How Much Money Can You Make as a Personal Trainer in the United States? Let's Break It Down

Hey trainers, let's talk about the money. Because, at the end of the day, we all want to know what we’re working towards. How much can you really make as a personal trainer in the United States? I’m here to give you the real numbers, the facts, and a little bit of perspective on how you can maximize your earnings in this industry.

What’s the Average Salary for a Personal Trainer?

If you’re a personal trainer in the U.S., you’re looking at an average salary of about $70,300 per year, which comes out to roughly $5,860 a month. But remember, this is just an average. Salaries range from $34,500 at the low end to a solid $110,000 at the high end. So, where you fall in this range depends on a few key factors: experience, education, location, and, most importantly, your hustle.

The Power of Experience

Experience is a game-changer. If you’re just starting out, maybe you’ve got less than two years under your belt, you might earn around $40,900 a year. But here’s where it gets interesting: as you gain experience, your pay can shoot up significantly. 

- 2-5 years of experience? You’re looking at around $52,500—29% more than when you started. 
- 5-10 years in the game? Now you’re earning $72,500—another 38% bump.
- 10-15 years? Expect around $89,800.
- 15-20 years? You’re at $96,200.
- And if you’ve been grinding for over 20 years, you can be pulling in $103,000.

That’s right, your salary can nearly double in your first decade if you play your cards right. This isn’t just about putting in time, though. It’s about leveling up, continuously learning, and adapting to new trends and techniques.

Education: Is It Worth It?

Now, let’s talk education. How much more can a degree add to your paycheck? Quite a bit, actually.

- High School diploma? Average salary is $51,000.
- Got a certificate or diploma? You can bump that up by 15% to $58,500.
- A Bachelor's degree? You’re now looking at an average of $78,900.
- Master’s degree? It jumps to $99,200.

Higher education can definitely pay off, but let me be clear—it’s not a necessity to make good money in this field. I’ve seen trainers with no formal education crush it because they’re passionate, knowledgeable, and they know how to connect with their clients. If you can afford it and want to go that route, great. If not, don’t let that stop you from going after what you want.

Location, Location, Location

Where you work matters. Big cities often mean bigger paychecks. For example:

- Los Angeles and New York trainers average around $89,800.
- In Houston, you could earn about $85,900.
- San Francisco trainers pull in about $80,600.

Even within states, there’s a variance. California trainers earn more on average than those in Alabama. So, if you have the flexibility, consider where you’re building your career. But no matter where you are, there’s opportunity.

The Gender Pay Gap is Real

Let’s address something that shouldn’t be an issue in 2024 but is—the gender pay gap. On average, female trainers are earning around $72,000, which is 5% more than their male counterparts who earn $68,500. This gap isn’t huge, but it’s significant. 

Bonuses, Incentives, and Increments

Here’s something else to keep in mind—bonuses and salary increments. About 32% of trainers reported receiving bonuses, with rates ranging from 0% to 4% of their annual salary. Most trainers can expect a salary increase of about 10% every 17 months. It’s not just about your base pay. Your total compensation can be influenced by performance bonuses, company performance, and other incentives.

Hourly Wages: Know Your Worth

If you’re charging by the hour, the average rate is about $34 per hour. Not bad, right? But remember, that’s an average. Depending on your location, expertise, and clientele, you could be charging much more. Some trainers command $100+ per hour because they’ve established themselves as the go-to expert in their niche.

So, How Do You Crush It as a Personal Trainer?

First, know your worth. Understand the market, know the average salaries, and set your rates accordingly. Don’t sell yourself short. Second, invest in yourself. Whether it’s education, certifications, or just staying up-to-date with the latest fitness trends, continuous learning will set you apart. 

Hustle

Build your brand, market yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for referrals. Your clients are your best marketing tool. Treat them well, and they’ll sing your praises. 

The best advice I can give is when you are starting off as a new trainer, "live at the gym", I remember when I was training at Equinox or NYSC the trainers that were there all day had the most opportunity to meet gym members. Talk to everyone, and become the trainer that everyone knows, this will help give you more opportunities to meet someone who's looking for help with their fitness journey. 

Being a personal trainer can be incredibly rewarding, both personally and financially. But it’s up to you to seize the opportunities, put in the work, and build the career you want. Remember, you have the power to create your own success story—so get out there and crush it!


Hector Sanchez
CEO, The Training Notebook

References: 
SalaryExplorer. (2024) SalaryExplorer.
GlassDoor. (2024) GlassDoor.
Indeed. (2024) Indeed.