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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.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
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.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
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
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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 for this NOC group 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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Personal trainers need:
They should enjoy having clear rules and organized methods, dealing with people, and designing new programs.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 102 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Aug 26, 2023 and Apr 21, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Plan and carry out recreational, fitness and sports activities | 91 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Demonstrate and instruct athletic, fitness or sports activities and techniques | 88 |
| Tasks: Ensure health and safety regulations are followed | 87 |
| Tasks: Schedule activities, keep logs, maintain records and prepare reports | 86 |
| Tasks: Monitor recreational, sports or fitness activities to ensure safety and provide emergency or first aid assistance when required | 79 |
| Tasks: Assemble supplies, sports and game equipment | 70 |
| Tasks: Lead groups and individuals in recreational or leisure programs | 65 |
| Tasks: Understand principles of group dynamics | 55 |
| Tasks: Assist clients/guests with special needs | 51 |
| Tasks: Leading/instructing groups | 42 |
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.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
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).
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 5254: Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness occupational group, 85.2% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 5254: Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness occupational group is expected to have an average annual growth of 1.9% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 270 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
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.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $28.00 | $17.69 | $16.00 |
| Overall | $15.20 | $35.00 | $20.15 | $18.39 |
| Top | $16.80 | $38.93 | $24.19 | $22.50 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* 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.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $19,502 |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $16,959 |
| Educational Services | $23,826 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $29,349 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $21,925 |
| Public Administration | $31,738 |
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
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
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.
