How Much Does a Personal Trainer Cost?

The cost of hiring a personal trainer can vary widely based on several factors, including location, the trainer's experience and qualifications, the type of training you want, and whether you train at a gym or another location. Here are some general guidelines:

  1. Location:

    • Big cities (ie: Portland Metro, Salem, Eugene): Higher cost due to the cost of living.

    • Small towns/rural areas (ie: Corvallis, Lebanon, Philomath): Lower cost.

  2. Experience and Qualifications:

    • Certified trainers with years of experience and specialized skills will charge more. This higher per session rate is typically because of the personal trainers' higher client success rate.

    • Less experienced trainers or those without certifications might charge less. 

  3. Type of Training:

    • One-on-one sessions: More expensive.

    • Group sessions: Usually cheaper per person. THis is a good option if you have a friend or spouse that you want to workout with. Always make sure to ask any potential personal trainer if this is an option that they offer.

    • Specialized training (e.g., sports-specific, rehabilitation): Can be more expensive. Typically the more specialized a training goal is the more it will cost to find a quality knowledgeable coach.

  4. Where You Train:

    • “Big Box” gyms (ie: planet fitness, gold’s gym, anytime fitness): Trainers at most big box gyms are not career personal trainers which can have disadvantages such as; experience and training knowledge.

    • Independent trainers: These personal trainers are more likely to be long term career trainers. They will have a significantly greater knowledge base to help you but will also cost more per session.

General Cost Estimates

  • Standard Personal Training Session:

    • $40 - $100 per hour.

  • High-End Trainers:

    • $100 - $200+ per hour, especially in large metropolitan areas.

  • Small Group Training:

    • $20 - $50 per person per hour.

  • Package Deals:

    • Many trainers offer discounts for purchasing multiple sessions upfront, which can reduce the per-session cost.

  • Online Personal Training:

    • $30 - $100 per month, often less expensive than in-person training.

These prices are averages and can vary. To get an exact price, it's best to reach out to a few of your local personal trainers and set up a consultation to discuss your training goals, experience level and budget.