How much does a personal trainer cost in 2024?

Hiring a personal trainer comes with a range of factors affecting the price, like where you are, their experience, credentials, and services offered. Rates typically range from $30 to $80 per hour, with an average cost of $50, but they can vary widely even outside of these ranges depending on what you need. Sometimes trainers also offer package deals or discounts for multiple sessions, making it more cost-effective and helping you stay consistent with your training.

But how much will you pay? According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics there are over 329,000 personal trainers in the US, which means a huge variation in experience, services, and payment options for you to choose from. This personal training price guide delves into the different costs associated with personal training so you can decide what you want, set your budget, and understand how to get good value for your money.

(Psst - if you're already looking for quotes based on your specific needs, you can get free, no-obligation quotes from personal trainers with Bark. Now back to the guide!)

What is a personal trainer, anyway? 

We all want to feel our best, but it’s not always easy to know how to. With so many workouts and fitness plans out there, finding an exercise routine that works for you can be tough. 

Whether it’s losing weight, building strength, or training for a marathon, personal trainers are like fitness buddies who offer tailored guidance, encouragement, and expertise to help you reach your health and fitness goals. They start by getting to know you, assessing your current fitness level, and understanding what you want to achieve.

Here's what they typically do:

1. Goal Setting: Together, you'll set achievable targets, whether it's shedding pounds, building muscle, boosting athletic performance, or just feeling better overall.

2. Custom Workouts: They design personalized exercise plans based on your goals, fitness level, and any health considerations. Expect a mix of cardio, strength training, flexibility work, and functional movements.

3. Wellness Wisdom: From nutrition tips to recovery advice, they share knowledge to enhance your overall health and well-being.

4. Safety First: They prioritize your safety, making sure you exercise safely and recommending adjustments if needed to prevent injuries.

5. Guided Workouts: They show you the ropes, making sure you're doing exercises correctly to prevent injuries and get the most out of your efforts. They're there to motivate and adjust your form as needed.

6. Cheerleader Mode: Personal trainers keep you pumped up, celebrate your wins, and keep you accountable when workouts get tough.

7. Progress Tracking: They keep tabs on your journey, tracking your performance and measurements to tweak your plan for continuous improvement.

Ultimately, their mission is to be your partner in progress, helping you become the best version of yourself through tailored support, motivation, and expertise. They’ll be there to get you through the difficult days and celebrate the good ones, so you can stay on track and achieve your fitness goals. 

How much is a personal trainer? 

Reaching your fitness goals doesn't happen in one session, so it's important to know how much hiring a personal trainer will cost, especially if you're considering regular classes. To give you a better understanding, here’s a high-level breakdown of average prices in the US: 

Thew average price point of personal training has risen slightly since 2023, with the average now at around $50 per session. This fee structure, however, is not uniform across the nation. In 2024, the West Coast boasts some of the highest rates, with California leading the charge thanks in part to a surge in specialized and boutique fitness studios catering to the affluent and health-focused communities.

Conversely, the South and the Midwest, with a lower cost of living and, see more moderate prices that hover just below the national average.

Cities are a different story again - we all know how the city can burn a hole in our pockets. If you live somewhere like New York or LA, you could spend double (or more!) of what you would elsewhere for the same personal training service. Prices in big cities can jump to around $90 - $150 if you are looking to hire super-specialized or experienced instructors. 

Remember, if you're on a fitness journey, you might want to work in tandem with a nutritionist or dietician too. Here's how much it costs to hire a nutrition or diet expert.

Hourly rates for personal trainers

Hourly rates for personal trainers are most common for those wanting flexibility and control over their workout schedule. As we've already discussed, the range is broad, stretching from $30 on the lower end, which might include a new trainer or one from a less densely populated area, to upwards of $80 for an elite trainer based in a metropolitan center with a coveted client roster.

Hourly rates can be negotiated on a case-by-case basis, and it's not unheard of for clients to secure a reduced per-hour fee by committing to a set number of sessions per month or paying for a block in advance.

Package rates

For those keen on a more structured approach, package rates offer predictability and often come with a price reduction as an incentive. This may be something like ten one-hour sessions for around $500, potentially saving you up to 20% off the total hourly rate.

Packages can be a great choice if you can make a weekly commitment, providing financial benefits while ensuring regular face-time with a trainer, which is crucial for keeping you motivated! Usually, the more sessions you buy in a package, the bigger the discount will be.

Other factors influencing cost

Aside from location, several factors can significantly influence the overall cost of personal training:

Trainer experience and qualifications

Highly certified personal trainers with a vast experience working with professional athletes, or those with a substantial social media presence, can command fees well above the average $50. If a trainer is a specialist in physiotherapy or nutrition, expect a premium on their services. In the US, the two most recognized certifications are: 

• NSCA-CPT (Certified Personal Trainer) 

• NSCA-CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist)

Professional trainers in the US also complete CPR and AED certifications, to be able to offer emergency assistance if you have a medical emergency. 

Beyond this, a trainer’s experience can range anywhere from having a degree in human anatomy and wellness to being a professional athlete. In a nutshell, the more experience they have, the more you pay. 

Here’s a rough estimate of how much you can expect to pay per session based on the professional’s experience: 

An extremely experienced or highly specialized trainer could charge up to $120 - $150 per session - again, this can increase if you’re in a big city like New York or LA, so be prepared to spend big bucks if you’re looking to hire the crème de la crème. 

Gym membership

Many personal trainers work exclusively in one gym, so you may need to pay for membership on top of your PT sessions. National chains and high-end facilities tend to charge more for the rental space, which passes down to the personal training services. Meanwhile, independent trainers with studio space might be able to offer more competitive pricing.

Client demand

Trainers in demand have the luxury of setting their terms. If you have your heart set on a particular coach, be prepared to pay for their time.

Personal goals

Complex training regimes geared towards specific goals, like preparing for a marathon or bodybuilding competitions, necessitate more time and expertise, driving the price up.

One-to-one vs. group training sessions

Most professional trainers offer individual and group training sessions. Individual sessions are customized to your needs, which makes them more expensive. Here’s a rough breakdown of the cost difference: 

If you’re on a budget, most group sessions are small, so while you might not get as much individual support, your personal trainer will still have plenty of time to tend to your needs. Working out with friends also reduces the hourly rate per person (and it's fun!) so it's a win-win.

Type of training 

The price per session can also be affected by the type of training you want. 

Prices for workouts like boxing or crossfit can rise to around $60 to $75 per session as trainers need specialist skills to teach these classes. 

If you want your package to come with a tailor-made nutrition plan, expect to pay more for this additional service. 

How to save money on personal training

There are several ways savvy fitness enthusiasts can stretch their dollars without sacrificing quality:

Buddy sessions

Training with a friend can halve your cost, as long as your goals align and you're willing to compromise on the exclusivity of the attention.

New trainer deals

New trainers eager to build a client base often offer significant discounts for the first few sessions.

Seasonal specials

Keep an eye out for holiday or New Year specials that can provide substantial savings on package deals.

Negotiate

Don't be shy about discussing rates; many trainers are open to striking a deal if it guarantees them long-term or consistent work.

Choosing a PT based on your budget

The main part of finding a personal trainer who suits you pocket it doing your research and comparing quotes. Don't be swayed by the cheapest or most expensive option—instead, prioritize trainers who are transparent, knowledgeable, and can articulate a plan that inspires confidence.

After establishing your budget, here's a step-by-step approach to the selection process:

1. Look for brilliant local PTs by using a service like Bark to discover professionals within your budget.

2. Arrange consultations to meet the trainer and assess their suitability.

3. Request a sample training plan and evaluate its fit with your objectives.

4. Confirm the payment plan and trial a few sessions before making a commitment.

Remember, personal training, while an investment, should be a sustainable one. The right trainer can guide you on a path to lifelong wellness, and that's a priceless opportunity!