Typical Career Progression
|
|
Position
|
Remuneration
|
Experience
|
Education
|
|
Start Position
|
Trainee
|
$23k to $25k
|
Nil
|
Year 10 pass
|
|
1st promotion
|
Fitness Instructor
|
$ 30k to $35k
|
6 months
|
Year 10 pass, Certificate III in Fitness
|
|
2nd Promotion
|
Personal Trainer
|
$ 40k to $45k
|
1 Year
|
Certificate IV in Fitness
First Aid Certificate Level 2
|
|
3rd Promotion
|
Personal Trainer
|
$ 65k to $75k
|
3 Years
|
Keeping qualifications updated yearly, building client base
|
|
4th Promotion
|
Personal Trainer/Business Owner
|
$ 95k+
|
4 Years +
|
Small business course if you run your own business.
|
*The above table is to be used as a guide only
Typical Accountabilities and Responsibilities
|
1st Year
|
Take bookings from clients, assist in the assessment of client fitness level, inform client on proper use of machines. Answer questions from existing clients as well as possible new clients.
|
|
2nd Year
|
As above. May begin to have your own client base, take group training sessions. Supervise clients on machines
|
|
3rd Year
|
As above, with some specialisations and focus on clients with special needs
|
|
4th Year
|
All of the above as well as administration/management duties if running your own business.
|
*The above table is to be used as a guide only
Career Options Options
As a personal trainer you may be able to specialise in areas that interest you more. Some of these areas include swimming, personal training, aerobics, weights or group fitness. You can choose to be fitness instructor for private fitness companies, to work in organisations such as the armed forces, large corporates or to work for yourself.
Many personal trainers are employed on a part-time or casual basis. Some places of employment offer casual work for those still studying. Once fully qualified you should be able to find more permanent employment in such places as gyms, sport and leisure centres or community centres, just to name a few.
Once you are qualified, you can set up your own personal training business either from home or in commercial premises. Whilst general fitness is popular, so too are specialized programmes for particular client needs, and specialized services tend to command premium prices. Rehabilitation, injury recovery work, or gentle stretching and flexibility for clients with movement restrictions such as Parkinson’s disease or arthritis can all be financially rewarding.
To establish your own business may need considerable capital, but with hard work, commitment and the determination to succeed, may prove to be a good choice.
About the Author
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Anthony Denyer
Regional Marketing & Operational Manager VIC/TAS
The Australian Institute of Fitness has developed strong relationships with key fitness industry leaders and is the most recognised training and certification provider to the fitness industry in Australia. Many of our partners provide on-the-job 'work experience' programs that help you learn to be a professional trainer even faster.
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