to increase class retention.

Maintain equipment organization.

Assist in compiling program statistics. Support monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of and participation in program.

Meet performance measurement by telling the Y story and raising charitable dollars to fulfill our mission.

Assist staff leadership team in reaching campaign goals through recruiting campaigners, making personal asks and supporting branch events.

Cleaning and sanitation protocols will be required of all staff.

Staff will be responsible for frequent touchpoint cleaning and sanitizing in specific areas.

Staff are expected to adhere to all safety protocols and procedures, including the use of PPE.

Embraces and actively promotes an inclusive and equitable work environment.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

Two years related experience in teaching group exercise classes.

National Fitness Certification, YMCA Foundations of Strength and Conditioning, Foundations of Group Exercise or equivalent, such as ACE, ACSM, or AFAA certifications.

Positive attitude and previous experience with diverse populations.

Current CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, AED, and Oxygen certifications.

Complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day. Complete other online and in-person training as required.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Regularly required to talk or hear.

Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

Occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Must frequently lift or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move a higher amount.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Ability to demonstrate and conduct activities relating to fitness.

Ability to plan, lead and participate in program activities.

Employee Acknowledgement

This job description indicates the general nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions expected of this position. This document is not an exhaustive list and other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or assigned at any time with or without advanced notice.

This job description does not constitute a contract of employment and the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties may exercise employment-at-will rights at any time.

By signing below, you are acknowledging that you have read the document in its entirety and that you understand the requirements, essential functions, and job duties of this position. Further, you acknowledge that you are able to perform the duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation(s), and that should you need assistance, that you are responsible for notifying your Director, Executive Director, and/or Human Resources.