How Much Do Personal Trainers Make? [Average Salary]
How Much Do Personal Trainers Make: The Average Salary Of A Personal Trainer
Are you curious about how much can personal trainers make? It’s a valid question, given that personal training can be a very lucrative career. But how much do personal trainers make? And what factors influence their salary? Keep reading to find out.
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What Is The Average Salary Of A Personal Trainer In The United States?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for personal trainers was $40,390 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,640, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,520. In May 2019, there were about 315,700 jobs in the United States for fitness trainers and instructors. Most worked in the following industries:
- Health clubs and gyms
- Self-employed
- Offices of other health practitioners
- Sports and recreation instruction
- Local government
Most personal trainers work part-time. Many sites that offer information on salaries for personal trainers show a range instead of an average because of these part-time workers. For example, ZipRecruiter shows that personal trainers earn an average annual salary of $36,919, which is lower than the Bureau of Labor Statistics number. However, their salary range is much larger at $20,000 to $107,000 per year.
Payscale shows an even larger range of $10 per hour to $55 per hour with a median hourly rate of $17.88 per hour. Consequently, it’s difficult to know what to expect in terms of salary when becoming a fitness trainer without further research.
Personal trainers can work full or part-time hours depending on their schedules and the needs of their clients. Many gyms are open 24 hours a day which means that there are more opportunities for those who are willing to work early morning or late evening shifts. It’s important to note that most places that employ personal trainers only pay them for the time spent working with clients. This means that if you have downtime between clients, you will not be paid for that time unless you are doing some sort of administrative work related to your jobs such as client follow-ups or paperwork.
In addition to differences in hourly wage, another important factor to consider is whether you will be working as an employee or an independent contractor. Employees usually receive benefits such as health insurance and paid time off while independent contractors do not. This is something that should be taken into consideration when negotiating salary because benefits can add a significant amount to your total compensation package.
Another thing to keep in mind is that as a freelance personal trainer, you will be responsible for paying self-employment taxes whereas employers will withhold taxes from your paycheck if you are an employee.
How Much Do Personal Trainers Make In Different Parts Of The Country?
The salary of a personal trainer in the United States may vary depending on geographic location, professional experience, and education level. According to PayScale.com, the average certified personal trainer salary in the US is approximately $40,000 per year.
In California, personal trainers can expect an average of $41,052 annually with those located in the Los Angeles area earning a slightly higher salary at $43,105 yearly. Trainers based in San Diego can make an average of $38,323 annually while those located in Sacramento earn an average of $39,046 each year.
In New York, personal trainers may expect to make around $41,507 annually. Those in the New York City area can expect to make a slightly higher amount at $43,168 annually. Trainers located in Buffalo may earn an average of $38,322 each year while those in Syracuse can make around $38,748 yearly.
In Texas, personal trainers have the potential to earn an average salary of $40,890 each year. Trainers located in the Dallas area earn an average salary of $42,170 annually while those based in Houston can make around $41,458 yearly. Personal trainers located in Austin may expect to make an average wage of $40,068 each year
In Chicago, the average salary for a personal fitness trainer is $51,200 per year. Like Houston, there are many budget-friendly gyms and fitness options available in Chicago which contributes to lower overall salaries for trainers. However, experienced trainers can still command a good wage if they work at a premium facility.
Finally, personal trainers based in Florida are looking at an average salary of $39,236 annually. Those located in the Miami area may earn a slightly higher salary of $41,033 each year while those based in Orlando can expect to make an average wage of $38,985 annually. Trainers located in Tampa are looking at an average salary of $40,079 yearly.
Overall, the salary for a personal fitness trainer in the United States can vary depending on geographic location, professional experience, and education level. However, trainers across the country may expect to earn an average of $40,000 per year.
What Are Some Factors That Can Affect Personal Trainer Salaries?
If you’re thinking about becoming a certified personal trainer, it’s important to know what factors can affect your salary. Here are 12 things to think about:
1. Location:
Private Personal trainer salaries can vary significantly depending on the city and state in which they work. Bigger cities tend to offer higher pay, while rural areas may not have as much demand for personal fitness instructors.
2. Type of Employment:
The type of employment can also affect a personal trainer’s salary. Trainers who are employed by a health club or fitness center may make more than those who work as independent contractors, for example.
3. Level of Certification and Education:
Personal trainers with certifications from organizations such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) can generally command higher salaries than those without any training. In addition, trainers with bachelor’s or master’s degrees in exercise science may also be able to negotiate a higher salary.
4. Years of Experience:
As with many professions, more experienced personal trainers generally earn higher salaries than those with less experience. The number of years of experience can play a big role in the amount of money one can make as a personal fitness instructor.
5. Clientele:
Personal trainers who work with professional athletes or high-profile clients may be able to command higher salaries than those who cater to the general public.
6. Reputation:
Trainers with a good reputation in the personal training industry may be able to negotiate higher salaries due to their credibility and success.
7. Number of Clients:
Personal trainers who have a large number of clients may be able to make more money than those with fewer clients due to economies of scale.
8. Health Insurance Benefits:
Some employers offer health insurance benefits for aspiring trainers, which can add to their overall salary package.
9. Bonuses and Commissions:
Some employers offer bonuses or commissions for certified personal trainers who reach certain goals, such as a certain number of clients or sales targets.
10. Selling Products:
Many personal trainers supplement their income by selling fitness-related products such as supplements or meal plans.
11. Other Income Streams:
Fitness instructors may also be able to make money from other sources such as speaking engagements or teaching classes.
12. Teaching Opportunities:
Trainers who teach courses at local fitness centers may be able to earn additional income in addition to their regular salary.
Personal Trainer Salaries at Popular Gym Brands
1. Anytime Fitness
With nearly 4,000 locations worldwide, Anytime Fitness is one of the most popular gyms around. They offer variety in their membership options and provide a clean and welcoming environment for all. When it comes to trainer salaries, Anytime Fitness falls on the lower end of the spectrum. Trainers at this gym or health club can expect to make $22 an hour on average.
2. 24 Fitness
With over 600 locations, 24 Fitness is a smaller but still widely known chain of gyms. They offer many of the same amenities as Anytime Fitness but tend to be slightly more expensive. In terms of trainer salaries, 24 Fitness is about average. Trainers can expect to make $25 an hour working at this gym brand.
3. YMCA
The YMCA is a well-known name in the fitness world and has been around for over 150 years. With over 2,700 locations internationally, they are also one of the largest nonprofits in existence. The YMCA is committed to helping people of all ages and backgrounds stay healthy and active. In terms of trainer salaries, they are on the higher end, with trainers making $30 an hour on average.
4. LA Fitness
LA fitness is a large chain of gyms with over 700 locations across the United States and Canada. They offer a wide variety of services and have something for everyone. LA fitness trainers make slightly less than those at the YMCA, with an average salary of $28 an hour.
What Are Some Common Job Duties Of A Personal Trainer?
Personal trainers are responsible for helping their clients achieve their fitness goals. But what does that entail, exactly? What are the typical day-to-day duties of a personal fitness instructor? Let’s take a look at some of the most common job duties certified personal trainers perform daily.
1. Meet with clients to discuss their fitness goals.
This is often the first step in the personal training process. Fitness instructors need to get to know their clients and understand what they’re hoping to achieve through working with a trainer. Only then can the trainer develop an effective workout plan.
2. Developing customized workout plans.
Once the trainer understands the client’s goals, they can begin developing a workout plan that will help the client achieve those goals. The plan should take into account the client’s current fitness level, any health concerns they may have, and their schedule and availability for workouts.
3. Leading clients through workouts.
This is perhaps the most important duty of a personal fitness instructor. During workouts, trainers must motivate their clients and keep them engaged so that they stay on track and don’t get discouraged. Trainers must also be able to adjust the workout on the fly if needed, based on how the client is responding to it.
4. Monitoring progress and adjusting plans as needed.
Just as important as leading effective workouts, personal fitness trainers must also monitor their clients’ progress and make changes to their plans as necessary. This might mean increasing or decreasing the intensity of workouts, adding or removing certain exercises, or making other changes. All of this is done to help clients achieve their desired results safely and efficiently.
5. Providing nutritional guidance.
Many people who hire personal fitness trainers are also looking for guidance in terms of nutrition and diet. Trainers can provide helpful tips on things like portion control, meal planning, healthy eating habits, and more.
How To Become A Personal Trainer: A Five-step Guide
Becoming a personal trainer can be a very rewarding career. You get to help people achieve their fitness goals and see the results of your hard work. But it’s not all fun and games. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with being a personal trainer. You need to be able to design safe and effective workout programs, possess strong communication skills, and have the ability to motivate others.
If you think you have what it takes to become a personal trainer, follow these five steps:
1. Get certified
The first step to becoming a personal trainer is to get certified. Many different organizations offer certification, so do your research to find one that is reputable and offers a program that meets your needs. Once you have completed the certification process, you will be ready to start working with clients.
2. Find a job
The next step is to find a job as a personal trainer. You can look for open positions at gyms or fitness centers, or you can start your training business. If you decide to go the latter route, be sure to invest in some quality marketing materials (e.g., business cards, website, etc.)
3. Build your clientele
Once you have secured a job as a personal trainer, it’s time to start building your clientele. One of the best ways to do this is by offering free consultations. This will allow potential clients to meet you and see if they would like to work with you. It’s also important to keep up with your continuing education so that you can offer the most current and effective workout programs.
4. Train your clients
After you have built up your clientele, it’s time to start training them! This involves developing safe and effective workout programs based on each individual’s goals, abilities, and limitations. It’s also important to provide regular progress reports so that clients can see the results of their hard work.
5. Monitor your clients’ progress
Last but not least, it’s important to monitor your client’s progress and adjust their workout programs as needed. This ensures that they are progressing toward their goals and staying motivated along the way. If at any point a client feels like they are plateauing or regressions, it’s up to you as their trainer to make the necessary adjustments.
What Skills Are Necessary To Become An Online Personal Trainer?
It’s no secret that the fitness industry is booming. It’s expected to grow by 24% in the next decade! With this growth comes a greater demand for certified personal trainers. But what does it take to become a personal trainer? Keep reading to find out!
1. Expertise in Exercise Science:
Online personal fitness trainers must have a deep understanding of exercise science, anatomy, and physiology to design safe and effective training programs.
2. Knowledge of Nutrition:
Being able to provide nutrition advice is another important part of an online personal trainer’s job. This includes having an understanding of macronutrients, energy balance, and how to create meal plans.
3. Communication Skills:
Having strong communication skills is essential when interacting with clients online. Being able to communicate well via email, video chat and other forms of technology is key.
4. Accountability:
Online personal fitness trainers must be able to hold their clients accountable for following the exercise and nutrition plans they create.
5. Patience:
Working with clients online can be challenging, so trainers need to have patience when trying to work with their clients remotely.
6. Technology Savviness:
Finally, having the ability to use technology effectively is a must-have skill for an online personal trainer. This includes understanding which video chat platforms to use, how to send and receive files electronically, and more.
7. Passion:
Having a passion for helping people reach their fitness goals is essential for any personal trainer, regardless of the environment they are working in.
8. Time Management:
Finally, online personal trainers must be able to manage their time efficiently to successfully keep up with their clients’ progress and respond to any issues or questions they may have. Being able to prioritize tasks is an important part of being a successful online personal trainer.
By having all of these skills, you can become a successful online personal trainer and help your clients reach their fitness goals.
How Much Do Online Trainers Make?
Benefits Of Becoming A Independent Personal Trainer
1. Flexible Schedule:
Personal fitness trainers can set their hours and choose when they want to work. This allows for a flexible schedule that works best for the individual and their clients.
2. Opportunity for Career Growth:
With personal training, there is always an opportunity for career growth as you gain more experience and certifications. You can further specialize in different areas of exercise, nutrition, and coaching, allowing you to expand your skillset and client base.
3. Learning New Skills:
As a personal trainer, you have the opportunity to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in fitness and health. This allows you to learn new skills that you can take and apply to your training regimen as well as share with your clients.
4. Building Relationships:
Being a personal trainer allows you to build relationships with clients that last much longer than a training session or two. You get to know them on a more personal level, which is rewarding in many ways.
5. Variety of Jobs and Clients:
Personal training has the potential to be a very diverse job with different types of clients and workout activities. No two workouts or days will ever be the same, which helps keep motivation high and job satisfaction at an all-time high.
6. Financial Rewards:
Being a personal trainer can be financially rewarding as you can determine your prices and work as many hours as needed to meet your financial goals.
7. Rewarding Career:
Being a personal trainer is incredibly rewarding in many ways, both professionally and personally. You get to watch your clients progress and become healthier and more confident in their bodies, which is an incredible feeling. Plus, you can help guide and inspire them to reach their goals and make positive lifestyle changes. All of these benefits combine to make personal training a fulfilling career choice.
How To Negotiate For A Higher Personal Trainer Salary?
As a personal trainer, you can earn a good salary. However, if you’re not happy with your current salary, you may be able to negotiate for a higher salary. Here are a few tips on how to do so.
1. Do Your Research
Before you even start negotiating, you must do your research. You need to know what the average personal trainer salary is for personal fitness trainers in your area. You can do this by searching online or by speaking to other aspiring personal trainers. Once you have an idea of what the average is, you can start thinking about what you would like to earn.
2. Know Your Worth
It’s also important that you know your worth. This means knowing what experience and qualifications you have that make you worth more than the average trainer. If you have been working as a personal trainer for many years, or if you have specialized qualifications, this will help you when it comes to negotiating your salary.
3. Be Confident
When it comes time to negotiate your salary, you must be confident. You need to remember that you are valuable and that the company wants to keep you on staff. If you go into the meeting feeling scared or unsure of yourself, it will show and it may weaken your position.
4. Don’t Be Afraid To Walk Away
If the company refuses to budge on its offer, don’t be afraid to walk away from the negotiation. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is walk away and let them come back to you with a better offer. If they want to keep you on staff, they will find a way to meet your demands.
Final Thoughts
Personal trainers in the United States make a good salary with many growth opportunities. Salary ranges vary depending on location and experience, but there are many benefits to becoming a personal trainer. If you are interested in becoming a personal trainer, read our other blogs for more information on how to become one and what skills you need to succeed. We hope this article was helpful and gave you a better understanding of what to expect if you decide to pursue this career path.
