Although there are several specialty areas and subdisciplines in personal training, individuals seeking to start a career in any of these disciplines in Missouri typically follow a similar general pathway. This pathway encompasses preparing for training, selecting the ideal training destination, selecting suitable programs, and leveraging career growth initiatives.
Through the guide below, readers will not only learn how to do all of these but also understand how to do them correctly. They will also familiarize themselves with other important steps in the process and identify the top training programs in the area.
The resources also include a section showcasing the annual average salary possibilities for personal trainers in Missouri.
How to Become a Personal Trainer in Missouri
All of the steps outlined below are essential for launching a successful personal training career in Missouri.
Attending a Training Institution
Several colleges and institutions in Missouri offer exceptional training programs for individuals interested in pursuing this field. Candidates can make their decision about desired institutions based on considerations such as program length, desired award, and convenience.
Possible options include two-year programs, 4-year programs, associate degree and bachelor’s degree programs, online programs, in-person programs, and hybrid options. We examine some of the best options in the next section.
Developing Hands-On Proficiency
While it is possible to transition directly from an academic program to a full-time role, most personal trainers allow themselves time to acclimate to a real-world work environment. They achieve this by participating in internships or working under the guidance of experienced personal trainers.
They can also provide services exclusively to close acquaintances to assess their performance with real clients before taking on paid projects.
Building a Client Base
Personal trainers can leverage the internet and networking events to enhance their credibility and build a client base. Those already working at a training center can still build something for themselves if they choose to branch out.
Continuing Education
Numerous research studies on health and fitness are published daily. The field continues to advance, and even practicing personal trainers must continually update their education to stay up to date.
Certification and continuing education are great for this purpose. We dive into this aspect below.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
To improve their chances of working with the best establishments and clients, personal trainers in Missouri must demonstrate their commitment and expertise. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is to become certified.
Fortunately, there is no shortage of outstanding professional organizations with highly regarded credentials. Some of these organizations even offer professional resources for skills acquisition and continuing education.
Applicants should be prepared to pass a certification examination and pay relevant fees. Some of the best certifying bodies for personal trainers in Missouri are the American Council on Exercise, the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Top Personal Trainer Schools in Missouri
The following are the top training programs to consider for aspiring personal trainers in Missouri.
Missouri Valley College
Online, MO Online Only
Individuals in Missouri may consider Missouri Valley College’s personal trainer program to become skilled and certified. The program offers access to learning materials, presentations, quizzes, and over 185 practice test questions.
Tuition
$1,595 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Northwest Missouri State University
Online, MO Online Only
Northwest Missouri State University has a Certified Personal Trainer program with a focus on Corrective Exercise Specialists.
Tuition
$2,095 - $2,390 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
St. Louis Community College
Online, MO Online Only
The Workforce and Community Development Division of St. Louis Community College offers several programs for prospective personal trainers.
Tuition
$1,595 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
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Salary & Career Outlook
A survey of personal trainers in Missouri, conducted on the Indeed.com employment platform, reveals that professionals in the state can be categorized into three broad groups. These include the top 10%, the bottom 10%, and the median earners.
The top 10% earn an annual average salary of $91,864, the bottom 10% earn an annual average salary of $27,500, and the median earners earn an annual average salary of $46,841, according to Indeed. The median category is where most people fall.
By optimizing experience, location, marketing, outreach, professional credentials, and professional networking, candidates can move from a lower end of the salary brackets to the higher end. For location, personal trainers in Missouri may consider Saint Charles, which has the highest average annual salary of $58,240. They can also consider O’Fallon and St. Louis, with annual average salaries of $56,037 and $49,701, respectively.




