Fitness enthusiasts in Texas have no shortage of opportunities to turn their passion into a fulfilling, long-lasting profession. One such avenue is to consider a career as a personal trainer.
This way, candidates not only get to do what they love and help others become healthy, but they also earn a sustainable income along the way. In the following guide, we delve deeply into the key issues that residents need to consider when launching a fitness or personal trainer career in the state of Texas.
We explore possible work environments, projected salaries, top certification programs, job outlook, and more.
How to Become a Personal Trainer in Texas
These are the steps needed to become certified as a personal trainer in the state of Texas.
Step 1: High school diploma or GED
Aspiring personal trainers who wish to pursue a post-secondary program should ensure they hold at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Those without a high school diploma can also achieve the same result as those with a GED equivalent.
These are usually required to secure admission into top programs.
Step 2: Strong Educational Background
Personal trainers typically complete a degree program to establish a strong educational foundation that will give them a competitive edge with potential clients. However, there is considerable flexibility concerning which area to specialize in.
The most popular options include exercise science, kinesiology, and physical education. The programs cover important topics, including fitness instruction methods, development and anatomy, and human movement, as well as identifying and preventing potential injuries.
Step 3: Developing Crucial Skills
Several essential soft skills are necessary for anyone seeking to become an effective personal trainer in Texas. These include physical fitness, stamina, communication skills, customer service, and problem-solving.
Step 4: Networking & Client Building
The best and most successful personal trainers leverage their expertise to build a solid client base. Naturally, those who have an affinity for networking and marketing are better able to communicate their value.
It is also important to take advantage of referrals to continue to grow on the job.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Certification is paramount for personal trainers in Texas. Candidates must prepare for certification examinations even while they are still enrolled in a training program, and most programs dedicate significant resources to helping candidates prepare for certification.
There are several possible credentials to follow, depending on specialty and purpose. The following are some of the top reputable options:
- American Council on Exercise (ACE) - offering the Personal Trainer Certification;
- American College of Sports Medicine - offering the Certified Personal Trainer certification;
- National Academy of Sports Medicine - offering the Certified Personal Trainer certification and the
- The National Council on Strength & Fitness offers the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification.
Applicants must be prepared to renew their credentials periodically, as per the organization’s rules. CPR certification is also essential for a personal trainer.
Top Personal Trainer Schools in Texas
The entries below are perfect for personal training education as a resident of Texas.
University of Houston
Houston, TX Campus Only
The University of Houston's fitness and sports program serves as a strong entry point for aspiring personal trainers, offering a well-rounded education that promotes wellness across diverse environments.
Tuition
$385 - $921 per CreditContact
(713) 743-2828
admissions@uh.edu
Lone Star College
The Woodlands, TX Campus + Online
Lone Star College offers a strong personal trainer program that balances theoretical learning and hands-on experience.
Tuition
$1,339 per ProgramContact
(832) 813-6500
LSC-Tomball@loneStar.edu
Dallas College
Dallas, TX Campus + Online
At Dallas College, prospective personal trainers can access a specialized program that uniquely emphasizes motivation and goal setting—areas often overlooked in other programs. This focus allows students to train for diverse environments, including one-on-one coaching, group sessions, and sports-oriented roles.
Tuition
Call for DetailsContact
(972) 669-6400
ContinuingEd@DallasCollege.edu
Explore personal trainer schools in Texas by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
In Texas, a regular personal trainer can expect to manage an annual average salary of $44,122, which is slightly above the national average. As they progress in the profession, they can increase their yearly returns to approximately $92,637, which is comparable to the top 10% of earners in the state.
The bottom 10% of personal trainers in Texas still manage a handsome yearly average of around $21,015.
Candidates move from the lower end of the salary bracket to the higher end by working on outreach campaigns, networking, gaining experience, and improving their location, among other factors. Sorting by the best location in the state to work as a personal trainer, McKinney and Garland stand out thanks to annual average salaries of $50,913 and $48,995, respectively.
Also worth pointing out are Dallas, where personal trainers earn an annual average salary of $48,859, and Fort Worth, with an annual average salary of $47,198.