Fortunately, there's no concrete answer to either of those questions; in fact, I don't care how long a piece of string is and if you found this article trying to figure that out, you might as well try somewhere else because we talk about personal training 'up in here'!
We could look at average wages and the income trends within the fitness industry, but I prefer to base an individuals earning potential on the qualities that they can bring to the industry via their personal brand and then present those credentials to potential employers effectively.
It's not about 'how much do personal trainers make?' It's about how much can YOU make as a personal trainer?
Trainers need to stop listening to what the industry is telling them they can achieve. If you settle on what you may be able to earn, you will never earn any more than that.
In the US, the average salary of a personal trainer is approximately $28,000, in Australia it's slightly higher, around $35,000.
This graph is taken from a popular Australian employment website based on personal training position advertisement values, however, it's not a true reflection of the actual salaries being offered in the open market.
After coming straight out of personal trainer school, many people are happy to take the first poorly paying, over promising position that they're offered without considering their true personal value.
Gyms and fitness centers take advantage of this situation and that's how they're able to pay such pitiful wages; working with the mindset that if you won't work for that money, someone else will.
The inevitable result of this type of business is gyms full of sub-par, industry ruining personal trainers and a disheartened gaggle of unemployed top quality fitness professionals.
Personal training is an unregulated industry, so your negotiation abilities can influence your earning capacity significantly.
Since you're reading my business is fitness (thank you), it's safe to assume that you take your career a little more seriously than most and not only intend to make a difference in your community teaching the health and fitness lifestyle, but earn a decent salary along the way.
In order to determine a newly accredited personal trainers worth, I decided to simplify things and group these guys into two categories:
- Newly Accredited Personal Trainers With Zero Industry Reputation Or Experience
- Newly Accredited Personal Trainers That Have A Strong Reputation Within The Fitness Industry
A newly accredited personal trainer with a sports specific reputation: Maybe you're an athlete, a champion bodybuilder or high level sportsperson. People coming into the industry with this type of background may have more credibility than the aforementioned type 1 personal trainers as they have a basis from which to brand themselves and their personal training business.
Consider which of those best describes you.
At a glance it may appear that number two type trainers will have a distinct earning and employable advantage over the number ones, however, number ones simply need to identify and present their strengths in a different manner.
Imagine yourself as an employer for a moment and then decide what you would consider valuable qualities a new staff member should have coming into your club.
For me, a personal trainers' employable qualities could include:
- Versatility: Ability to undertake a variety of tasks: Personal training, sales and administration.
- Appearance: Are they well presented and professional?
- Personality: Will they get along with other staff and my club members?
- Relatable experience: Do they have specific relevant skills?
- Motivation: Why do they want to work in my gym?
Employers please note:
Exercise prescription and nutrition can be taught and developed; motivation, initiative and drive on the other hand are up to an employer to identify in an individual.
Please don't get the wrong idea; I'm not encouraging personal trainers to walk into a job interview, demand six figures and leave if your requests are not met.
I want you to present your strengths in a relatable manner, pertinent to the type of club and the position that you're applying for and establish a professional relationship with your potential employer from your very first encounter.
If you spend some time evaluating the unique qualities and experiences that you've gained over your career regardless of the industry, you can present yourself to potential employers in a much more appropriate and desirable light and position yourself whereby you can better negotiate your value at interview level and during your employee review period.
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Ben
Additional Reading:
How Much Do Personal Trainers Earn In 2010
Personal Training Marketing Plan
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Ben