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In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $18.18 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $20.07 |
| Top | $25.06 |
Interest in manipulating and assembling supplies and sports and game equipment; and in monitoring recreational and sports activities to ensure safety and provide emergency and first aid assistance when required
Interest in instructing groups and individuals in arts, crafts and similar activities; in leading groups and individuals in recreational and leisure programs, and in attending clients with special needs by conducting therapeutic recreational and athletic activities
Interest in co-ordinating information to plan recreational, athletic, fitness and sports programs
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Personal trainers work closely with each client to build a positive working relationship. They may meet daily, weekly, or monthly to suit the level of training requested. One-on-one training sessions vary depending on the client’s goals and the amount of coaching or demonstration needed. Personal trainers may work with the general public or with a specific group. For example, they may work with seniors, elite athletes, obese adults without health complications, or persons with disabilities.
Personal trainers apply their knowledge of human anatomy and exercise principles to developing and evaluating clients’ fitness programs.
In general, personal trainers:
Personal trainers who work for fitness facilities may also:
Personal trainers work in various settings. They may meet clients at fitness facilities or in the clients’ homes. Clients may provide their own fitness equipment, or the trainer may supply it.
The work is physically and mentally demanding, and requires regular cardiovascular performance. Trainers must ensure clients do exercises correctly and safely to prevent injury. They are often required to lift weights or other heavy items.
Early-morning, noon-hour, evening, and weekend work is common. Personal trainers spend considerable time preparing for client sessions and revising training plans.
Personal trainers need:
They should enjoy having clear rules and organized methods, dealing with people, and designing new programs.
Most employers prefer to hire personal trainers who have a high school diploma, appropriate certification, and related post-secondary training. Applicants may need to:
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Although not required by law, employers may prefer applicants who have Certified Fitness Trainer (CFT) certification from the Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association (AFLCA). AFLCA certifications include liability insurance and are nationally recognized by the National Fitness Leadership Association (NFLA).
Trainers who work with people with specific needs may need Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP) certification. These are offered by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. Trainers who work with athletes may need Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification. This is offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Personal trainers may be self-employed or work for:
Personal trainers who work for fitness facilities may move into supervisory or management positions. For more information, see the Recreation Co-ordinator and Recreation and Sport Administrator occupational profiles.
Advancement for self-employed personal trainers generally takes the form of building a larger client base. Entrepreneurial and business management skills are assets.
Personal trainers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5254: Program leaders and instructors in recreation and sport and fitness. In Alberta, 75% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the F154: Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation and Sport occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 179 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Incomes for self-employed personal trainers vary from one trainer to another. A lot depends on their qualifications and skills in business, marketing, and customer service.
Wages vary greatly for personal trainers who work for an employer. Some earn bonuses, commissions, or other benefits on top of a base salary.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $25.00 | $18.18 | $16.50 |
| Overall | $15.00 | $32.50 | $20.07 | $18.00 |
| Top | $15.70 | $43.75 | $25.06 | $22.00 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Educational Services | $46,581 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $40,847 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $27,445 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $19,222 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $14,220 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $13,979 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $10,096 |
Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association (AFLCA) and Provincial Fitness Unit website: www.provincialfitnessunit.ca
Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP): www.csep.ca
National Fitness Leadership Association (NFLA) of Canada website: www.nflacanada.ca
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA): www.nsca.com
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Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.