How to Make 6 Figures as a Personal Trainer? (33 Best Ways in 2024) - Starter Story (2024)

So you want to make six figures as a personal trainer? Good for you! Being a personal trainer is a highly respectable and well-paid profession, and there's no reason why you can't earn a high income if you put your mind to it.

In this blog post, we'll look at some of the best ways to make more money as a personal trainer - business ideas you can start to achieve such income. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Start a youtube channel ($146K/month)

Starting a YouTube channel could significantly supplement your income as a personal trainer and potentially lead to earning six figures. By leveraging YouTube's established monetization system and massive popularity, you could create workout videos, nutrition advice segments, and fitness tips to build a subscriber base. Once you meet the minimum requirements of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months, you could join the YouTube Partner Program to start earning ad revenue.

Additionally, a successful YouTube channel doesn’t just bring ad revenue; it could open doors to sponsored content, brand partnerships, and affiliate marketing opportunities. With consistent effort and quality content, your channel could become a valuable asset that not only promotes your personal training services but also diversifies your income streams.

2. Start a career coaching business ($48.5K/month)

Starting a career coaching business could be a highly effective way for you to make six figures as a personal trainer. By providing personalized guidance and strategy services, you could help clients navigate professional transitions and growth opportunities. These sessions might include resume building, interview preparation, and workplace advancement goals, all tailored to each client’s unique aspirations.

Given the flexibility of in-person or virtual meetings, a career coaching business allows you to broaden your client base beyond your immediate geographic area. This platform would enable you to empower clients through specialized advice and accountability, ultimately creating another revenue stream. If you have a knack for speaking and human resources, launching a coaching practice could also monetize your innate motivational skills while letting you set your own schedule.

3. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)

Starting a podcast could be a lucrative way for you to supplement your income as a personal trainer and eventually soar to a six-figure salary. By creating and producing audio content focused on fitness, nutrition, and personal training tips, you could engage with a broader audience beyond just those in your local gym. This will not only establish you as an expert in your field but also open doors for sponsorships, advertising deals, and even premium content subscriptions.

To get started, choose a niche or topic that you're passionate about and resonates with your target audience, such as weight loss strategies, workout routines, or mental health in fitness. Invest in basic recording equipment like a high-quality microphone and headphones, and use an affordable or free hosting platform to publish your episodes. Promote your podcast through social media, online communities, and word of mouth to grow your listener base. With consistent effort and valuable content, your podcast could attract a substantial following, ultimately leading to significant additional income.

4. Start a freelance writing business ($65.5K/month)

Starting a freelance writing business could be a lucrative way to supplement your income as a personal trainer, potentially helping you make six figures. With your firsthand knowledge of fitness, health, and wellness, you could write high-quality content for websites, blogs, and magazines, establishing yourself as an expert in your field and attracting well-paying clients.

Freelance writing offers a flexible online job that you could do from home, allowing you to tailor your work schedule around your training sessions. Your strong writing skills, ability to meet deadlines, and entrepreneurial mindset are key assets that will enable you to earn good money while sharing your expertise with a broader audience.

5. Start an ecommerce store ($287K/month)

Launching an eCommerce store could significantly boost your income as a personal trainer, opening up additional revenue streams that complement your main business. You could sell a variety of fitness-related products, such as workout equipment, apparel, supplements, or even custom training programs and meal plans. This allows you to leverage your expertise and existing client base, offering them more value while diversifying your income.

The lower overhead costs and wider reach of an eCommerce business make it an attractive option, especially in an era where consumers appreciate the convenience of online shopping. With proper inventory and payment management systems in place, you could efficiently run your eCommerce store alongside your personal training services. This supplementary income not only helps you move closer to that six-figure mark but also offers flexibility and scalability for future growth.

6. Start a blog ($44.9K/month)

Starting a blog could be a highly effective way for you to supplement your income as a personal trainer. By sharing your expertise and fitness insights online, you could reach a global audience and build a loyal following. Given that blogs are the 5th most trustworthy source of online information and 77% of internet users read them, you have the opportunity to establish yourself as an authority in the fitness world.

Monetizing your blog through ad revenue, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing could quickly turn your side hustle into a lucrative business. Moreover, as your audience grows, you could offer online courses, e-books, and personalized training plans, significantly boosting your earnings. This approach can help you not only increase your income but also expand your brand far beyond the confines of your local gym.

7. Create an online course ($91.9K/month)

Creating an online course could significantly boost your income as a personal trainer by allowing you to leverage your expertise to reach a broader audience. By identifying educational gaps in fitness and wellness, you could develop engaging video lessons and supplementary materials that address these needs.

With the flexibility of offering self-paced or cohort-based courses, you have the potential to build a substantial student base, providing a steady stream of passive income. For entrepreneurial trainers who enjoy sharing information, launching an online course offers a low-cost and scalable way to monetize your skills while serving a growing market of lifelong learners seeking convenient and expert-driven education in fitness.

8. Become an affiliate marketer ($55.3K/month)

As a personal trainer, starting an affiliate marketing business could be a powerful way to supplement your income and potentially help you reach six figures. By promoting fitness-related products and services that align with your brand, you could earn commissions for every sale made through your referral links.

The low-cost entry and minimal upfront investment make affiliate marketing an accessible side hustle or even a standalone business. You could leverage your existing client base and social media following to drive traffic and sales, turning your marketing efforts into a steady revenue stream.

Signing up for affiliate programs in your niche would provide you with the necessary tools, like unique tracking links, to track your referrals and commissions accurately. This model offers a scalable way to monetize your expertise and expand your business without the need for significant capital.

9. Digital products ($261K/month)

Starting a digital product business could be a game-changer for personal trainers aiming to make six figures. You could create and sell online courses, e-books, or even establish a membership site offering exclusive content and community support. These digital products are not only top-rated and easy to share, but they also require minimal upfront investment; you can create them yourself without hiring additional help.

Since there’s no physical inventory to manage, you could sell these products directly from your website, ensuring a seamless and efficient sales process. The possibilities are endless, ranging from fitness apps to custom meal planning services, allowing you to tap into multiple revenue streams. By leveraging the scalability of digital products, you could significantly supplement your income and potentially even transition to an entirely digital business model.

As a personal trainer, leveraging social media to become an influencer could significantly amplify your earning potential and help you reach six figures. With platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok, you could connect with a vast audience, establishing your credibility in the fitness industry through engaging content. Brands are eager to collaborate with influencers who can authentically promote their products and services to their followers.

By sharing workout tips, nutritional advice, and transformation stories, you could build a loyal following that trusts your expertise and recommendations. This could open doors to lucrative sponsorship deals, affiliate marketing, and even exclusive online courses or eBooks you create. The right strategy and consistent effort in your niche could turn your social media presence into a profitable business venture alongside your personal training career.

11. Start a social media marketing agency ($116K/month)

Starting a social media marketing agency could provide you with a lucrative side business, enabling you to clear your utility bills, finance your education, or save for a vacation. By developing a strong social media marketing strategy and leveraging automated marketing tools, you could efficiently serve clients without committing excessive time.

Moreover, creating a compelling agency portfolio to attract target customers could open up additional revenue streams. This entrepreneurial venture could complement your personal training career, potentially leading you toward a six-figure income.