FAQ
Personal Trainer FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a personal trainer.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a personal trainer: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about personal trainers
Do personal trainers need certification?
Most employers require an accredited certification.
How long does certification take?
Often two to six months of study.
Can trainers work online?
Yes. Many offer virtual coaching.
How much does a personal trainer make?
The median annual wage for personal trainers was $47,160 ($22.67 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $28,800 and the highest 10% earned more than $83,100.
How long does it take to become a personal trainer?
Most people need about 2–6 months for certification of training. A high school diploma is typical. Employers usually require a nationally accredited personal trainer certification plus CPR/AED. Degrees in exercise science help.
Do you need a degree to be a personal trainer?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Is personal trainer a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +7.3% from 2025–35 (much faster than average), with about 68,000 openings each year. Upsides include help people change their lives; a common challenge is that split, early and late hours.
What skills does a personal trainer need?
Key technical skills include exercise programming, fitness assessment, exercise technique, and group class instruction. Employers also value motivation, communication, and empathy.
What certifications are available for personal trainers?
Common credentials include NCCA-accredited personal trainer certification, CPR/AED, Group fitness certification, and Yoga Alliance RYT-200. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Personal Trainer fit quiz, compare with Athletic Trainer, or explore Personal Trainer training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 39-9031 (Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.