Physical Trainer Facts & Salary

Physical trainers help people meet their fitness goals. From teaching the proper technique for lifting weights to encouraging healthy eating, trainers help people of all ages to track and meet their physical goals.

  1. Job Description

    • Physical trainers guide individuals and groups to improving their overall physical fitness. They lay out weightlifting, exercise and nutritional plans for clients and help keep them motivated to meet their goals.

    Education and Certification

    • While a college degree is not necessary, certification is and helps build credibility for a trainer. Three organizations that offer certifications are AFPA (American Fitness Professionals and Associates) ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) and the ACE (American Council on Exercise).

    Places of Employment

    • Physical trainers have a number of job options from gyms and recreation centers to running their own studio or training clients at their homes.

    Salary

    • According to the American Fitness Professionals and Associates website, physical trainers can earn an average of $40 to $125 per hour. If they have their own gym, earnings can be more than $1,000 per week with no need to travel and the ability to work as many hours as they want.

    Advancement

    • With additional education and experience, trainers can work their way from training at small gyms to owning their own or even working at large universities.