What is the Average Personal Trainer Salary UK?

If you’re passionate about fitness and dreaming of turning this passion into a rewarding and exciting career, you’re in the right place. Personal training is a career path that not only allows you to make a significant impact on others’ lives but also offers the potential for a rewarding income.

According to payscale.com, the average personal trainer salary in the UK ranges between £16,000 and £84,000+ a year, with most PTs taking home an average salary of £30,387 per year in England.

So, let’s explore what it takes to not just become a personal trainer in the UK, but to thrive financially in this exciting field.

Factors affecting personal trainer salaries

Understanding the factors that influence personal trainer salaries is the first step in navigating your career path.

For example:

Qualifications and experience

It all begins with your qualifications. The fitness industry values certified expertise. The more skilled and qualified you are, the higher your platform to leap from. Think of each certification as another string to your bow, making you not just a highly qualified personal trainer, but a sought-after specialist; nay, an elite personal trainer.

In particular, specialising in high-demand areas like sports nutrition, pre- and post-natal fitness, or rehabilitation doesn’t just broaden your skillset; it significantly boosts your value to clients. Imagine being the go-to person for a new mum looking to get back into shape safely or an athlete needing tailored nutritional advice. That’s where your certifications can set you apart and significantly boost your value to clients.

Finally, there’s no substitute for experience. Starting out, your earnings might be more modest, but as you rack up hours, undergo further training, deliver success for clients and garner those highly sought after client testimonials, your rates can climb. It’s a direct correlation: more experience often equals a heftier salary.

Geographical location

Where you are matters. Your location is more than just a postcode; it’s a potential salary multiplier. Thriving urban centres, especially London, are hotspots where demand for personal trainers can drive up rates. However, this isn’t to say other cities don’t hold their own. Regions like Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol also boast buzzing fitness communities with their lucrative prospects.

In contrast, quieter, more rural areas might offer a different financial picture. It’s the classic supply and demand at play.

Employment type

Are you flying solo in a self-employed role? Rocking it in a gym, or mixing it up as a freelance personal trainer? Each employment type carries its unique set of financial prospects and challenges. It’s about finding the right fit for your career goals and lifestyle.

• Self-employed personal trainers enjoy more freedom and potentially higher earnings, but conversely, they have to deal with the added hustle of finding clients.

• Freelance personal trainers combine the autonomy of self-employment with the variety of working in different settings.

• Working in a gym provides stability and immediate access to potential clients but might come with a fixed salary:

  • Virgin Active: Personal Trainers are paid a set hourly rate and are fully employed. No rent fees.

  • Pure Gym: Freelance Personal trainers, so PTs will receive 100% of the income but will be required to work 15 hours on the gym floor for free, running classes and inductions. This is a great time to pick up clients.

  • Nuffield Health: PTs will receive a base salary and will receive an additional commission with targets.

  • The Gym: Depends on the gym, but you may pay a rental fee to receive 100% of income from the client.

  • Anytime Fitness: Rent paid but keep 100% of income.

  • David Lloyds: Personal Trainers receive 100% of the generated income from clients and are required to cover a set number of hours per week in the gym delivering classes and inductions. No rent.

Specialisations and niches

(Say it in an American accent) The riches are in the niches.

Specialising isn’t just about adding feathers to your fitness instructor cap; it’s about carving out a niche that can significantly impact your earnings. Whether it’s guiding clients through sports nutrition plans, offering pre- and post-natal fitness sessions, or focusing on rehabilitation, your specialised skills can set you apart in a crowded market.

Digital presence and marketing

A strong online presence is non-negotiable. It’s your virtual storefront, showcasing your services, successes, and unique approach to personal training. Social media platforms and a sleek website can act as magnets, drawing in clients and boosting your income.

Leveraging online marketing isn’t just about being seen; it’s about connecting and engaging with potential clients. From Instagram workouts to Facebook testimonials, your digital presence can transform from a static page to a dynamic tool for attracting clients and enhancing your income.

Understanding the average salary ranges for personal trainers

For those just beginning in the fitness industry, the starting salary often hovers around the £16,000 mark. This is your base camp, where your journey begins, not where it ends. As you gain experience, take specialist courses, and build your brand, this number can climb significantly.

On the other end of the spectrum, seasoned trainers with a strong client base, specialised skills, and perhaps a thriving online presence can see their take home pay soar to £84,000 or beyond. These are the trainers who’ve mixed the ingredients of experience, specialisation, and marketing with a dash of business savvy.

How to maximise your earning potential as a personal trainer

Continuous Professional Development

Never stop learning. The Fitness Circle, the UK’s leading training provider for fitness qualifications, shines here. With a legacy of over 25 years in fitness education, we have paved the way for thousands of fitness professionals, setting them on the path to success in the dynamic world of health and wellness.

• Internationally recognised qualifications: Our courses are accredited by CIMSPA, ensuring that certifications are recognised globally.

• Self-paced learning: Our online format allows for flexibility, making it easier for students to balance their studies with other commitments.

• Expertly designed curriculum: Our courses are developed and written by industry experts and sports scientists, ensuring that students receive up-to-date and relevant education.

• Proven track record: With over 2500 certified fitness professionals, including industry experts and professional athletes, The Fitness Circle has a long history of success in fitness education.

A few of our courses:

• Online Personal Trainer Course: This course is designed for those looking to become certified personal trainers. It offers the flexibility of self-paced learning, allowing you to study anytime and anywhere. Learn more

• Level 2 Gym Instructor: A foundational course that equips you with the necessary skills to instruct in a gym setting or fitness centre. Learn more

• Level 3 Personal Trainer: This advanced course builds upon the Level 2 Gym Instructor certification, preparing you for a career in personal training. Learn more

Build a strong personal brand

Crafting a strong, professional online image is key – a robust online presence can significantly impact your career potential. Share your fitness journey, successes, and the real, tangible results your clients achieve. This authenticity attracts more clients and builds trust.

Expand into online opportunities

Expanding into online training opens up a world of possibilities. By offering online personal training, you’re not just limited to clients in your geographical area; you can reach fitness enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. This not only diversifies your client base but also significantly enhances your earning potential.

• Use platforms like Zoom, Skype, or even bespoke fitness apps to deliver your training sessions.

• Offer personalised training programs that cater to individual goals, preferences, and fitness levels.

• Consider developing downloadable fitness programmes, eBooks, or even a series of workout videos. These can provide an additional revenue stream alongside your one-on-one training sessions. Think Sweat by Kayla Itsines or Yoga With Adriene.

Develop effective client retention strategies

Attracting new clients is important, but keeping them is where the real magic happens. A happy client is a loyal client. A happy client not only provides a steady income but can become a powerful advocate for your brand. Personalising their experience, delivering consistent results, and maintaining open, honest communication are key.

Boost your earning potential with The Fitness Circle

Becoming a top-earning personal trainer or fitness coach in the UK is more than possible—it’s within your reach. With the right qualifications from trusted educators like The Fitness Circle, a strategic approach to your career, and a bit of savvy marketing, you can transform your passion for fitness into a lucrative career that not only earns you a higher salary but also brings immense satisfaction by helping others achieve their health and fitness goals.

Ready to start this exciting journey? Dive into the courses offered by The Fitness Circle and take the first step towards a successful fitness career.

Your future self (and wallet) will thank you!