Counselor Jobs in Chicago, IL

A Counselor in the fitness and recreation industry is responsible for offering guidance and support to clients to help them achieve their fitness goals. They communicate with clients to understand their objectives and create personalized fitness and nutrition plans. Counselors also track their clients' progress, modify plans as needed and help clients overcome fitness obstacles. They might conduct fitness assessments, demonstrate various exercises, and educate clients on nutrition and lifestyle changes. They also ensure safety and proper use of equipment.

Important skills for a Fitness and Rec Counselor include excellent communication and motivational skills, knowledge of fitness training and nutrition, and the ability to design individualized fitness programs. They should also have a thorough understanding of human anatomy and the concepts of functional exercise, basic nutrition, and basic exercise science. As per certifications, they should have a degree in Physical Education, Sports Science, or a related field. In addition, a CPR and First Aid certification along with a professional fitness trainer certification from a recognized institute like the American Council on Exercise (ACE) or the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) can be advantageous. Prior to becoming a Counselor, a person may have roles such as Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, or Nutritional Advisor.

1-15 of 27 Jobs

Beauty and Wellness Consultant

  • Orland Park, IL (21 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 1 day ago
  • Orland Park, IL (21 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 1 day ago

Job Objectives Maximizes sales and brand awareness by providing exceptional customer care to all customers in a friendly, efficient, and professional manner; gives impartial, personalized,...

Summer Day Camp Counselor 2025 - South Side YMCA

  • Chicago, IL
  • 3 days ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 3 days ago

Lead the Fun, Shape the Future: Be a Summer Camp Counselor! Join us for the experience of a lifetime - the YMCA is hiring Summer Day Camp Counselors for 2025!...

Student Activities Coordinator

  • Wheaton, IL (24 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 6 days ago
  • Wheaton, IL (24 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 6 days ago

Position Type: High School Teaching Date Posted: 6/9/2025 Location: York Community High School Date Available: 08/11/25 District:   Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205    Job...

Health Coach RN

  • Orland Hills, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 14 days ago
  • Orland Hills, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 14 days ago

Overview Health Coach RN - Orland Hills Position Highlights: Full-Time, 40 hours/week Hours: Monday, 8:00-4:30PM, Tuesday, 10:00-6:30pm; Wednesday-Friday, 8:00-4:30pm; NO WEEKENDS!! Benefits:...

Summer Camp Counselor - Bernice E. Lavin

  • Chicago, IL
  • 26 days ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 26 days ago

Summer Camp Counselor - Bright Horizons at Bernice E. Lavin 441 E Ontario St....

2025 Western Suburbs Art & Science Summer Day Camp Counselor

  • Elmhurst, IL (14 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 29 days ago
  • Elmhurst, IL (14 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 29 days ago

The YMCA is hiring Art & Science Summer Day Camp Counselors in the Western Suburbs for 2025! Join us for the experience of a lifetime!...

2025 Art & Science Summer Day Camp Counselor

  • Chicago, IL
  • 30+ days ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 30+ days ago

The YMCA is hiring Art & Science Summer Day Camp Counselors for 2025 for multiple locations! Join us for the experience of a lifetime!...

Group Training Instructor

  • Schaumburg, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 30+ days ago
  • Schaumburg, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 30+ days ago

CPR/AED Certification Minimum of one of the following Group Exercise Certifications: National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM), American Council of Exercise (ACE), American Fitness Aerobic Association...

Summer Camp Counselor

  • Schaumburg, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 30+ days ago
  • Schaumburg, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 30+ days ago

Position Summary The Kids Camp Counselor leads children through a variety of activities including rock climbing, swimming, weekly field trips, arts & crafts, gym games and more....

2025 Northwest Suburbs Art & Science Summer Day Camp Counselor

  • Palatine, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 45+ days ago
  • Palatine, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 45+ days ago

The YMCA is hiring Art & Science Summer Day Camp Counselors in the Northwestern Suburbs for 2025! Join us for the experience of a lifetime!...

Camp Counselor

  • Chicago, IL
  • 45+ days ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 45+ days ago

Job Summary: The Camp Counselor will be the assistant for the Camp Coordinator during Summer Camp. This person will need to be available for various tasks with students and around the building....

Kids Camp Counselor (Seasonal)

  • Burr Ridge, IL (17 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 60+ days ago
  • Burr Ridge, IL (17 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 60+ days ago

Position Summary The Kids Camp Counselor leads children through a variety of activities including rock climbing, swimming, weekly field trips, arts & crafts, gym games and more....

Camp Counselor

  • La Grange, IL (13 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 90+ days ago
  • La Grange, IL (13 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 90+ days ago

Benefits Personal Leave Free Individual La Grange Fitness Membership Discounted District Programs...

Early Childhood Camp Counselors (Part-Time, Seasonal)

  • Glenview, IL (14 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 90+ days ago
  • Glenview, IL (14 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 90+ days ago

Attachment(s): Early Childhood Camp Counselor 2.13.2025.pdf...

Kids Camp Counselor

  • Burr Ridge, IL (17 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 90+ days ago
  • Burr Ridge, IL (17 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 90+ days ago

Position Summary The Kids Camp Counselor leads children through a variety of activities including rock climbing, swimming, weekly field trips, arts & crafts, gym games and more....

Demographic Data for Chicago, IL

Moving to Chicago, IL? Find some basic demographic data about Chicago, IL below.


Local
National
2,729,418
63,356
Large

Counselor Online Courses and Training Opportunities

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Virtual School Guidance Counselor
Guidance lessons to go is an opportunity to arm parents and adult mentors with resources to support students' socio-emotional needs while at home or on the go. In keeping with the American School...

Salary for Counselor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireFitnessAndRec research efforts.

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Counselor positions.



Highest Education Level

Counselors in Chicago, IL offer the following education background
Bachelor's Degree
57.9%
Master's Degree
18.5%
High School or GED
10.3%
Associate's Degree
4.7%
Some High School
3.0%
Vocational Degree or Certification
3.0%
Doctorate Degree
1.9%
Some College
0.8%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Counselors in Chicago, IL
Less than 1 year
68.7%
None
24.2%
6-8 years
3.2%
4-6 years
3.0%
2-4 years
0.8%
1-2 years
0.2%


Other Career Titles

Here are some other career titles that require similar skills