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The primary job function of a fitness trainer is to help their clients achieve their fitness goals in a safe and healthy manner. Fitness trainers typically work in gyms, but they may also offer one-on-one services to private clients.
Alternatively, they may also run their own businesses offering fitness programs to customers. The duties of a fitness trainer include evaluating clients' physiques, creating tailor-made programs based on client needs, conducting workout or training sessions, and monitoring the progress of their clients. They also provide basic nutritional advice to help clients lose, gain, or maintain their weight.
A fitness trainer usually has a degree in kinesiology, physical education, sports science, or something similar. However, it is possible to qualify for this job with only a high school diploma as long as one has adequate experience in fitness training. And, of course, it is an unsaid rule that a fitness trainer must also have a healthy or "fit" physique to serve as a great example for their clients.
Greg Brown
Professor , Dept. of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences, University of Nebraska - Kearney
Avg. Salary $28,702
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 19%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.49%
Asian 5.11%
Black or African American 7.05%
Hispanic or Latino 10.64%
Unknown 5.40%
White 71.31%
Genderfemale 40.16%
male 59.84%
Age - 36American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 36Stress level is moderate
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is excellent
6.4 - fair
Skills![]() ![]() | Percentages![]() ![]() |
---|---|
Customer Service | 30.99% |
Front Desk | 27.63% |
CPR | 24.38% |
Cleanliness | 5.73% |
Physical Fitness | 1.57% |
Fitness trainer certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific fitness trainer certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for fitness trainers include Certified Personal Trainer and Water Fitness Trainer (WFT).
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your fitness trainer resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a fitness trainer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Now it's time to start searching for a fitness trainer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
Are you a Fitness Trainer?
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The average Fitness Trainer salary in the United States is $28,702 per year or $14 per hour. Fitness trainer salaries range between $19,000 and $41,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
No punching a time clock. Ability to set own hours - although you’ll make more if you are flexible with client availabilities. Rewarding helping others get healthier and seeing the positive outcomes in their fitness/health.
Early mornings and late evenings - midday naps are often needed. Typically need to work Saturdays. People think that a personal trainer’s time is worthless because they rarely call to cancel… no-shows are always happening and it really sucks for the trainer, especially since it happens so often.