A personal trainer's pay check can fluctuate greatly depending on where he or she works, as well as the levels of education and certifications the trainer has obtained. The median session rate for a personal trainer is between $25 and $28 an hour, while specialty trainers can see hourly wages of $30 to $45 an hour.

Some personal gyms will hire trainers on as salaried managers, with annual incomes ranging between $40,000 and $60,000 a year. Other gyms offer part-time positions for personal trainers, which allow for greater flexibility in schedule and lifestyle, but pay less as well.

Trainers who have the passion and the time to devote to their business can work full-time for a gym or fitness centre, while simultaneously accepting personal clients on the side. Although that sort of time commitment isn't realistic for everyone, it can help trainers ramp up their incomes considerably.