Embarking on a career as a Personal Trainer is an exciting choice, but it's essential to consider the various paths available.

In the United Kingdom, Personal Trainers can opt for self-employment or seek employment with established fitness operators. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

In this blog post, we will explore the differences between being a self-employed personal trainer and an employed personal trainer in the UK, covering average salaries and highlighting the pros and cons of each.

Self-Employed Personal Trainer:

Being a self-employed personal trainer allows individuals to work independently, manage their own business, and have more control over their schedule and clientele. Here are some key aspects to consider:

1. Flexibility & Autonomy: As a self-employed personal trainer, you have the freedom to set your own working hours, choose your clients, and design personalised fitness programs. This flexibility can be particularly appealing for those seeking a better work-life balance.
2. Earning Potential: While self-employed personal trainers have the potential to earn higher incomes, it often requires significant effort and dedication. The average salary for self-employed trainers in the UK ranges from £25,000 to £45,000 per year, depending on factors such as experience, location, and client base.
3. Client Acquisition & Marketing: Self-employed trainers are responsible for acquiring their own clients and promoting their services. This requires effective marketing strategies, networking, and building a strong reputation within the fitness community. It may take time to establish a robust client base.
4. Business Costs and Administrative Responsibilities: Self-employment entails additional responsibilities, such as managing finances, tax obligations, marketing expenses, and finding suitable training spaces. These aspects require organisation and an entrepreneurial mindset.

Employed Personal Trainer:

Becoming an employed personal trainer involves working for established fitness operators or gyms. Let's explore the advantages and disadvantages of this option:

1. Stability and Security: Being employed as a personal trainer offers a sense of stability with a consistent income, regular working hours, and potentially, employee benefits. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who prefer a steady salary and fewer administrative responsibilities.
2. Access to Established Clientele: Gyms and fitness centers typically have a steady flow of members, providing employed trainers with a pre-existing client base. This can reduce the time and effort spent on acquiring clients compared to self-employed trainers.
3. Professional Development and Support: Employed trainers often receive ongoing training, professional development opportunities, and mentorship within the organisation. This can enhance their skill set and contribute to career growth.
4. Limited Autonomy: Employed trainers may have less control over their working hours, client selection, and the specific training methods they employ. They must adhere to the policies and guidelines set by the employer, which may limit their creativity and flexibility.

In summary, deciding between being a self-employed personal trainer or seeking employment as a trainer in the UK involves weighing various factors. Self-employment provides flexibility and earning potential but requires effort in client acquisition and business management. On the other hand, employed trainers enjoy stability, access to an existing client base, and professional development.

As the UK’s fastest growing training provider, we invest heavily in ensuring our students succeed in the industry and that is why we work with our students on a 1-1 level to discuss the opportunities available to you in your area and create a career / business plan for them.