How much do personal trainers’ charge on average per session to their clients?

I have been a certified trainer since 1996 and started charging $40 per hour if clients purchased a block of 4 sessions at once. I charged $45 if they purchased fewer. If I had to travel a far distance I charged accordingly. Believe it or not, folks still balk at paying those same rates! I charged some well to do clients $70-75 back then. Now I charge $40-50 per hr.

Hi Jessica,

you need to check the market you are in. See what the going rate is and start there. Unless you have some stellar credentials that set you apart from the start from all the other trainers around you, you need to charge about the same. If you choose to train at people’s homes, an upcharge for travel is appropriate.

Personally, I charge all clients the same regardless of my perceived assessment of their ability to pay more. I have made allowances when people fell on hard times but that was always a temporary arrangement.

Good luck.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com

At the club where I train, clients pay the gym $75 per hour for me. That’s about what I charge for in-home clients as well – slightly less if they live really close to me and slightly more if they are far away or if I have to hire a sitter to work with them.

Hello Jessica Sims,
I started below the standard rate in my area to get people talking about me. Then I charged the lowest end of the going rate in my area after I became more experienced, raising the rate ten dollars each year, to my current rate which is fifty/hour for personal training. You will want to do your homework by checking out different places. The gym has overhead, I do not. I used to charge a travel rate; but, too many people tried to bargain that; so, now I charge the flat rate of fifty/hour for everyone. The ones who have challenges, I allow payments. I know where they all live, right? Kidding, every client is great and deserves the best.
Take care,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.

Hi Jessica,

The rate you charge will depend on what your local market will pay. Take a look at other trainers in your area here on IDEA under FitnessConnect. You also need to take into consideration your experience. If you are just starting out, it may be wise to charge a bit under market to gain clients and experience. If you have a unique specialty that sets you apart from other trainers, you could also use that for determining your rate.