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How much do personal trainers make training online?

How much do personal trainers make training online?

Posted by Tyler Spraul, Certified Strength and Conditioning SpecialistĀ® (CSCSĀ®) on June 11, 2021 ā€” Updated on March 8, 2025

On average, online personal trainers earn $50,000+ annually, but thatā€™s just the beginning. Check out this guide to learn how you can make good money as an online personal trainer.

How much do personal trainers make training online?

The future is digital, even for personal trainers. So how much do personal trainers make training online? While the average online personal trainer income is $50,000+ annually, the answer is a bit more nuanced than that. If you’re wondering how much personal trainers make training online, then understanding online fitness coach salary expectations can help you determine your online personal trainer earning potential.

Career PathAverage Annual IncomeProsConsHow Exercise.com Helps
In-Gym Personal Trainer$40,000 – $70,000Steady client flow, in-person interaction, gym provides equipment.Limited income potential, gym commissions, time constraints.Automates client scheduling, payments, and progress tracking.
Online Personal Trainer$50,000 – $120,000+Scalable income, work remotely, higher earning potential.Requires strong online presence, client acquisition can be competitive.Offers online coaching features, workout delivery, and client management.
Hybrid Personal Trainer (Online & In-Person)$60,000 – $150,000+Combines best of both worlds, multiple income streams.Balancing online & in-person services can be challenging.Integrates hybrid coaching tools for seamless client experience.
Fitness Business Owner (Studio/Gym)$75,000 – $200,000+Builds long-term wealth, passive income potential.Higher startup costs, requires business management skills.Manages memberships, appointments, and sales efficiently.
Online Fitness Coach (Programs & Courses)$80,000 – $250,000+High scalability, can serve many clients at once.Takes time to build a brand & audience, needs marketing.Supports online program sales, subscriptions, and passive income.
Virtual Personal Trainer (Remote Coaching)$60,000 – $130,000+Low overhead, can coach clients worldwide.Client retention can be tricky without in-person motivation.Provides remote coaching capabilities with video and app integration.

From online personal trainer jobs to virtual personal training businesses, digital fitness coaching offers a profitable and scalable career path (go here to learn how to become a personal trainer, how to start an online personal training business, and how to make money as an online fitness coach). Get access to all the free fitness templates you need, including an online fitness coaching business plan template, an online fitness coaching contract template, and read on for online fitness coaching salary guides, fitness client acquisition strategies, and personal training business resources to grow your online income.

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So, how much do online personal trainers make? The average income of a personal trainer varies based on experience, client base, and pricing structure. Some online fitness trainers earn a few thousand dollars per month, while high-level trainers can generate six-figure incomes. Online personal trainer salary potential depends on factors such as subscription-based coaching, one-on-one training packages, and group fitness programs. But the beauty of asking yourself how much do online personal trainers make is that it forces you to create an online personal trainer salary for yourself that scales without requiring more and more of your personal time if you truly want to take your online fitness coaching salary to the next level.

Online Fitness Coaching Scalability

If you’re asking, “Is online personal training worth it?” the answer is yesā€”many trainers find remote coaching to be a flexible and profitable business model. Learning how to become an online personal trainer and mastering marketing strategies can help increase earnings. With Exercise.com, you can manage virtual personal training, automate client programs, and grow your online coaching business efficiently. Get a demo now and see how our platform helps trainers scale their income.

#1 Ranked Fitness Business Software: Exercise.com

From understanding online personal training jobs to maximizing online fitness coaching salary potential, Exercise.com provides the best gym management software for fitness professionals. Whether you’re looking to become a personal trainer online, explore remote personal trainer opportunities, or optimize virtual fitness coaching, our platform helps you automate and grow your business. Get a demo now.

Fitness Income Ideas

Exercise.com can help you get your personal training business off on the right foot. Book a demo to find out more.

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

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Online Personal Trainer Income

According to ZipRecruiter, the average yearly salary of an online personal trainer is right around $50,000 per year ($49,645). Per the United States Census Bureau, the median household income is $65,712, meaning the average online personal trainer’s salary is about 30% less, however many online personal trainers who stick with it, get experience and build a large base of online personal training clients within a lucrative fitness niche, can often earn much, much more.

  • Online personal trainers earn an average of $50,000 per year.
  • This is less than what in-person personal trainers make.
  • However, online personal trainers have many advantages over in-person trainers, which can help them increase their income.

As our world moves further and further into the digital era, you might be wondering how your personal training business can fit in. How much do personal trainers make training online? We have the answer, but remember that this number is only an average; How well your online personal training business does will depend on you. You will need to work hard, market well, and take advantage of personal trainer tools like workout and personal training software. Are you ready to take the plunge? Then keep reading.

If you’re considering becoming an online personal trainer, this average online personal trainer income for those who are just starting out isn’t necessarily great news, but it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker either. Being aware of these numbers allows you to plan ahead so you can find ways of meeting your financial responsibilities (such as by taking roommates, working a side hustle, or reducing your expenses where possible) while you’re learning how to be an online personal trainer, and then you can increase your online personal training income over time by doing things that help you scale without taking up more of your personal timeā€”things like making money selling workout plans online, making a fitness app so you can sell memberships and earn recurring revenue, maybe even learning how to make money as a fitness influencer, and many other ways to make money with fitness.

See how the best personal trainer software can help you create an online fitness platform and build your own personal trainer fitness app to make money selling workout plans online.

PJF Performance
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

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Online Personal Trainer Income vs. In-Person Trainer Income

According to Salary.com, the median yearly salary for in-person personal trainers is $62,477. This might make you think you’re better off ditching your video camera and finding some in-person clients. However, online personal trainers have a multitude of advantages over in-person trainers.

In-person trainers are limited by the number of hours in the day and how far they’re willing to commute. However, online personal trainers have an unlimited client base. This is their greatest advantage. Moving your services online with a website or customized personal training app allows you to reach clients all over the world, and gives you the versatility to train many people at once. If your business is well-managed, your income can easily exceed that $49,645 average.

Read More:

How To Increase Your Income as an Online Personal Trainer

It’s going to take a lot of work to increase your income as a personal trainer; but make sure you’re working smarter, not just harder. Here are a few great tactics:

  • Invest in ongoing education and fitness and health certifications to boost your expertise
  • Make the most of social media to expand your audience of potential clients
  • Learn how to communicate effectively with personal training clients
  • Diversify your offerings with a variety of services — one-on-one sessions, group classes, and both live and on-demand training
  • Learn how to stay organized as a personal trainer to ensure your efforts are as efficient and targeted as possible

Regardless of what the online personal training income statistics say, whether or not you can make good money as an online personal trainer is entirely up to you. In a lot of ways, having an online personal training business is more work than training clients in person, but if you’re hungry enough, the potential rewards are well worth it. If you’re ready to take the next step in being an online personal trainer, book a demo to learn how Exercise.com can help you get started.

Is Online Personal Training Worth It?

āœ” Higher Earning Potentialā€”Trainers can scale income beyond hourly rates with online coaching.
āœ” More Flexibilityā€”Online fitness trainers set their own hours, clients, and business model.
āœ” Lower Costsā€”No gym rent, travel expenses, or equipment investment needed for online training.
āœ” Global Reachā€”Personal trainers can coach clients worldwide, increasing earning potential.

Why Use Exercise.com to Grow Your Online Personal Training Business?

šŸ“¢ Exercise.com is the best software for online personal trainers, fitness coaches, and gym owners.

āœ… Create and sell online workout programs and fitness courses.
āœ… Automate memberships, coaching packages, and recurring payments.
āœ… Deliver on-demand or live video coaching through a custom-branded app.
āœ… Manage client progress, fitness assessments, and goal tracking seamlessly.

šŸ“¢ Want to increase your online personal training income? Request a demo of Exercise.com today! šŸš€

Dean Somerset - Bird Dog
“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 everyoneā€™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

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How profitable is online personal training?

Online personal training can be highly profitable for personal trainers. By leveraging technology and eliminating the need for physical gym space, trainers can reach a larger audience and offer their services at scale. The profit potential depends on factors such as pricing, the number of clients, overhead costs, and the value and quality of the services provided. With the right business strategies, marketing, and effective use of online platforms and tools like Exercise.com, personal trainers can maximize their earning potential.

Read More: How profitable is online fitness coaching?

How much does online coaching make?

The income potential for online coaching varies depending on factors such as the trainer’s experience, expertise, client base, pricing, and the value of the services provided. Online coaching can be a lucrative endeavor, with some trainers earning a six-figure income or more. By building a strong online presence, marketing their services effectively, and utilizing platforms like Exercise.com to manage and deliver training programs, trainers can increase their earning potential.

How can a personal trainer make money from home?

Personal trainers can make money with fitness from home by offering online training and coaching services. This can include designing and delivering personalized training programs, providing nutrition guidance, conducting virtual training sessions, offering group coaching programs, selling digital products or online courses, and providing ongoing support and accountability to clients. Exercise.com’s comprehensive platform with the best gym online training software can help trainers manage their online training business by providing tools for program creation, client management, scheduling, billing, and communication, enabling trainers to generate revenue from the comfort of their homes.

How much should I charge a month for online personal training?

The monthly rate for online personal training can vary depending on several factors, including the trainer’s experience and expertise, the level of customization and support provided, the specific services included in the package, and the target market’s willingness to pay. Trainers should consider the value they offer, market rates, and their desired income when determining pricing. It’s also important to assess the competitive landscape and conduct market research to ensure pricing aligns with industry standards. Exercise.com provides tools to help trainers analyze market rates, track revenue, and adjust pricing strategies to maximize profitability.

Read More: How much should you charge as an online fitness coach?

How to start an online PT business?

To start an online personal training business, trainers should follow these key steps:

  1. Define your target market and identify their specific needs and goals.
  2. Develop a strong online presence, including a professional website, social media profiles, and online marketing strategies.
  3. Create high-quality training programs and content that cater to your target market’s needs.
  4. Implement an effective client management system, such as Exercise.com, to handle program delivery, scheduling, communication, and payment processing.
  5. Market your services through various channels, such as social media, content marketing, and partnerships.
  6. Provide exceptional customer service, deliver results, and continuously improve your services to retain and attract clients.
    By following these steps and leveraging the right tools and platforms, trainers can establish and grow a successful online personal training business.

Read More: How to Start an Online Personal Training Business

Can you make a living off fitness coaching?

Yes, it is possible to make a living off fitness coaching. Many fitness coaches, both in-person and online, have built successful and lucrative careers. However, success depends on factors such as the coach’s expertise, marketing strategies, client base, pricing, and the ability to deliver valuable services. By combining a strong business mindset, effective marketing, and utilizing platforms like Exercise.com to streamline operations, manage clients, and provide exceptional training programs, fitness coaches can increase their earning potential and make a living doing what they love.

How popular is online personal training?

Online personal training has gained significant popularity in recent years, particularly due to advances in technology and the convenience it offers to both trainers and clients. The global pandemic further accelerated the demand for online fitness services. Many people appreciate the flexibility, accessibility, and personalized nature of

online personal training. The convenience of training from home, the ability to work with trainers from different locations, and the availability of customized programs and remote coaching have contributed to the growth of online personal training. The increasing popularity of fitness apps, virtual training platforms, and the integration of technology into fitness routines further indicates the rising demand for online training options. Exercise.com’s all-in-one fitness business platform provides trainers with the necessary tools to capitalize on this growing trend and effectively deliver online personal training services to meet the demands of the market.

Read More: Personal Training Income Ideas

Is it better to be a self-employed personal trainer?

Being a self-employed personal trainer offers several advantages, including greater control over your business, flexibility in setting your schedule and rates, and the ability to build your brand and client base according to your vision. It also allows you to keep a higher percentage of your earnings compared to working as an employee. However, being self-employed also means taking on additional responsibilities such as marketing, business management, and administrative tasks. Success as a self-employed personal trainer depends on factors like marketing strategies, client retention, and effective use of resources. Exercise.com’s gym management software offers valuable tools and features to help self-employed trainers streamline their business operations, attract and retain clients, and maximize their profitability.

How can I be a successful online PT?

To be a successful online personal trainer, it’s essential to focus on the following key aspects:

  1. Build a strong online presence through a professional website and active social media profiles to showcase your expertise and connect with potential clients.
  2. Provide high-quality training programs and personalized coaching tailored to each client’s needs and goals.
  3. Leverage technology and online platforms like Exercise.com to effectively manage client programs, track progress, and communicate with clients.
  4. Develop effective marketing strategies to attract new clients, such as content marketing, social media advertising, and referrals.
  5. Provide exceptional customer service, including timely communication, ongoing support, and accountability to help clients achieve their goals.
  6. Continuously educate yourself, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and seek opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
    By focusing on these aspects and utilizing Exercise.com’s comprehensive platform, personal trainers can establish themselves as successful online coaches and achieve long-term success.

How many clients should an online personal trainer have?

The number of clients an online personal trainer should have depends on several factors, including the trainer’s capacity, available time, level of service provided, and desired income. It’s important to find a balance between the number of clients and the ability to deliver high-quality services to each individual. Trainers should consider factors such as program customization, communication frequency, and the amount of support provided to ensure clients receive adequate attention and achieve their desired results. Exercise.com’s client management features help trainers effectively manage their client load, streamline communication, and maintain a high level of service, allowing them to handle an appropriate number of clients while delivering exceptional coaching.

Read More: How many clients should an online fitness coach have?

Where do personal trainers make the most money?

The earning potential of personal trainers can vary depending on several factors, including location, market demand, target clientele, experience, and specialization. Generally, personal trainers in larger cities or metropolitan areas where there is a higher concentration of fitness enthusiasts and a greater demand for training services tend to have more earning potential. Additionally, trainers who specialize in niche markets or cater to high-end clientele may command higher rates. However, it’s important to consider the cost of living and competition in each area. Exercise.com’s business management software equips trainers with tools to analyze their local market, evaluate pricing strategies, and optimize their business operations to maximize profitability regardless of their location.

Read More: Highest Paid Personal Trainers

Tony Gentilcore
Exercise.com makes my life easier by providing an all-in-one solution and the opportunity to help those who otherwise would never have access to my programming!
Tony Gentilcore
Founder, Core Online

Get a demo now!

References:

  1. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Online-Personal-Trainer-Salary
  2. https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=median%20income&tid=ACSST1Y2019.S1901
  3. https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/personal-trainer-salary
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 SpecialistĀ® (CSCSĀ®). 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.
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