Personal trainer salary

Personal trainer earnings by seniority

90th percentile

Top-level personal trainer earnings begin at:

$29.09 per hour

$60,513 per year

75th percentile

Senior-level personal trainer earnings begin at:

$21.28 per hour

$44,256 per year

50th percentile

Mid-level personal trainer earnings begin at:

$16.70 per hour

$34,742 per year

25th percentile

Junior-level personal trainer earnings begin at:

$14.45 per hour

$30,050 per year

10th percentile

Starting level personal trainer earnings begin at:

$13.51 per hour

$28,102 per year

Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.

Personal trainer salary by state

How much does a Personal Trainer earn?

The average salary for a certified personal trainer has increased significantly over the last several years. Of course, there are many factors to consider when looking at pay scales for personal trainers, for example the type of employment (health club vs. private studio) can have a very large impact on the salary ranges.

A personal trainer's salary starts at about $20 per hour for trainers hired on staff by fitness clubs and can increase to more than $100 per hour for those with their own personal training business. Some trainers who work with celebrities or professional athletes can earn hourly rates closer to what lawyers charge, up to about $400 an hour. Some of the more successful trainers have a post secondary degree in a health-related field such as kinesiology or a personal training certificate. Trainers who have multiple certifications and/or specialty level titles earn even more than those with one certification and limited personal fitness experience.

Take home pay will also depend on the arrangement that you have within your place of business. For example, you may be considered an employee, an independent contractor or a rent-by-the hour trainer - this will make a difference in how and how much you are paid as a personal trainer.

Above all, it is important to remember that your salary will in effect be dictated primarily by the quality of your work and the ability to manage your business/clients successfully.

How do personal trainer salaries compare to similar careers?

Personal trainers earn about the same as related careers in the United States. On average, they make less than translators but more than piano tuners.

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)