Ever wondered who the highest paid personal trainers are and how they built their empires? 🤔

Most trainers enter the industry driven by passion rather than profit. But understanding where personal trainers make the most money can help you chart your own path to success!

Because, the truth is, personal trainer salaries vary dramatically. And, the most successful trainers have transformed their expertise into multi-channel businesses. Ultimately combining in-person training with digital programs, product lines, and more.

So, whether you’re dreaming of training celebrities in LA. Or, building an online fitness brand from your hometown, this guide reveals how top trainers built their wealth. Including what it takes to follow in their footsteps.

In this post, we’ll explore:

• The world’s highest-earning personal trainers and their net worth
• How to break into the six-figure salary range
• The most profitable business models in personal training
• Strategies for scaling your fitness business

*Please note that all net worth figures are estimates based on publicly available information.

How Much Do the Highest Paid Personal Trainers Make?

First, top-tier personal trainers can earn anywhere from $100,000 to several million dollars annually. 

Next, celebrity trainers often charge $300-500 per hour for individual sessions. And their digital programs and product lines generate passive income at the same time. Still, it’s important to note that location matters, too. Because, personal trainers in major cities like New York and Los Angeles usually command higher rates. 

But remember: the biggest earners don’t rely on session fees alone. Instead, they’re also building brands through apps, books, endorsements, and online coaching programs!

📝Check Out: How Much Do Fitness Influencers Make?

Who Are the Richest Personal Trainers?

First, the highest paid personal trainers have transformed their expertise into multimillion-dollar empires through innovative training methods. Including celebrity clientele, and diverse business ventures.

Top Celebrity Trainers & Their Net Worth

Next, where do personal trainers make the most money? The answer lies in building multiple revenue streams. From exclusive personal training practices to digital platforms, product lines, and more!

Tracy Anderson

Net Worth: $110 million

For example Anderson revolutionized celebrity fitness with her dance-based “Tracy Anderson Method.” After training Gwyneth Paltrow—who would become her business partner. Then she built a fitness empire including studios, streaming platforms, and wellness products. She’s also created several fitness DVDs and written books on fitness and nutrition.

Kayla Itsines

Net Worth: $46 million

Next, starting as a personal trainer in Adelaide, Australia, Itsines created the Bikini Body Guide (BBG) program that became a global phenomenon. Her SWEAT app revolutionized mobile fitness. And her massive Instagram following demonstrates the power of social media in modern fitness entrepreneurship.

📝Check Out: How to Make Money as a Fitness Influencer in 2025

Harley Pasternak

Net Worth: $10-25 million

And, Canadian trainer Harley Pasternak created his own workout program called the 5-Factor Diet drawing on his Master’s in Exercise Physiology and Nutritional Sciences. He went on to be the personal trainer for several high-profile clients, including Rihanna, Halle Berry, and Lady Gaga. He’s expanded his influence through bestselling books, television appearances, and a line of fitness products.

Joe Wicks

Net Worth: $20 million

Next, the British fitness coach—also known as “The Body Coach”—rose to global fame through social media and his “Lean in 15” program, which combines HIIT and healthy eating. During the pandemic, his “PE with Joe” YouTube sessions made him a household name. He’s successfully combined accessible workout plans with nutritional guidance, proving the power of digital fitness coaching. He’s also published several cookbooks and works with many high-profile clients including Adele.

Tony Horton

Net Worth: $20 million

Creator of the revolutionary P90X program, Horton has turned home workout videos into a fitness phenomenon. Starting as a personal trainer in Los Angeles, he developed his signature high-intensity training style. It eventually reached millions through Beachbody’s platform. He’s written several books on the topics of fitness and nutrition and is known as a world-class motivational speaker. Horton has trained several high-profile clients. Including Bruce Springsteen and Ewan McGregor.

Jillian Michaels

Net Worth: $14-$18 million

Rising to fame through “The Biggest Loser,” Michaels parlayed tough-love training into a fitness empire. Her success spans fitness DVDs, numerous books, and a popular fitness app, which has created global impact. She’s proven that a strong personal brand combined with genuine expertise can create lasting success in the fitness industry.

📝Free Resource: The Ultimate Guide to Client Engagement

Gunnar Peterson

Net Worth: $15-30 million

Next, known as the trainer to Hollywood’s elite, Peterson has built his reputation on functional training and results-driven programs. His client roster includes Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Sylvester Stallone, and Angelina Jolie. Starting as a personal trainer in Beverly Hills, he leveraged his expertise to become a fitness consultant for several sports teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s also helped develop fitness equipment specifically for functional training. 

Lou Ferrigno

Net Worth: $12 million

Then, from bodybuilding champion to “The Incredible Hulk” star to respected trainer, Ferrigno’s career spans decades. His training philosophy combines old-school bodybuilding with modern fitness techniques. He’s successfully leveraged his celebrity status and expertise into a thriving personal training business catering to both celebrities and dedicated fitness enthusiasts.

Can You Make 6 Figures as a Personal Trainer?

Absolutely! Breaking the $100,000 mark is achievable with the right strategy. 

Many successful trainers combine in-person sessions ($75-150/hour) with online coaching ($100-300/month per client), group programs, and digital products. 

The key? Diversification! By offering multiple service tiers, creating scalable online programs, and building a strong personal brand, you can break free from the time-for-money trap and scale your income significantly.

📝Check Out: 12 Gym Marketing Ideas to Grow Your Business

The Best Business Models for High-Earning Personal Trainers

Ready to level up your training business? The most profitable personal training business models combine multiple revenue streams! Here’s what works in 2025:

Premium 1:1 training 🏋️‍♂️ 

First, high-end personal training remains one of the most lucrative models. Top trainers charge $75-300 per hour for in-person sessions. While virtual coaching packages can bring in $100-500 monthly per client. 

The real money maker? VIP packages for high-net-worth clients, combining exclusive training with lifestyle coaching and 24/7 support.

Digital products 💻 

Next, transform your expertise into passive income through digital offerings. Custom workout apps and online training programs can serve hundreds of clients simultaneously. 

The most successful trainers create comprehensive systems. Combining workout libraries, nutrition guides, and seasonal fitness challenges that keep subscribers engaged year-round.

Scalable programs 🎯 

Then, break free from trading time for money! Group fitness programs and corporate wellness partnerships let you impact more clients while maintaining premium pricing. 

Online membership communities create recurring revenue. While certification programs let you train other trainers—multiplying your impact and income.

Additional revenue streams 💰 

Finally, smart trainers maximize their earnings through strategic partnerships. 

And, affiliate marketing for fitness products, brand endorsements, and speaking engagements can significantly boost your income. Regular workshops and masterclasses not only generate revenue but establish you as an industry expert.

Pro Tip: Choose 2-3 models that align with your expertise and target market. Then master them before expanding!

How ABC Trainerize Helps Trainers Earn More 

First, on average, independent trainers using ABC Trainerize to run their personal training report a 154% increase in fitness service revenues. 

And, it comes with fitness, nutrition, and habit-coaching features, plus in-app messaging, progress tracking. Ultimately, it’s everything you need to motivate your clients. And, keep them coming back for more!

Next, ABC Trainerize also provides an integrated payment experience. This lets you collect recurring and one-time payments. As well as manage clients and deliver fitness program, So, whether you train online, in person, or both it’s a win!  

Want to learn more? Read more about ABC Trainerize for personal trainers here. 

Build Your Fitness Empire with ABC Trainerize

Finally, as we’ve seen from the world’s highest-paid personal trainers, building a six-figure fitness business is about working smarter, not harder. The key? Having the right systems in place to scale your business efficiently.

That’s where ABC Trainerize comes in! Our all-in-one platform helps you:

• Automate client management and programming
•  Create multiple revenue streams
• Scale your business beyond 1:1 training
• Build your brand and online presence Process payments seamlessly
• Engage clients for better retention

Lastly, join thousands of successful trainers who’ve grown their businesses with ABC Trainerize. And, whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale to the next level, we’ve got the tools you need to succeed. 🚀