Research Summary
In 2024, personal trainer salaries show promising earning potential, with pay rates influenced by experience, specialization, and location. From beginner trainers to well-known celebrity coaches, the range of salaries highlights the demand for fitness professionals across the country. This guide breaks down key stats, including average annual and hourly pay, how much experience matters, and how salaries vary by location. Whether you’re a personal trainer or interested in becoming one, these statistics offer a clear look at what to expect in terms of income in the fitness industry.
Key Statistics
- The average salary for a personal trainer in the US in 2024 is $68,270 per year.
- Personal trainer salaries in the US vary widely, with the lowest at $33,781 and the highest reaching $98,078 in 2024, reflecting differences in experience, specialization, and demand across the country.
- In 2024, online personal trainers in the US earn $50,299 annually, 8.67% more than gym trainers, due to fewer location-based constraints.
- As of 2024, entry-level personal trainers in the US earn $61,902 in 2024, while expert-level trainers earn $76,266, marking a $14,364 increase as trainers gain expertise.
- In 2024, Washington, Columbia, New York, Massachusetts, and Alaska lead the highest state salaries for personal trainers, averaging around $66,000-$69,000 annually, typically in regions with high living costs and robust fitness markets.
- Personal trainers in Ohio, Connecticut, and Indiana earn around $58,000 annually, representing middle-range salaries in the US for 2024.
- Florida ranks as the lowest-paying state for personal trainers in 2024, with an average salary of $45,595, a reflection of both lower living costs and market demand.
- Berkeley, CA, offers the highest salary for personal trainers in 2024, with an average annual pay of $75,582.
- South San Francisco, CA ($73,256), San Bruno, CA ($72,893), and Blythe, CA ($72,002) rank among the highest-paying cities for personal trainers in 2024.
- Tracy Anderson, with a net worth of $100 million, tops the list of wealthiest personal trainers in 2024, followed by Gunnar Peterson, with a net worth of $15 – $30 million.
Table of contents:
What is the Average Personal Trainer Salary in the US Per Year | What is the Average Personal Trainer Salary in the US Per Hour | Personal Trainer Salary by Levels of Experience | Average Personal Trainer Salary by Location | Highest Paid Personal Trainers in the US
What is the Average Personal Trainer Salary in the US Per Year
- The average salary for a Personal Trainer in the US in 2024 is $68,270 per year.
- As of 2024, salaries for personal trainers in the US range from a lowest of $33,781 to a highest of $98,078.
Personal trainer salaries vary a lot for a few reasons. Experience makes a big difference: trainers with more years in the field usually earn more. Special skills, like sports training or injury recovery, can also boost pay since they’re in higher demand. And, of course, location matters; trainers in big cities or wealthier areas often charge higher rates.
What is The Average Personal Trainer Salary in the US Per Hour
- The average personal trainer salary in the US per hour is $33 as of 2024.
- The highest pay for personal trainers in the US in 2024 can reach $47 per hour, while the lowest can be around $16 per hour.
Online vs Gym Personal Trainer Salary
- Personal gym trainers in the US earn an average annual salary of $46,284 in 2024.
- The earnings of gym trainers in the US in 2024 can range from $36,417 to $58,050.
- As of 2024, online personal trainers in the US earn approximately 8.67% more than personal gym trainers, with a $50,299 average annual salary.
- The salary for online trainers in 2024 can range from a minimum of $39,959 to a maximum of $63,254.
Online personal trainers can serve a global client base, scale their income through pre-recorded programs or subscriptions, and avoid the limitations of location-based work. In contrast, gym trainers rely on in-person sessions and are often constrained by local demand and gym policies that take a portion of their earnings.
The transition to digital fitness has impacted how personal trainers operate, with online platforms providing greater flexibility and earning potential. As the demand for virtual training continues to grow, trainers use technology to connect with clients, create customized workout programs, and expand their reach beyond physical gym locations. Platforms like Perspire offer an all-in-one fitness software solution for live and on-demand workouts. Perspire empowers trainers to build their brand and engage clients effectively while giving fitness enthusiasts access to interactive sessions that fit their schedules and goals.
Personal Trainer Income by Levels of Experience
- In the United States, entry-level personal trainers with under 1-year experience earn an average annual salary of $61,902 as of 2024.
This base-level salary is typical for trainers who are newly certified and have minimal experience in the field, often working to build a client base and reputation.
- Expert-level personal trainers with 8 years or more experience earn an average salary of $76,266, which is $14,364 higher than the salary for an entry-level personal trainer.
This highlights the value placed on experience, specialization, and career development. This gap shows that trainers who invest in gaining expertise and building their careers over time can achieve a significant financial reward.
Average Personal Fitness Trainer Salary by Location
What are the Average Personal Trainer Pay Rates by State
- The highest annual salary in 2024 is in Washington at $69,105, followed closely by Columbia at $68,948.
- Other states with notably high salaries include New York ($66,752), Massachusetts ($66,635), and Alaska ($65,709), showing a trend where higher wages are typically concentrated in northern states.
States with higher costs of living, especially in urban areasoften offer higher salaries to compensate for housing, transportation, and basic expenses. Personal trainers in these regions need higher income to maintain a similar quality of life compared to other states.
- States like Ohio ($58,006), Connecticut ($58,042), and Indiana ($58,059) fall around the middle of the salary range.
These states may offer a balance between living costs and income for personal trainers, which could be attractive for those seeking average cost-of-living regions.
- In 2024, the state with the lowest average annual salary for a personal trainer is Florida, where personal trainers earn an average of $45,595 per year.
- West Virginia also has one of the lowest salaries at $47,235, along with Arkansas at $50,453, which emphasizes lower wages in the southeastern and southern U.S.
In states with lower living costs, salaries tend to be lower. Also, lower-income states often have populations with less disposable income, which can reduce the number of people able to afford personal training services. This impacts how much clients are willing to pay, thus lowering salaries.
What Are the Average Personal Trainer Pay Rates by City
- Berkeley, CA, offers the highest salary for personal trainers at $75,582 per year, which aligns with its high cost of living and demand for fitness services.
- South San Francisco, CA ranks second with a salary of $73,256 per year, followed by San Bruno, CA at $72,893, and Blythe, CA, at $72,002.
Most cities with the highest pay for personal trainers are in California, particularly in the Bay Area. This regional concentration suggests that California’s economic conditions, cost of living, and demand for fitness professionals create a favorable environment for high salaries.
Highest Paid Personal Trainers in the US
Who are the Highest Paid Personal Trainers by Annual Income
- Gunnar Peterson, Harley Pasternak, and Tracy Anderson lead the list, each with an estimated annual income range of $1 – 5 million, placing them among the highest-paid trainers.
- Lou Ferrigno, Bob Greene, and Danny Musico are in the next tier, with annual incomes estimated between $500,000 – 2 million, highlighting their strong presence in fitness and celebrity training.
Who are the Highest Paid Personal Trainers by Net Worth
- Tracy Anderson leads with an estimated net worth of $100 million, making her one of the most financially successful personal trainers, largely due to her expansive fitness business and celebrity client base.
- Gunnar Peterson ranks second with an estimated net worth of between $15 – 30 million, reflecting his long-standing reputation and high-profile clientele.
- Harley Pasternak follows closely with an estimated net worth of $10 – 20 million, indicating his success in fitness training, books, and media appearances.
References
- Salary.com, Personal Trainer Hourly Wages, November 1, 2024,
https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/personal-trainer-hourly-wages - Salary.com, Online Trainer Salary, November 1, 2024,
https://www.salary.com/research/salary/recruiting/online-trainer-salary - Salary.com, Personal Gym Trainer Salary, November 1, 2024,
https://www.salary.com/research/salary/recruiting/personal-gym-trainer-salary - Salary.com, Personal Trainer Salary, November 1, 2024,
https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/personal-trainer-salary - ZipRecruiter, What Is the Average Personal Trainer Salary by State, November 2024,
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/What-Is-the-Average-Personal-Trainer-Salary-by-State - ZipRecruiter, Personal Trainers Salary, November 2024,
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Personal-Trainers-Salary - Exercise.com, Highest Paid Personal Trainers, June 2024,
https://www.exercise.com/grow/highest-paid-personal-trainers/