Personal Trainer Schools in California

Personal trainers are professionals who instruct and motivate individuals on their fitness journey. One of the things that makes this profession so exciting is that candidates can work in a variety of work environments, with a variety of clients, and with a flexible schedule that allows them to have complete control over their calendars.

California is arguably one of the best places to work as a fitness trainer. This page’s guide explores the considerations that candidates must make when entering this profession in the state.

The guide also includes certification destinations and annual average salary projections.

How to Become a Personal Trainer in California

Aspiring personal trainers in California can start their careers following the approach below.

Step 1: Foundational Requirements

Aspiring personal trainers in California must strive to gain as much edge as possible. One way to do this is to complete a formal academic program.

Typically, to enter into these programs, applicants need a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.

Step 2: Formal Training

Formal education and academic degrees help provide an extra layer of authority and credibility for personal trainers in California. For this reason, interested individuals are expected to set aside some time to complete a program.

Now, the question of which program to take and how long to spend in training can only be answered on an individual level. Some may prefer 2-year associate degree programs, while others choose 4-year bachelor degree programs instead.

Specific programs can range from exercise science, physical education, kinesiology, nutrition, biology, sports medicine, and more.

Step 3: Certification

Certification is key to succeeding as a personal trainer, so much so that it has become an essential requirement. In the next section, we explore the certification procedure for prospective personal trainers in California.

Step 4: Finding Clients & Career Optimization

Lastly, after proper education and certification, candidates may create a resume and start building a client roster. They can work independently or in a fitness center.

Referrals and networking are also essential to optimizing a personal training career in California and across the country.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a chef in California

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Becoming certified as a personal trainer in California is necessary for employment and career growth. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) offers a Personal Trainer certification program that requires candidates to complete digital coursework and pass an exam.

They also have to become recertified every two years.

Other prominent options include the National Strength and Conditioning Association, which offers the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist credential; the American College of Sports Medicine’s Certified Personal Trainer credential; and the National Academy of Sports Medicine’s Certified Personal Trainer credential.

Personal trainers are also expected to have valid CPR and AED certifications, which they must pass an exam for.

Top Personal Trainer Schools in California

The following are the top certification programs for prospective personal trainers in California.

Explore personal trainer schools in California by city:

• Personal trainer schools in Los Angeles

Salary & Career Outlook

The top personal trainers in California can earn an annual average salary of up to $100,477, which secures their position among the top 10%. An average personal trainer in the state will still be able to manage an annual average salary of around $53,249, which is still significantly higher than the national average.

Lastly, personal trainers in California who have not yet found their feet may have to start among the bottom 10%. In this case, their annual average salary will be around $28,220.

Professionals in the field can improve their yearly returns by optimizing their work environment, improving marketing campaigns, leveraging social media platforms and outreach, and building a solid brand.

As for the top-paying locations to practice as a personal trainer in California, Solana Beach and Palo Alto are in first and second place, thanks to annual average salaries of $74,427 and $73,809, respectively. Personal trainers in San Francisco earn an annual average salary of $61,075.