Quote (jn134o8 @ Sun, Feb 1 2009, 01:34am)
Question - What's your salary as a personal trainer? I know it varies so maybe you can give me an average. It's a career I've been interested in.
Hey there -
well here's the deal, it depends where and who you work for, your credentials, and how much you try and work.
I personally make money based on clients. I do not work for a gym.
there are several ways to work as a trainer:
1. At a gym, you are paid hourly + commission or just commission. If making salary, expect $7-$9 / hour (while working usually 6-8 hrs a day) + usually $25 for a 1 hour session with a client (usually 2 a day).
Pros - you can make a steady living and do something you like.
Cons - dry spells result in lay offs, lack of hours, and lack of commission.
2. Work for yourself and train people directly. If doing this, expect $50-$75 / hour of training (but remember to be competitive...if the local gym charges $50, you'll have to ask $40 to be competitive). House calls always cost about 1.25 - 1.50 times more. The problem is finding clients which has to be done in word of mouth of spending a lot of money advertising to get started (unless you know someone).
Pros - you can make a LOT of money if you are well known.
Cons - a lot of other trainers and gyms make it hard to compete - not a lot of people buy training, so don't do this as your only job.
3. Work at a spa, resort, or health club. Here you will make hourly wage only, but you can make $17-$20 / hour depending on where you work. You will have to train members of these places on a daily basis - but the good news is that you will probably keep very busy and make a steady paycheck in a easy environment.
Pros - Very steady income, very secure job, decent pay.
Cons - Rare to find such places to work, require a lot of experience, and boring (all retirees pretty much).
I hope that helps!