Discover Your Earning Potential as a Certified Personal Trainer
If you’ve ever considered becoming a personal trainer, one of the first questions you might ask is, “How much do personal trainers make?” The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on your location, experience, specialization, and business model.
Some trainers start with modest earnings working at a commercial gym as they grow their client base, while others build and scale thriving businesses quickly, earning six figures or more. Let’s dig into the numbers, explore the factors that influence earning potential, and show you how to maximize your income as a personal trainer.
The Average Salary of a Personal Trainer
Personal trainers in the U.S. earn an average salary of $61,000 per year, with top earners making $93,000-$100,000+ annually, according to data from ZipRecruiter.
However, income can vary widely depending on several factors, including whether a trainer works independently or for a gym or sports club. Commercial gyms and athletic clubs, like Equinox or LA Fitness, typically pay new or freshly certified trainers a low or minimum wage to “work the floor,” then increase their pay per hour as they begin training clients and bringing in more revenue for the business.
Trainers can also work on a commission basis, earning commission for each session sold and bonuses for selling training packages.
Cities with High Personal Trainer Salaries
Where you train can have a big impact on your earnings potential. The highest paying cities for personal trainers in the United States are as follows, according to Indeed:
- Chicago, IL ($37.59/hour)
- New York, NY ($35.14/hour)
- Washington, DC ($34.90/hour)
- Los Angeles, CA ($31.75/hour)
- Las Vegas, NV ($29.89/hour)
Highest Paying Gyms for Personal Trainers
If you want to maximize your earnings as a personal trainer in a commercial setting, choosing the right gym can make a big difference.
Here are the highest paying national gyms chains for personal trainers:
- 24 Hour Fitness – $26-38/hour [source]
- Crunch Fitness – $21-35/hour [source]
- Equinox – $20-33/hour [source]
- LA Fitness – $20-34/hour [source]
- Gold’s Gym – $20-31/hour [source]
Example Personal Trainer Earnings by Experience Level
Curious to know how your pay trajectory as a trainer might play out?
Here’s an example salary breakdown by experience level:
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): $25,000 – $40,000 per year
- Mid-Level (3-5 years): $40,000 – $75,000 per year
- Experienced (5+ years, specialized): $75,000 – $100,000+ per year
Keep in mind, this can vary hugely depending on your business model and location. An experienced self-employed trainer in New York City with a specialized niche and advanced certifications can demand a higher session or hourly rate, and therefore salary, than a non-specialized trainer working in a commercial gym in a rural area.
Learn How to Become a Certified Personal Trainer Online in Less Than 6 Months
Where Can Personal Trainers Work?
Different environments offer varying salary structures, benefits, and opportunities for growth.
Here’s a breakdown of common workplaces and their potential earnings:
- Commercial Gyms: Offer a steady base salary plus commissions, making them a great entry point for new trainers. ($30,000 – $60,000/year)
- Luxury Fitness Clubs: Provide higher hourly rates, bonuses, and premium clientele, leading to greater earning potential. ($50,000 – $90,000/year)
- Private Studios & Self-Employment: Offer unlimited earning potential, allowing trainers to set their own rates and build a loyal client base. ($50,000 – $150,000+ per year)
- Online Coaching: A scalable business model with a vast reach, allowing trainers to work remotely and generate passive income through programs and memberships. ($40,000 – $100,000+ per year)
Why Do Some Personal Trainers Have High-Paying Jobs?
Working for a commercial gym is a great way to build your client base and grow your skills, but income opportunities can be limited. Becoming a private or independent personal trainer offers a more entrepreneurial approach, where your earnings could be much higher because you set your own rates.
Keep in mind, if you use a gym to train clients, you will have to pay the gym a fee when you work with clients. Alternative approaches include using your own facility, working with clients outside or in their home, or offering remote personal training.
Independent personal trainers have to drum up their own business, but they can charge however much they like and don’t have outside pressure to sell more sessions. They are also responsible for accounting and taxes and sales and marketing.
Example salary of a private personal trainer:
- Charges $65/session
- Works 28 hours/week (28 sessions/week)
- Makes $1,820/week, or $94,640/year
Some trainers break into the six-figure range. What sets them apart?
Reaching a six-figure income as a personal trainer isn’t just about putting in the hours—it’s about strategic growth, expertise, and leveraging multiple opportunities. Here’s what top-earning trainers do differently:
- Certifications & Specializations: Trainers with advanced credentials, such as AFPA’s Master Personal Trainer Certification, can charge higher rates.
- Building a Personal Brand: Social media presence, referrals, and niche expertise increase value.
- Multiple Income Streams: Offering online coaching, group training, and digital products boosts earnings.
- High-End Clientele: Working with corporate executives, athletes, or celebrities can skyrocket income.
What’s the Job Outlook for Fitness Trainers?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow 14% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This strong demand shows a promising career path for aspiring fitness trainers.
What’s Driving This Growth?
- Increased Focus on Health & Wellness – More people are recognizing the importance of regular exercise for overall well-being, disease prevention, and longevity.
- Corporate Wellness Programs – Many companies are investing in workplace fitness programs to improve employee health and productivity.
- Aging Population Seeking Active Lifestyles – Baby boomers are staying active longer and seeking fitness professionals to help with mobility, strength, and overall wellness.
- The Rise of Virtual and Online Training – The shift to digital fitness solutions has expanded opportunities for personal trainers to work with clients globally.
What’s Involved in Being an Exercise Trainer?
Diane Vives, one of the top female Strength and Conditioning Specialists throughout the world and AFPA’s Senior Director of Health & Wellness Professional Education, has the following to say about the role of a personal trainer:
“Stepping into the fitness industry as a certified personal trainer is more than just a job—it’s the start of a transformative journey, both for your clients and for yourself. Success in this field isn’t just about knowing exercises and programming; it’s about mastering the three pillars of an exceptional trainer: technical expertise, business acumen, and human connection.
First, you must build a deep understanding of exercise training and program design—crafting safe, effective, and goal-oriented workouts that deliver real results. But knowledge alone isn’t enough. To thrive, you also need to develop the business skills to manage your schedule, market yourself, and ensure your career is sustainable. And above all, the most successful trainers understand that fitness is deeply personal—your ability to connect, empathize, and communicate effectively will determine whether a client stays with you for a session or for years.
The daily reality of a trainer requires dedication, organization, and adaptability—balancing client sessions, program planning, marketing, and continuing education. But for those who commit to growth in all three areas, the rewards are immeasurable. The trust built, the progress witnessed, and the impact made on someone’s confidence, strength, and quality of life make this profession unlike any other. Personal training isn’t just about changing bodies—it’s about changing lives, including your own.”
The Three Pillars of an Exceptional Trainer:
- Technical Expertise: having a deep understanding of exercise training and program design
- Business Acumen: managing schedules, finding clients, and marketing your brand
- Human Connection: connecting, empathizing, and communicating effectively
Becoming a Certified Personal Trainer
A comprehensive certification with real-world tools sets you up for success. Choosing a respected online personal trainer course like AFPA’s Personal Trainer Certification, which includes cueing and coaching education, client forms, example workout programs, and an exercise library, ensures you gain the knowledge, skills, and credibility needed to succeed and thrive in the industry from day one.
Steps to Certification:
- Choose the Right Program – Select a respected certification course that fits your schedule and provides tools, resources, and business strategies to help you launch a thriving career.
- Complete Coursework & Exams – Programs like AFPA’s allow you to work through the course at your own pace and take your exam online.
- Gain Hands-On Experience – Practical training improves confidence and skill. As you learn, practice training friends and family to strengthen your skills.
- Earn Your CPR/AED Certification – Earn the skills to potentially save a client’s life while working with them. Most gyms require this certification, and it provides private clients peace of mind.
- Get Certified & Start Training Clients – Launch your career in a big facility, independently owned gym, or online.
AFPA-Certified Personal Trainer Andrew Schuth appreciates how quickly he was able to complete his certification through AFPA and start earning: “The great thing about AFPA was that I was able to get my certification quicky and start making money fast. I got my clients very fast and I generated income. A lot of times, you can get certifications, and you’re like, ‘What a I going to do with this?’ But it wasn’t like that. I’m still certified 10 years later. I’m very appreciative that I took the leap originally.”
The Rise of Online Personal Training
Remote or virtual coaching is a game-changer. Online personal training allows you to:
- Reach clients globally.
- Offer flexible scheduling and self-paced programs.
- Scale income beyond hourly sessions.
The national average virtual personal trainer salary in the United States is $61,014/year, according to ZipRecruiter, with top earners making $100,000 annually.
Many successful trainers combine in-person training with online coaching to maximize earnings and freedom.
Maximizing Your Income as a Personal Trainer
Working as a personal trainer can be an exciting entrepreneurial pursuit where you control how much money you make and where your income comes from—all while helping people live healthier lives. There are many ways to maximize your income as a trainer and make a six-figure income.
Is Personal Training the Right Career for You?
If you’re passionate about fitness and helping others, personal training offers incredible earning potential and career fulfillment. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time fitness career, the opportunities are endless.
Ready to get started? Explore AFPA’s Certified Personal Trainer Program today and take the first step toward your dream career!
