Category
Personal Care & Fitness
What It Is
Designs and delivers fitness programs for individual or group clients, often working at gyms or independently.
Best For
People passionate about fitness who enjoy coaching and client relationship-building.
Avoid If
You need guaranteed hourly income; many trainers start with variable, client-dependent schedules.
Degree Required
No degree. Certification program, 2-4 months.
Skills Needed
Coaching, basic exercise science, sales/client retention, motivation and communication.
Training Path
Study for and pass a nationally recognized personal training certification exam, then get hired at a gym or build an independent client base.
Certs / Licenses
NASM, ACE, or ISSA personal training certification (CPR/AED certification also required).
Time to First Job
2-4 months of certification study.
Cost to Enter
$500-$2,000 for certification course and exam.
Income Range
General estimate: $30,000-$45,000 gym-employed entry-level, $50,000-$80,000+ with an established independent client base. Verify local data.
First Job Titles
Personal Trainer, Fitness Coach.
Companies Hiring
Commercial gyms (Planet Fitness, LA Fitness, Equinox), boutique fitness studios, corporate wellness programs.
Best Next Step
Choose an NCCA-accredited certification (NASM, ACE, or ISSA) since most gyms require it for hiring.
Real Training Providers Near You
- Sandler by Achievement Dynamics – Denver, Colorado (5★, 29 reviews)
- Sandler Training Denver by SalesGrowth MD, Inc. – Englewood, Colorado (5★, 6 reviews)
- Spin Career – Quality Assurance Testing Course. Online Academy – , (4.8★, 17 reviews)
Verified via Google Business listings, 2026-07-06. Always confirm current pricing, schedule, and enrollment requirements directly with the provider.