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How much money do personal trainers make in the US? What is the average salary?
Over the next ten years, the US Department of Labor expects around 45,000 personal trainers to be added to the job market. For those looking to get involved in the health and fitness sector, personal training provides a way in, but there are many aspects of the job that those interested should consider before submitting their resumes.
How much a personal trainer makes relates to where they live, their educational background, their professional experience, and the type of business they work for (or if they are self-employed). While having a college degree is not always a requirement for being hired, having a degree in kinesiology, biology, nutrition, or a related field will likely result in higher pay. Additionally, like other professions, there are certifications that can be obtained by personal trainers that make them more attractive applicants when applying for jobs.
A look at the salaries made by personal trainers
In 2022, the median salary for personal trainers was $45,380. This means that half of personal trainers earned more than this amount, while the other half earned less. The bottom 10% of earners made less than $23,920, while the top 10% earned at least $80,330. The range of salaries for personal trainers is quite wide, indicating that there is potential to increase one’s earnings. However, the average salary for personal trainers tends to be around $50,000.
Personal Trainer pay by Industry (2022 median)
- Fitness and recreational sports centers: $46,840
- Government: $41,920
- Educational services; state, local, and private: $38,600
- Civic and social organizations: $34,620
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Which states have the greatest career opportunities for personal trainers?
The states with the highest number of personal trainers also happen to be the most populous:
- California: 35,230
- Texas: 20,100
- New York: 16,530
- Florida: 13,620
- Illinois: 12,990
Montana, Colorado, Kansas, Washington, and Massachusetts have the highest concentration of personal trainers in the labor force when compared to other states. Personal trainers in Colorado ($55,980), Massachusetts ($51,650), and Washington ($51,650) all have median salaries higher than that captured at the national level. However, the states with the highest incomes for personal trainers were earned in:
- New York: $74,220 ($35.68 per hour)
- California $62,210 ($29.91 per hour)
- New Jersey: $61,370 ($29.51 per hour)
- Connecticut: $60,770 ($29.22 per hour)
- Vermont: $58,950 ($28.34 per hour)
The salary range for personal trainers can vary widely, as seen on Glassdoor. Some employers offer up to $70,000 a year for full-time positions, while others only offer part-time positions at $12 per hour.