Percentage for trainers that work in membership gyms?

The rates have changed so dramatically since 2000. When I used to work for a club it was a 60/40 split and you would get a 10% commission if you sold the package. Today, it is no longer the case and a lot of trainers get a set hourly rate based on their experience, their certifications/degree's and how long they have been there. I also noticed when I work out at the local 24hour fitness's when you read the bio's the have a sections that states hours of personal training done in their lifespan with that specific company. So I am assuming that also affects their pay grade too. I am looking to open up facility in about a year and when I start hiring trainers I am going to give them a set hourly rate, plus benefits. I think the benefits can offset what they make per hour because this is a huge incentive and it will hopefully force them to be more loyal to the company, versus taking the client's and leaving.
I believe the going rate at the major clubs (24, LA, Bally's) is anywhere between $25-$35/hour. I know it is not much because you can make a lot more being independent, but it also depends on the cost of living where you are opening your club, because that could be a great rate.
I hope that helps!
Thanks,
Kisar

I agree the rates are all over the place. A lot of facilities have changed their membership or training package structures so they are offering 30 minute sessions/introductory packages that cost very little to the consumer. Many places also don't have great strategies to follow-up on these introductions so they lose the continuing relationship= losing money and the trainer never sees any money..so they probably won't stick around too long.

I myself, now make sure I am getting at least 50% at any place I go to if I work in a facility at all. I have worked in some locations that went as high as 70, but that was in a contracted position. Very different from a studio setting.

I think the best thing you can do is cater to your trainers. With this economy, some people will be looking for more regular work while others will be working numerous jobs. So having a set hourly rate with benefits may be enticing to someone looking for 40hours, the other person may be interested in taking more home to their family in a short amount of time. If you are a small enough studio, see if you can offer a case by case scenario or maybe just options to stay fair to everyone.

If you take care of the employees, and display that you value and appreciate their work, there is less of a chance of them running off with your clients. Sure it can always happen, but if they like where their at, why would they leave?

When I worked in a big gym we used to get a 50/50 split to start but with continuing education and performance it could get up to 56/44 for the trainer. Not horrible but part of the reason why I went independent. I just opened my own studio and need to hire a trainer or two. So I will be interested to see more answers to this one.

Based on IHRSA's Employee Compensation & Benefits Report, clubs pay between $20 - $35 per hour to personal trainers. Participating clubs indicated a higher wage for specialty trainers, who have an advanced certification in a specialized area: up to $45 per hour. Below is a link to the report.

https://www.ihrsastore.com/p-4207-the-2011-employee-compensation-benefit...

The report is based on responses from 84 clubs, representing 555 total facilities. So the actual rates can still vary from these ranges depending on the club's location, business model, and target market. There are about 30,000 commercial clubs in the U.S., and I wouldn't be surprised if the upscale/premium clubs or independent studios pay their trainers more than the average.

There are also other things you can consider for compensation beyond hourly pay such as health insurance, vacation/leave days, vouchers or financial assistance towards CEU's, and maybe even incentive bonuses for client retention.

Hope that helps!

Melissa

Thanks to everyone with your answers. Melissa, you were a huge help. I had checked out IHRSA but did not the find this article. I worked in big box clubs till 2005 and have been out of the loop with my own private studio since then. Going back to IHRSA for more info.