If you are a personal trainer, how much do you get paid?

Question

I'm thinking of switching fields and I'd like an honest look at my earnings potential. If you are a personal trainer, what I'd like to know is, what is your:
1. hourly rate (your take-home pay, not what gym charges customer)
2. number of hours worked each week
3. employer (if you work for a chain, I'd love to know the name of the gym)
4. what are your certifications?

Thank you so much.

Please only answer this question if you are a personal trainer or know someone who is. I've already done Internet research and am looking for some real-world numbers. Thanks!

Answer 1

According to the US Dept of Labor:

*Wages:
Median annual earnings of personal trainers and group exercise instructors in May 2004 were $25,470. The middle 50 percent earned between $17,380 and $40,030. The bottom 10 percent earned less than $14,530 while the top 10 percent earned $55,560 or more. Earnings of successful self-employed personal trainers can be much higher. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of fitness workers in May 2004 were as follows:

Other amusement and recreation industries $28,670
Other schools and instruction 22,320
Civic and social organizations 20,530

Because many fitness workers work part time, they often do not receive benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans from their employers. They do get the unusual benefit of the use of fitness facilities at no cost.

*If it's a lot of part-time work, what can you do about it?
Many group fitness and personal training jobs are part time, but many workers increase their hours by working at several different facilities or at clients’ homes.

*When you can be expected to work:
Night and weekend working hours are common.

*Skills/Certs Needed:
The most important characteristic that an employer looks for in a new group fitness instructor is the ability to plan and lead a class that is motivating and safe.

Most certifying organizations require candidates to have a high school diploma, be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and pass an exam. All certification exams have a written component, and some also have a practical component. The exams measure knowledge of human physiology, proper exercise techniques, assessment of client fitness levels, and development of appropriate exercise programs. There is no particular training program required for certifications; candidates may prepare however they prefer. Certifying organizations do offer study materials, including books, CD-ROMs, other audio and visual materials, and exam preparation workshops and seminars, but exam candidates are not required to purchase materials to sit for the exams. Certification generally is good for 2 years, after which workers must become recertified by attending continuing education classes.

An increasing number of employers require fitness workers to have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to health or fitness, such as exercise science or physical education. Some employers allow workers to substitute a college degree for certification, but most employers who require a bachelor’s degree require both a degree and certification.

*Where can you find out more about required certifications:

To find accredited fitness certification programs, contact: National Commission for Certifying Agencies, 2025 M St., NW., Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036. Internet: http://www.noca.org/ncca/accredorg.htm

American Council on Exercise, 4851 Paramount Dr., San Diego, CA 92123. Internet: http://www.acefitness.org

American College of Sports Medicine, P.O. Box 1440, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1440. Internet: http://www.acsm.org

National Academy of Sports Medicine, 26632 Agoura Rd., Calabasas, CA 91302. Internet: http://www.nasm.org

National Strength and Conditioning Association Certification Commission, 3333 Landmark Circle, Lincoln, NE 68504. Internet: http://www.nsca-cc.org

Good luck!