As Australia's focus on health and wellbeing intensifies, the fitness industry is thriving and the demand for fitness, wellness, and performance-based services is surging nationwide.
At Fitness Lifestyle International (FLI), we see this growth play out daily, through employer demand, hiring activity, and the expansion of boutique and performance-led studios across the country.
Here’s what the data is telling us:
Queensland: A Fitness Workforce Boom
According to IBISWorld, QLD is seeing significant sector growth, driven in part by preparations for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. The Active Industry Workforce Plan (2024–2034) estimates the need for 10 new workers every day in the state’s fitness and active recreation sectors, a strong sign of long-term workforce demand.
This is matched by business growth in boutique studios, athletic performance centres, and recovery-based offerings. The shift toward holistic fitness in QLD is reshaping the employment landscape, and FLI is actively building partnerships to meet that demand.
New South Wales: Market Maturity Meets Evolution
NSW holds the highest concentration of fitness businesses in Australia, with IBISWorld reporting over 1,800 registered gym and studio operations across the state. But it’s not just about quantity, the NSW market is evolving fast.
Franchise models and multi-site boutique brands are ramping up hiring, while wellness and recovery services are increasingly integrated into the traditional gym model. The challenge? Finding top-tier fitness professionals who are qualified, committed, and ready to grow.
At FLI, we’re seeing increasing demand for hybrid roles, instructors who understand business, service, and community engagement as much as programming.
Victoria: Rebuilding Stronger
VIC saw one of the hardest pandemic impacts on the fitness sector, yet its comeback has been the strongest. IBISWorld data shows a 16.9% employment growth projection in the state across the next decade.
This regrowth is being driven by:
- A surge in boutique fitness brands
- Rising demand for career-ready personal trainers and instructors
- Investment in fitness and wellbeing spaces in both corporate and retail environments
It’s clear that Victorians are prioritising health, and the employment opportunities are following suit.
Western Australia (WA): Strength in Niche Markets
WA’s fitness scene continues to grow steadily, with an increase in locally owned gyms, CrossFit-style training spaces, and wellness-focused offerings. The Perth metro area shows strong consumer demand, with recovery studios, integrated physio/fitness models, and group PT formats gaining momentum. Talent with dual skills in movement and management are in high demand.
South Australia (SA): Community-Driven Growth
SA’s fitness market is built on loyalty and community, and it’s evolving. Growth in small group training, over-50s functional programs, and allied health partnerships is opening up new roles across both urban Adelaide and regional towns. While smaller than VIC or NSW, SA’s market is rich with opportunity for career-minded instructors who can coach, connect and lead.
North Queensland (NQ): Regional Opportunity Rising
Places like Townsville, Cairns and Mackay are booming, with strong demand for fitness professionals in both commercial gyms and independent studios. With fewer candidates per role, the opportunity for qualified trainers to build meaningful careers and even launch their own brands is higher than ever. Employers here are investing in education, community outreach, and quality.
Northern Territory (NT): Underserved, High-Potential Market
While smaller in size, the NT is uniquely positioned for fitness industry growth. With a population of just over 250,000, Darwin and its surrounds are showing growing demand for accessible, culturally aware, and community-based fitness solutions — particularly in Indigenous health and regional outreach.
The NT Government is investing in preventative health, physical activity programs, and local employment — making now an ideal time for operators and trainers to build presence in an underserved, high-impact space.
What This Means for Employers & Talent
If you're a fitness business: Now is the time to invest in team development, career progression pathways, and your employer brand. The market is competitive, the best talent is selective.
If you're a fitness professional: You’re entering one of the most exciting job markets in the country. But standing out requires more than just a cert, it’s about business acumen, values alignment, communication, and commitment to continuous learning.
At FLI, we’re not just filling roles, we’re building careers and transforming teams. Whether you're hiring in QLD, NSW or VIC, or looking to expand your own recruitment services, the future of fitness in Australia is ripe with opportunity.
