SkillsActive, the sector skills council for active learning and leisure has unveiled the results of the sixth Working in Fitness survey.

Almost 1,500 workers from across the health and fitness sector took part in the 2009 study, which is designed to monitor salary trends, training and job satisfaction on an annual basis.

According to the 2009 survey, more than half of the public sector workers who replied to the survey said they had received a pay rise during the course of the year, although less than a quarter of private sector workers saw a salary increase.

In terms of pay, the new report has also found that males earn 16 per cent more on average than female counterparts, which jumps to 33 per cent for freelance and self-employed workers.

The average number of training days for employees throughout the fitness sector continues to remain high at six days per year, although more than half said they now pay for their own training, compared with 48 per cent last year.

More than a quarter of fitness workers hold a honours degree, while 11 per cent have obtained a masters or other postgraduate qualifications. A total of 59 per cent have acquired a Level 3 Fitness qualification, while more than a quarter are qualified at Level 2.

Stephen Studd, chief executive of SkillsActive, said: "Given the economic environment, it would be unreasonable to expect the fitness market to remain unaffected. However, it is reassuring to see continued investment in training.

"When times are tough and pay-rises just aren't an option for many employers, providing staff with quality training can illustrate your commitment to their personal growth and can help retain and motivate employees."