Also called: Fitness Trainer, Certified Personal Trainer
Designs workouts and coaches people one-on-one to get stronger and healthier.
A trainer might meet clients at 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. around the workday, coaching squats, tracking progress, and keeping people motivated. Between sessions they write programs and sell training packages. Most work at gyms; many go independent.
Based on BLS fitness trainers and instructors (39-9031), May 2024: median $46,180. Many trainers work part-time; full-time trainers with loyal clients earn more.
Certificate, about 0 years after high school. High school diploma plus a certification (NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA); a degree helps for advancement.
Ways in: Certification, 4-year college. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Exercise Science, Kinesiology.
Growing much faster than average (about 12% over 10 years). BLS projects 12% growth for fitness trainers and instructors, 2024-34, much faster than average.
Low risk for 10 years. Apps and smart gear write workouts, but in-person coaching, spotting and motivation keep trainers in demand.
Age 18+. One way to start: Start an NCCA-accredited course (NASM, ACE, ISSA) and a CPR/AED class, then apply at big-box gyms First: Accredited trainer certification and CPR/AED; NASM says 4–6 weeks of full-time study
Classes: Weight training PE, Anatomy and physiology, Health and nutrition.
Official data: O*NET occupation 39-9031.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.