The Ultimate Personal Trainer Career Guide

What is a personal trainer?

A personal trainer typically works one-on-one with each client, but they can also work with small groups. They create custom workout plans based on the client’s needs, goals, strengths, and weaknesses. Each personal trainer and their clients are different. Their workout plans normally incorporate gym equipment, but they might also include exercises using no weights. Personal trainers ensure that the client uses the equipment and/or performs the exercises safely and properly to make sure they are getting maximum benefits and don’t get injured. They provide motivation, encouragement, and guidance as well as monitor each client’s progress and provide feedback on a regular basis. They evaluate the client’s progress and modify the workout plan as needed. They also make sure that clients don’t get injured while training.

Personal trainers must be familiar with exercise physiology and proper lifting and exercise techniques. They should have a positive attitude, be personable, and be able to work closely with a diverse group of individuals. A personal trainer is also an educator, instructing clients on how to improve their health and physical fitness, which may include building endurance, strength, muscle mass, cardiovascular capabilities, and physical flexibility. Some personal trainers also help clients with their nutrition plans.

Qualifications and eligibility

Personal trainers should have in-depth knowledge of a variety of fitness equipment, exercises, and programs. They need excellent communication and motivational skills. The basic requirements you’ll need before pursuing a career as a personal trainer are:

You must be at least 18 years old
You must have a high school diploma or GED
You should have a CPR/AED certification (this isn’t an official standard, but is highly recommended and required for some employers)

Next, you need to become certified as a personal trainer. There are a number of different options to gain certification, which include:

A private company
Vocational school
University bachelor’s or master’s programs
Online programs
Gym program

The route you take will depend on how fast you want to get certified, how much time you have, and your personal preferences. Many choose an accredited certification program, such as one accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), which is the gold standard in health and fitness. Once you’ve taken the course, program, or received your degree, you can sit for the exam.

Work environment

The majority of personal trainers work for a specific gym or fitness center or split their time between several different locations. Some are self-employed and go to where the client is, which may be a fitness center or the client’s home. They may also work on-site for large corporations, planning workouts for employees. Other places personal trainers work include sports complexes, civic and social organizations, resorts, colleges and universities, country clubs, and state and local governments. Some personal trainers travel with their clients.

Personal trainers work with a variety of exercise equipment, which includes free weights, dumbbells, kettlebells, exercise machines, resistance bands, cardio machines such as treadmills and stationary bikes, and battle ropes. Conditions vary as well. Some personal trainers work in loud gyms, while others might be in tranquil environments.

Typical work hours

Some personal trainers work full-time, but many work part-time and have other jobs. They typically work a variety of hours to accommodate their client’s schedules, which may include nights and weekends, although some self-employed trainers set their own hours. Trainers who work for large companies usually only work during business hours.

A personal trainer’s schedule can change at any time, and they should always be prepared to accommodate the needs of their clients. Many people work out early before work or late after work, so personal trainers typically work more in the mornings and evenings. Weekends are also usually busy times for personal trainers. After New Year’s Day, personal trainers typically work heavier schedules as many people make New Year’s resolutions to start working out. The same is true to a lesser degree during the summer.

Many personal trainers don’t stop working when they leave the gym or fitness center. They spend time creating personalized exercise routines and finding new clients.

Types of personal trainers

As physical fitness is a broad area and incorporates many different types of training, personal trainers work in a variety of specialties, depending on their employer, experience, education, personality, and areas of expertise. Here are some common types of personal trainers:

Physical fitness trainer

Assists clients in reaching their physical fitness goals by developing custom fitness training programs based on the client’s needs. They may work individually or in a group setting.

Sports trainer

Train athletes for a specific sport. Can often work for colleges, universities, and professional sports teams.

Physique trainer

Assists in helping clients achieve the body they want. Also trains athletes and bodybuilders for competition.

Cardio trainer

Assists clients in gaining cardio and endurance., losing weight, and burning fat. Also helps clients prepare for marathons, cycling, triathlons, and other distance events.

Strength trainer

Specializes in building strength and power.

Lifestyle trainer

Assists clients with overall health, including eating right and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Group exercise instructor

Train groups with little individual attention. May include bootcamp training, Crossfit, yoga, Pilates, group cardio sessions, Zumba, and more.

Mobile trainer

Typically self-employed trainers who meet clients at home, a local park, their workplace, or other locations.

Income potential

The income potential for a personal trainer can vary greatly by specialty, location, experience, education, and whether you work full or part-time.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for a personal trainer in the US was $19.57 per hour or $40,700 per year in 2021. The top 10% of trainers earned more than $75,940, and the lowest 10% earned less than $22,960.

The estimated average annual income for a personal trainer is $64,259, with the bottom 10% making $31,788, and $92,298 for the top 10%.
The income potential for a personal trainer can vary greatly by state, so it’s best to view data on your specific state.

States with the highest salaries:

Washington – $56,508
Maryland – $55,088
Virginia – $53,939

States with the lowest salaries:

Georgia – $37,738
Louisiana – $36,900
North Carolina – $35,725

The average salary for a personal trainer is at $42,953, with the highest paying cities being New York, NY ($49,771 per year), Seattle, WA ($48,252 per year), and Los Angeles, CA ($47,126 per year).

Many personal trainers work part-time and have other jobs. The average weekly pay for a part-time personal trainer as of July 2022 was $774 a week. Some weekly wages are as high as $1,288 and as low as $337. How much a part-time personal trainer can make per week varies greatly by location, experience, and the ability to secure clients.

Position trends

Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, below are the occupational statistics for fitness trainers and instructors (SOC code 39-9031):

2021 Median Pay: $40,700 per year ($19.57 per hour)
Number of Jobs, 2020: 309,800
Job Outlook, 2020-30: 39% increase (much faster than average)
Employment Change, 2020-30: 121,700 increase

The outlook for fitness trainers and instructors is very good over the next 10 years, with an average of 69,100 openings projected each year.

Career path

Personal trainers have to be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers are looking for personal trainers with associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in the health or fitness field, such as exercise science, kinesiology, or physical education.

Personal trainers can move into management positions in health clubs and fitness centers with advanced education and experience. Some companies prefer a master’s degree.

Although you can work as a personal trainer without certification, your options will be very limited. Gyms and other health clubs, private companies, and government jobs all require a personal trainer to be certified before working with clients. A personal trainer can also get certified in a specialized type of fitness instruction, such as yoga or Pilates.

The career opportunities for a personal trainer include:

Aerobics instructor
Certified personal trainer
Exercise instructor
Fitness director
Fitness trainer
Group exercise instructors
Group fitness instructors
Pilates instructors
Specialized fitness instructors
Weight training instructors
Wellness instructor
Yoga instructors

Personal trainers can also advance into high-level coaching positions or gym or club ownership with additional education, specializing in clinical health positions, such as:

Physical therapist
Occupational therapist
Clinical trainer
Fitness specialist
Athletic trainer
Sports medicine
Injury rehabilitation

Steps to becoming a personal trainer

1. Earn a high school diploma

To become a certified personal trainer, a high school diploma or its equivalent is required.

2. Earn an AED and CPR Certification

Personal trainers must complete cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) certification programs to be certified. These programs teach trainers important steps to take in a medical emergency. The classes typically take about 4 hours to complete.

The most popular options for these certifications include:

3. Enroll in a personal training certification course

Choose a specialty that fits your skill sets, personal interests, and professional goals. Then, find a personal training school or course that is right for you.

Popular personal training education options include:

NASM
NASM offers a personal training certification that goes above and beyond. With six sections and a final exam, NASM prepares you to become a personal trainer with the best education. To be eligible for this personal training course, you must have a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, you need a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification.

Ace Fitness
At Ace Fitness, they have the most recognized certification. With three different certification levels to choose from, Basic, Plus, and Advantage, you can choose which level works best for you. You can do the course at your own pace, making this perfect for anyone who can’t commit to a set schedule.

NSCA
If you’re looking for an affordable certification to become a personal trainer, you’ll find it at NSCA. Starting at just $300, this is a great option for those who are ready to go. You have to complete the exam within 150 days of registering, so keep that in mind.

ISSA
If you’re ready to become a personal trainer, but looking for financing options, ISSA is a great choice. Starting at $69/month, ISSA will get you where you need to be. If you study for one hour a day, you’ll finish in 10 weeks! You get to go at your own pace as well.

4. Prepare for the certification exam

Once you have chosen a specialty, the next step is to prepare to take the certification exam. You can find resources online to study on your own or take a personal trainer certification course. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) is the primary accrediting body for personal training certifications. The major certifying bodies include:

5. Pass the certification exam

Once you have completed a certification program or prepared for the exam on your own, the next step is to register for the exam. Generally, there is an application fee to register.

The typical test is computer-based and includes between 120-150 questions. The amount and types of questions may vary depending on who is administering the test.

The Certified Personal Trainer Certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has questions across four sections:

Program Planning
Client Consultation and Fitness Assessment
Exercise Techniques
Safety/Emergency Issues

Other tests may vary, but they all are similar in content. Other popular tests include ISSA, NCSF, Fitness Mentors, American Council of Exercise, ACSM, and NSCA.

6. Apply for jobs

After you have passed the exam and received your certification, you are ready to start applying for a position as a personal trainer. You can do this at a gym or online.

7. Continuing education

To continue to grow in your career and take advantage of new opportunities, you can further your education in the following ways:

Take courses at a vocational school
Earn an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in a sports/health-related field.
Take personal training courses

Tips for becoming a personal trainer

If you are looking at becoming a personal trainer, you probably already have an interest in fitness, health, and exercise and a passion for helping others achieve their fitness goals. If so, a career as a personal trainer might be a great fit for you. Here are a few helpful tips that can help guide you on your journey to becoming a personal trainer:

Practice what you preach

You don’t have to have an amazing physique, lean build, and perfect abs to be a personal trainer. Many people become personal trainers through their journey to overcome their own fitness issues, such as being over or underweight, lacking strength, lacking cardio, or lacking overall health and fitness. Whatever you struggled and overcame in your path to fitness, you can help others do the same. Continue to practice what you preach. In other words, keep yourself in good physical condition by working out and exercising regularly to show your clients what is possible and inspire them.

Know your training style

Some clients like a loud and firey personal trainer, while others like a calm and soft-spoken voice. Knowing which one you are, or if you’re somewhere in the middle, will have a big impact on the type of clients you’ll be able to attract and motivate.

Be a good communicator and a great listener

Regardless of your training style, you’ll need to have excellent communication and listening skills. Personal trainers interact with many different personality types and many different fitness levels. Being able to communicate effectively with all of them and being a great listener are keys to being a success with any client.

Get your certification

Pick a method, whether self-study or through an accredited course, but get certified if you’re serious about a career as a personal trainer. Here is a list of the top certifying organizations:

Whichever personal trainer certification path you choose, make sure it is accredited by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Pick a specialty

There are many different specialties you can choose from as a personal trainer that can help you expand your opportunities. Here are just a few of the wide variety of specializations that are available to personal trainers:

Strength and conditioning coach
Group exercise instructor
Fitness manager
Senior fitness specialist
Youth fitness specialist
Weight loss transformation specialist
Bodybuilding specialist
Corrective exercise specialist
Health coaching
Yoga instructor
Nutritionist
Performance enhancement coach
Powerlifting instructor
Exercise therapy specialist
Running coach

Keep learning

Expand your horizons by learning about anatomy, physiology, sports psychology, nutrition, diet, healthy weight loss, and more. Stay up-to-date on the latest trends, breakthroughs, and advances in science and training. Earn additional certifications. Earn an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, sports medicine, physical education, or another related field. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to help your clients achieve success.

Personal trainer FAQs

What skills are needed to become a personal trainer?

Personal training is all about motivating, inspiring, and helping people achieve their fitness goals. Three essential skills you’ll need to do this are a love for exercise, a deep desire to help others, and excellent communication skills. You need to be excited about what you do and be able to convey that excitement to others. You should be friendly, personable, engaging, and have an outgoing personality.

Other skills you need to be successful as a personal trainer are:

● Patience
● Tolerance
● Tact
● Empathy
● Organizational skills
● Accountability
● Good working knowledge of exercise equipment, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and human behavior.
● Adaptability
● Marketing skills (if you are self-employed)

What are the on-the-job requirements for personal trainers?

The requirements for a personal trainer include:

● High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
● Personal training certification (preferred)
● First aid and CPR certification
● Availability to work irregular hours (early mornings, nights, weekends, holidays, etc.)
● Ability to teach proper form and technique for exercise movements
● Enthusiastic, positive attitude
● Great communication and interpersonal skills
● Ability to evaluate clients’ fitness levels and create a suitable workout plan for their current physical abilities
● Perform emergency first aid if needed, including bandaging, using ice packs, etc.

How much do personal trainers make?

On average, a personal trainer can make anywhere from $22,960 to $75,940 a year. The amount you can make will depend on your location, years of experience, specialty, and education.

What does the job market look like for personal trainers?

The job market is projected to increase by about 39% over the next 10 years for fitness trainers and instructors, which is well over the national average for all occupations. The market can vary greatly depending on where you live.

How long does it take to become a personal trainer?

The amount of time it takes to become a personal trainer varies greatly depending on the path you take. Getting an associate’s degree takes 2 years, and a bachelor’s degree takes 4. The length of time needed to complete a personal trainer certification course often depends on your specialty. Some courses typically take between 3-6 months to complete, while others can take 6-12 months. The path you take depends on your needs and the time you have available.

Do I need a college degree to become a personal trainer?

You don’t need a college degree to become a personal trainer. All you need is a high school diploma or equivalent. It is highly recommended that you earn a personal trainer certification, though.

Even though you don’t need a college degree to become a personal trainer, earning one can give you more opportunities in the industry. A bachelor’s degree in exercise science or another health and wellness-related degree can boost your career and help you advance more quickly.

What are some top companies that hire personal trainers?

Here is a list of some of the top companies that hire personal trainers:

● 24 Hour Fitness
● LA Fitness
● Equinox
● YMCA
● Life Time
● Gold’s Gym
● Crunch Fitness
● Anytime Fitness

How do I create a resume for a personal trainer?

When creating your resume as a personal trainer, we suggest following a chronological resume format.

Here are some personal trainer-specific tips for creating a good resume:
1. Mention any education you’ve had. A college degree will look very good, even if it’s unrelated to health and exercise. If you only have a high school diploma, mention any sports you played or student assistant jobs that were sports related that you had while in school. Also, mention any sports clubs you were part of.
2. List any skills you have. Highlight the skills in the job posting.
3. Include any and all of your personal trainer certifications. Put the ones that matter most to the hiring manager at the top. Don’t forget to add your AED/CPR and First Aid certifications.
4. You can add other things to your resume such as running the Boston Marathon or any conferences you’ve attended. List classes you’ve taught, such as yoga or spin class.

How do I find a personal trainer job?

Check the major job boards, social media sites like LinkedIn, and fitness company sites for job openings.

What should I expect in an interview?

Some typical interview questions you’ll encounter for a personal trainer include:

● Can you describe your experience in the industry?
● What is your training philosophy?
● How do you keep clients motivated and engaged?
● How do you handle conflict or work with challenging clients?
● What do you see as your greatest strength? Weakness?
● What are your professional goals in 5-10 years?
● What hours do you prefer to work?
● Which demographic are you most comfortable working with (i.e. athletes, young adults, men, women)?
● What makes you the ideal candidate for this position?

What associations exist for personal trainers?

Here are the top national associations for personal trainers:

● The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)
● The International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA)
● American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
● American Council on Exercise (ACE)
● Association of Fitness Studios
● National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
● National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
● The National Fitness Trade Journal
● IDEA Health and Fitness
● International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)

You can also find state and local associations where you live and work.

Do personal trainers require professional insurance?

Personal trainers should at least have general liability insurance and professional liability insurance. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) recommend that their members purchase these two types of policies.

ACSM and NASM also recommend that you have personal trainer insurance even if you have some coverage from an employer as an employer’s policy may only provide limited coverage.

Do personal trainers require continuing education?

Although continuing education is not required, it is beneficial to advancing in your career and is highly recommended.

Do personal trainers require business licenses?

Personal trainers are not required to have a business license.

What other resources can help me become a personal trainer?

The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) is a great resource to learn about becoming a personal trainer and how to get certified. Other good free resources online include the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), both of which provide study guides and practice tests.