How can I make 6 figures as a personal trainer? (33 Ways)

Posted by Tyler Spraul, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) on June 4, 2023 — Updated on November 14, 2023

You can make 6 figures as a personal trainer if you work hard and follow the steps in this guide. There are many way to learn how to make 6 figures as a personal trainer and we will cover a big list of options.

I sold a workout program and matched my yearly salary of in-person training within two weeks of selling to my community!

Paul Fabritz

Founder and BS, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, ACE, FMS, PJF Performance

Personal training is a rewarding career choice that not only helps clients achieve their fitness goals but also allows you to earn a great income. However, making six figures as a personal trainer requires hard work, dedication, and learning how to succeed in a competitive industry. Yes, some personal trainers can become rich, so why not you too?

In this article, we’ll discuss the essential skills and qualifications you need to become a successful personal trainer, how to earn money from fitness, how to develop a unique selling proposition, how to set your personal training rates, and much more. So, let’s dive in and show you how to make six figures as a personal trainer!

“Developing an easy intake system with my apps and ways to scale the delivery of workouts has been huge. Working with 20-30 individuals who each have specific goals and restrictions can be challenging, but your platform makes it easy to organize everyone’s programs and put a plan together that will get them the best results possible. The simple, effective tools help expand and simplify my coaching process.”

Dean Somerset

Owner, Somerset Fitness

Once you learn how personal trainers can make 6 figures in annual income then if you want to run a fitness business with the best software for personal trainers, the best software for fitness influencers, and the best software for gym management, you can see why Exercise.com is the best software to run your entire fitness business all in one place. You can sell workout plans online, run online workout groups, start fitness challenges, do online personal training, and more, all from your own custom-branded fitness apps.

Want to get started? Get a demo now!

Big List of Ways for Personal Trainers to Make 6 Figures in Income

Learn the best ways to increase your personal training income and make more than 6 figures with personal training. Mix and match these methods to find an approach that works for you!

Offer Online Personal Training: Using a platform like Exercise.com, you can offer online personal training to clients around the world, allowing you to reach more people and increase your income.
Sell Digital Products: You can create and sell workout plans, nutrition guides, and other digital products. Exercise.com provides an easy platform for selling these products.
Offer Group Training Sessions: By offering group training, you can train multiple clients at once, increasing your earning potential.
Specialize in a Niche Market: Specializing in areas such as sports performance, weight loss, prenatal fitness, or senior fitness can allow you to charge higher rates.
Launch a Fitness App: Exercise.com allows you to create your own custom-branded fitness app with white label fitness app software tools, which can be a significant income source.
Run Online Fitness Challenges: This is a great way to engage clients and attract new ones.
Offer Nutritional Coaching: Combine this with your personal training services to provide a comprehensive health and fitness package.
Corporate Wellness Programs: Partner with local businesses to offer fitness programs to their employees.
Partner with Healthcare Providers: Some personal trainers partner with healthcare providers to offer fitness services to their patients.
Offer Virtual Classes: With Exercise.com, you can host virtual classes for clients anywhere.
Become a Fitness Influencer: Leverage social media to attract sponsorships and advertising deals.
Write a Fitness eBook or Online Course: Share your expertise and generate passive income.
Offer Subscription-Based Services: A monthly subscription service provides a steady income stream.
Affiliate Marketing: Partner with fitness brands and earn a commission for products sold through your referral.
Offering Pre-Paid Packages: Offering a discount on packages of sessions paid upfront can bring in a large amount of income at one time.
Rent out Fitness Equipment: If you have high-quality fitness equipment, you can rent it out to clients for home use.
Sell Branded Merchandise: With your own fitness brand, you can sell merchandise like t-shirts, water bottles, and workout gear.
Host Fitness Retreats or Workshops: These can be great income boosters and ways to connect with clients in a new setting.
Offer Premium 1:1 Coaching: Offer high-end, intensive one-on-one coaching packages for clients who want the highest level of service.
Start a Fitness Podcast or YouTube Channel: Once you have a sizable audience, you can monetize through ads, sponsorships, and product sales.
Provide Training for Fitness Competitions: Train clients who are looking to compete in fitness or bodybuilding competitions.
Offer Sports-Specific Training: Athletes are often willing to pay premium prices for sports-specific training.
Create a Fitness Membership Site: Members pay a recurring fee to access exclusive content and community features.
Become a Fitness Consultant: Share your expertise with other fitness professionals or businesses.
Partner with a Physical Therapist: Offer post-rehabilitation exercise programs to clients referred by physical therapists.
Start a Fitness Blog: Once you have traffic, you can monetize through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing.
Create a Home Workout Program: Many people are looking for effective ways to work out at home – especially in the post-Covid era.
Offer Fitness Certifications: If you’re an expert in a specific area, you can offer your own certification programs.
Sell Home Exercise Equipment: Partner with equipment manufacturers to sell home exercise equipment to your clients.
Offer Lifestyle Coaching: In addition to fitness, provide coaching on sleep, stress management, and other lifestyle habits.
Provide In-Home Personal Training: This is a premium service that can attract clients who prefer the convenience of training at home and are willing to pay extra for it.
Launch a Paid Webinar Series: If you’re an expert in a particular area of fitness, you can host paid webinars on that topic. This can be a significant income source, especially if you market the webinars effectively.
Utilize Fitness Assessment and Progress Tracking Tools: Exercise.com offers comprehensive assessment and progress tracking tools. By showcasing your clients’ progress effectively, you can attract more clients who are encouraged by the tangible results they see.

Remember, no single method is a magic bullet for earning a six-figure income as a personal trainer. Success comes from combining several strategies that work best for you and your specific business model. As you consider these options, think about how you can best serve your clients while also creating a sustainable and profitable business. Using Exercise.com’s comprehensive platform, you have numerous opportunities to expand your services, reach more clients, and increase your income.

Case Studies: Making Six Figures with Exercise.com

Many personal trainers have leveraged the diverse features of the Exercise.com platform to reach their six-figure income goals. These success stories are composites, based on the experiences of several trainers. They illustrate the versatility of Exercise.com and its powerful impact on personal trainers’ businesses, helping them expand their reach, enhance their services, and significantly increase their income.

1. The Group Fitness Guru:

Sarah was a fitness professional specializing in group training sessions. Although she had a substantial local following, she wanted to broaden her audience. By using Exercise.com, Sarah began live-streaming her classes and offering recorded sessions for later viewing. She could charge a premium for this convenient access, creating a new revenue stream and attracting a global audience without leaving her local studio. Her income surged as her audience grew, helping her cross the six-figure threshold.

2. The Personal Training Pioneer:

James was a personal trainer offering one-on-one sessions. Realizing he could only train a limited number of clients in-person each day, he turned to Exercise.com. The platform allowed him to create personalized training programs that clients could follow independently. He could serve more clients without adding hours to his workday, and the convenience of online training attracted clients who found scheduling regular in-person sessions challenging. The additional client capacity and the premium charged for personalized online plans pushed his income into the six-figure category.

3. The Wellness Coach:

Emma was a wellness coach who wanted to provide a holistic service to her clients, integrating fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. Exercise.com allowed her to do this in one comprehensive package. She used the platform to share personalized workouts, nutritional plans, and mindfulness exercises. The all-inclusive approach made her services stand out, attracting more clients willing to pay a premium for this unique offering. Her expanded services and increased prices boosted her income well into the six-figure range.

4. The Fitness Influencer:

John was a fitness influencer looking to monetize his large following on social media. Using Exercise.com, he created a variety of workout programs targeting different fitness levels and goals, which he sold as downloadable products. He also used the platform to launch fitness challenges, providing additional motivation for his followers and creating a sense of community. With thousands of followers purchasing his workout programs and participating in his challenges, his income soared past six figures.

5. The Corporate Wellness Consultant:

Sophia was a fitness professional who saw an opportunity in the corporate wellness market. She used Exercise.com to develop comprehensive wellness programs for companies, aiming to improve employees’ health and productivity. These programs included online workouts, nutritional guidance, stress management techniques, and more. As corporations were willing to invest substantially in employee wellness, Sophia could charge higher prices for her specialized services, pushing her income into six figures.

These success stories illustrate the many ways personal trainers can use Exercise.com to expand their services, reach more clients, and increase their income. The platform’s flexibility and comprehensive features make it an excellent choice for trainers aiming for a six-figure income.

Our overall experience with Exercise.com is a breeze. We love how easy it is to integrate this app with our current workflow while providing great fitness programs for our customers and save us time in the process.

Julie Ledbetter

Owner, Ledbetter Fitness

Want to get started? Get a demo now!

Understanding the personal training industry

The personal training industry has been growing rapidly over the past few years, and there has never been a better time to become a personal trainer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for personal trainers are expected to grow by 15% by 2029, which is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. This growth can be attributed to a rise in health and fitness awareness and an increase in gym memberships.

The growth of the fitness industry

The fitness industry has been on a steady growth trajectory for the past decade and is expected to continue growing at an impressive pace in the coming years. According to a report by the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), the global fitness industry was valued at over $100 billion in 2020. This growth presents a significant opportunity for personal trainers to tap into a growing market and earn significant income.

The fitness industry has also seen a shift towards a more holistic approach to health and wellness. Personal trainers are no longer just focused on helping clients lose weight or build muscle. They are now expected to provide a more comprehensive approach to their clients’ fitness journey, which includes nutrition, stress management, and overall well-being.

Different types of personal training services

Personal training services can be split into various categories, such as one-on-one or group training, online or offline training, and specialized training like sports conditioning or injury rehabilitation. One-on-one training is the most common type of personal training service, where the trainer works with a single client to develop a personalized fitness plan. Group training, on the other hand, involves working with multiple clients at once, which can be more cost-effective for clients and more profitable for trainers.

Online training has also become increasingly popular, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Online training allows clients to work with a personal trainer remotely, which can be more convenient and flexible for both parties. Specialized training, such as sports conditioning or injury rehabilitation, requires additional education and certification but can be a lucrative niche for personal trainers.

The role of a personal trainer

A personal trainer’s role is much more than just guiding clients through workouts. They are responsible for creating effective workout plans, monitoring clients’ progress, providing nutritional advice, and motivating clients to achieve their fitness goals. Personal trainers that can provide a comprehensive approach to their clients’ fitness journey are more likely to retain their services and earn higher income.

Personal trainers must also possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with their clients. They must be able to listen to their clients’ needs and concerns and adjust their approach accordingly. Additionally, personal trainers must stay up-to-date with the latest fitness trends and research to provide the best possible service to their clients.

In conclusion, the personal training industry is a rapidly growing and evolving field that offers significant opportunities for those who are passionate about health and fitness. By understanding the different types of personal training services and the role of a personal trainer, aspiring trainers can position themselves for success in this exciting industry.

Essential skills and qualifications for a successful personal trainer

Personal training is a rewarding career that allows you to help others achieve their fitness goals. However, to be a successful personal trainer, there are several essential skills and qualifications that you must possess.

Education and certifications

Education and certifications are vital in the personal training industry as they demonstrate your knowledge and expertise. A degree in exercise science can give you a solid foundation to build your career and pursue advanced certifications. Additionally, certifications like the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) can help you stand out in a competitive market and earn higher income. These certifications require passing a rigorous exam and continuing education to maintain your status as a certified personal trainer.

Moreover, as a personal trainer, you should also have a solid understanding of anatomy, physiology, and nutrition. This knowledge will help you create personalized workout and meal plans that are tailored to your clients’ needs and goals.

Building a strong client base

Building a strong client base is essential to making six figures as a personal trainer. Word of mouth referrals and social media marketing can help you attract new clients and retain existing ones. Providing exceptional service, focusing on clients’ goals, and delivering results can lead to a positive reputation and referrals from satisfied clients. Additionally, creating a niche market for yourself, such as specializing in postpartum fitness or training for a specific sport, can help you stand out from the competition.

Furthermore, building a strong network with other fitness professionals, such as nutritionists and physical therapists, can help you refer clients to each other and provide a well-rounded approach to your clients’ health and wellness.

Effective communication and coaching skills

Effective communication and coaching skills are essential to building trust and rapport with clients. As a personal trainer, you should be able to communicate fitness ideas and concepts in a simple and understandable manner. Good listening and problem-solving skills can help you tailor your services to individual clients’ needs, leading to better results and higher income.

Moreover, being able to motivate and inspire your clients is crucial to their success. Knowing how to push your clients to their limits without causing injury or burnout is a delicate balance, but it is one that can be achieved with experience and practice.

Staying up-to-date with industry trends

The fitness industry is continually evolving, and to be successful, personal trainers need to stay abreast of the latest trends and research. Following industry leaders on social media, attending fitness conferences, and pursuing continuing education courses can help you stay informed and provide the latest training techniques to your clients.

Moreover, staying up-to-date with industry trends can help you identify new opportunities for your business. For instance, with the rise of virtual training, you may want to consider offering online training services to expand your client base and reach clients who live outside of your area.

In conclusion, personal training is a highly rewarding career that requires a combination of education, certifications, communication skills, and staying up-to-date with industry trends. By possessing these essential skills and qualifications, you can build a successful career as a personal trainer and help your clients achieve their fitness goals.

Developing a unique selling proposition (USP)

In the highly competitive world of personal training, it is essential to have a unique selling proposition (USP) that sets you apart from your competitors. A USP is a statement that communicates the unique benefits of your services to your target market. In this article, we will discuss three ways to develop a USP that will help you stand out in the market.

Identifying your target market

Identifying your target market is the first step in developing a USP. Your target market can be a specific age group, profession, or fitness level. By identifying your target market, you can create specialized services and tailor your marketing messages to attract the right clients. For example, if your target market is busy professionals, you can offer early morning or late evening training sessions to accommodate their schedules. Developing services that cater to your target market’s unique needs will help you stand out in the market.

Creating a niche in the industry

Creating a niche in the industry is another way to develop a USP. A niche can be offering specialized training in a specific sport or fitness level. Focusing on a particular niche can help you develop expertise and establish yourself as an authority in your field. For example, if you specialize in training triathletes, you can develop a reputation as the go-to trainer for triathletes in your area. This will help you stand out from the crowd and charge higher rates for your services.

However, it is important to note that creating a niche does not mean limiting yourself to only one area of expertise. You can still offer general personal training services while also specializing in a particular niche.

Offering specialized services

Offering specialized services is another way to differentiate yourself from your competitors and charge higher rates. Specialized services can be nutrition coaching, injury rehabilitation, or even virtual training. Providing specialized services that cater to specific client needs can help you develop a loyal customer base and generate higher income.

For example, if you offer nutrition coaching, you can provide personalized meal plans and grocery lists to your clients. This will help them achieve their fitness goals faster and make them more likely to refer you to their friends and family.

In conclusion, developing a USP is essential for personal trainers who want to stand out in the market. By identifying your target market, creating a niche, and offering specialized services, you can develop a USP that communicates the unique benefits of your services to your clients.

Setting your personal training rates

As a personal trainer, setting your rates can be a challenging task. You want to ensure that you’re charging a fair price for your services while also making a profit. However, various factors can affect your pricing, such as the level of expertise, location, and specialized services offered.

Factors affecting your pricing

One of the first things to consider when setting your rates is your level of expertise. If you have several years of experience and a proven track record of helping clients achieve their fitness goals, you can charge a higher rate. On the other hand, if you’re just starting in the industry, you may need to offer lower rates to attract clients.

Location is another factor that can affect your pricing. If you’re located in a major city, you may be able to charge more for your services due to the higher cost of living. However, if you’re located in a smaller town, you may need to adjust your rates accordingly.

Specialized services can also impact your pricing. If you offer unique services that are not readily available in your area, you may be able to charge more. For example, if you offer a specialized program for athletes or seniors, you can charge a premium for your expertise.

Researching the local market rates and comparing yourself to your competitors can help you determine your pricing. However, keep in mind that delivering exceptional services and focusing on clients’ goals can justify higher rates.

Comparing your rates with competitors

When setting your rates, it’s important to consider your competitors’ pricing. While you don’t want to undercut your value, overcharging can lead to a lack of clients. Researching competitors’ pricing and differentiating yourself with unique services can help you set a fair price.

It’s also important to consider the quality of your services when comparing your rates with competitors. If you offer exceptional services and have a proven track record of helping clients achieve their fitness goals, you can charge a higher rate than your competitors.

Offering packages and discounts

Offering packages and discounts can help incentivize clients to purchase your services and generate significant income. Offering packages that bundle personal training, nutrition coaching, and specialized services can help clients save money while generating higher revenue for you.

Offering discounts for referrals or new client sign-ups can also help attract new clients and retain existing ones. Word-of-mouth referrals can be a powerful marketing tool, and offering discounts can encourage clients to spread the word about your services.

Setting your personal training rates can be a complex process. However, by considering factors such as your level of expertise, location, and specialized services offered, researching the local market rates, and comparing yourself to your competitors, you can set a fair price for your services. Offering packages and discounts can also help incentivize clients to purchase your services and generate significant income.

Can you make a lot of money as a personal trainer?

Indeed, it’s possible to make a significant income as a personal trainer. Several factors influence your earning potential, including your experience, specialization, location, and client base. Additionally, diversifying your income streams – such as offering online training, group classes, or selling fitness products – can also boost your earnings significantly.

Can you be rich as a personal trainer?

Absolutely! Many personal trainers have built lucrative careers, especially those who have effectively leveraged their skills, marketed their services, and diversified their income streams. Utilizing online platforms like Exercise.com can help trainers scale their businesses, reach a broader audience, and generate higher revenue.

Where do personal trainers make the most money?

Typically, personal trainers make the most money in larger cities where there’s a higher demand for fitness services. Moreover, wealthier areas often mean clients are willing to pay more for personal training. Online training can also allow trainers to reach clients beyond their immediate location.

What is the highest paying personal trainer?

The highest-paying personal trainers are usually those with a large client base, specialized skills, and diverse income streams. These trainers often combine one-on-one sessions, group classes, online training, and other offerings like nutrition coaching or fitness products to maximize their earnings.

How can I become a top personal trainer and make extra money?

To become a top personal trainer, focus on continuous learning and certification, specialize in a niche, offer a range of services, and leverage digital platforms like Exercise.com. Offering online training, selling fitness products, or running fitness challenges can create additional income streams.

How do I get high paying fitness clients?

Attracting high-paying clients often involves demonstrating your value and expertise, offering premium and specialized services, and targeting your marketing efforts towards affluent demographics. Maintaining a professional and results-oriented service is essential. You can use Exercise.com to deliver personalized workout plans, track clients’ progress, and provide high-quality online training.

How can I use the Exercise.com platform to earn more money as a personal trainer?

Exercise.com offers numerous features to help personal trainers increase their income. You can offer online personal training, sell custom workout plans, run fitness challenges, and manage memberships for both in-person and online clients. The platform also supports ecommerce, allowing you to sell fitness products. By offering these diverse services, you can reach more clients and create multiple income streams, significantly boosting your earnings.

Get Started Making 6 Figures as a Personal Trainer

By following these tips, you can create a successful and lucrative career as a personal trainer. Understanding the personal training industry, developing essential skills, and creating a unique selling proposition can help you stand out in a competitive market and earn six figures or more. With hard work and dedication, you can turn your passion for fitness into a satisfying career that positively impacts others’ lives.

If you want to offer an elite service for the end user you need to get with the times and use elite level software that is intuitive, visually appealing, and effective. That is exactly what Exercise.com delivers to its clients.

Jimmy Myers

Owner/Trainer, Relentless Sports Performance

Ready to see if you qualify for the best software platform for fitness business owners serious about leveling up their business?

Get a demo now!

Tyler Spraul is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®). He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life.

Can personal trainers become rich?

How much do the best personal trainers make?