How to Become a Personal Trainer in Texas
Are you a fitness and nutrition buff? And do you enjoy sharing your wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm with others? If you would like to help people succeed in their own personal transformations toward better health, and you’re comfortable motivating others when they’ve become discouraged, you might consider becoming a personal fitness trainer.
Certified personal trainers in Texas have the knowledge and ability to help others reach their fitness goals. Whether through inspiration, psychology, or just plain old sweat and tears, personal trainers know how to help their clients through the challenges of creating and maintaining healthier lifestyles.
Personal Trainer Requirements in Texas
A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required to obtain certification as a personal trainer. In Texas, certified personal trainers do not require licensure; however, it is necessary to obtain professional certification from one of several organizations. Generally, each requires a certain number of prerequisites, including testing.
Personal Trainer Certification in Texas
Some organizations that provide certification are:
- American College of Sports Medicine
- National Academy of Sports Medicine
- American Council on Exercise
- National Strength and Conditioning Association
- National Federation of Personal Trainers
Most of the above programs go beyond offering certification for personal training, with specialty certifications and continuing education opportunities.
Programs for Becoming a Certified Personal Trainer in Texas
Many suitable programs exist throughout the state to provide training for those interested in a career as a certified personal trainer. A small selection of available programs follows:
- Palo Alto College in San Antonio offers an Associates in Arts in Kinesiology and Health. Students will study the science of movement to learn how to improve overall health for themselves and those they work with. Students will be prepared to transfer to another institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree or postgraduate level of education.
- El Paso Community College in El Paso offers an Associate of Arts in Kinesiology. This program prepares students to transfer to a Bachelor of Science level program, especially programs that focus on physical education, coaching, exercise science, fitness careers or preparation for graduate studies in either physical or occupational therapy.
- Central Texas College in Killeen offers an Associate of Science in Kinesiology. This program promises students the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in a fitness career. Graduates enjoy careers in personal fitness training, athletic training, teaching, coaching, adaptive physical education and recreation.
Job Growth Outlook and Salary Expectations for Personal Trainer in Texas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean hourly income for fitness and aerobics instructors in Texas in 2018 was $18.58, with a mean annual income of $38, 650. Those with the additional education needed to be employed as Exercise Physiologists made an average of $46,240 in the same year.
In 2016, 16,960 certified professional trainers were employed throughout the state of Texas, with a projected 19,760 to be employed by the year 2026, which would be a 16.5 percent rate of growth. This is ahead of the national job growth projection of 10 percent for this field. In Texas, an average of 3,320 jobs opens each year for personal fitness trainers.
Opportunities and Employment for Personal Trainer in Texas
Certified personal trainers in Texas can primarily be found working in gyms and fitness centers; however, there are many other possible employers, including educational institutions, social organizations and government organizations. For those with an interest in business, there is also the possibility of being self-employed and working for private clients, or even owning a gym.
In Texas, potential employers include Gold’s Gym, 24 Hour Fitness, Tate Incorporated, Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, Shalom Austin, Exos, Texas A&M University and Trustmark Companies.
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Personal Trainer programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Abilene Christian UniversityAbilene, TX(325) 674-2000Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private nonprofit | $42,3802023-24 | $22,928 to $32,121by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Angelo State UniversitySan Angelo, TX(325) 942-25552601 W. Avenue NAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $8,4602024-25 | $9,347 to $20,902by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Austin CollegeSherman, TX(903) 813-2000900 N Grand AveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private nonprofit | $46,5002023-24 | $18,021 to $28,185by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Austin Community College DistrictAustin, TX(512) 223-70006101 Highland Campus DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $8,5802024-25 | $1,278 to $10,908by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Baylor UniversityWaco, TX(254) 710-10111320 S. 7th StreetAccredited by Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education |
Private nonprofit | $54,8442023-24 | $30,348 to $47,442by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Dallas Baptist UniversityDallas, TX(214) 333-71003000 Mountain Creek ParkwayAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private nonprofit | $38,1402023-24 | $25,864 to $33,949by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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East Texas Baptist UniversityMarshall, TX(903) 935-7963One Tiger DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private nonprofit | $30,0502023-24 | $20,306 to $27,661by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Grayson CollegeDenison, TX(903) 415-25926101 Grayson DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,5002024-25 | $3,744 to $12,011by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Hardin-Simmons UniversityAbilene, TX(325) 670-10002200 HickoryAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private nonprofit | $31,6862023-24 | $14,534 to $26,442by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Houston Christian UniversityHouston, TX(281) 649-30007502 Fondren RdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private nonprofit | $38,1002023-24 | $17,020 to $27,103by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Howard Payne UniversityBrownwood, TX(325) 646-25021000 Fisk St.Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private nonprofit | $33,3222023-24 | $20,589 to $29,652by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Jarvis Christian UniversityHawkins, TX(903) 730-4890PR 7631, Hwy 80 EAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private nonprofit | $11,7202023-24 | $8,342 to $16,092by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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LeTourneau UniversityLongview, TX(903) 233-30002100 S Mobberly AveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private nonprofit | $35,5002023-24 | $19,589 to $29,482by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Lubbock Christian UniversityLubbock, TX(806) 796-88005601 19th StreetAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private nonprofit | $27,2982023-24 | $22,721 to $26,977by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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McMurry UniversityAbilene, TX(325) 793-3800S 14th and Sayles BlvdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private nonprofit | $31,3722023-24 | $14,614 to $28,964by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Midwestern State UniversityWichita Falls, TX(940) 397-40003410 Taft BlvdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $10,5802024-25 | $9,575 to $18,593by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Nelson UniversityWaxahachie, TX(888) 937-72481200 SycamoreAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private nonprofit | $18,6102023-24 | $16,990 to $22,351by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Odessa CollegeOdessa, TX(432) 335-6400201 W University BlvdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,0322024-25 | $8,867 to $10,320by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Parker UniversityDallas, TX(972) 438-69322540 Walnut Hill LaneAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private nonprofit | $17,4572023-24 | $23,662 to $29,669by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Prairie View A & M UniversityPrairie View, TX(936) 261-3311FM 1098 Road & University DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $11,2992024-25 | $9,605 to $23,032by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville, TX(936) 294-11111806 Ave JAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $9,2282024-25 | $11,736 to $23,198by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Schreiner UniversityKerrville, TX(800) 343-49192100 Memorial BlvdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private nonprofit | $37,3962023-24 | $16,584 to $27,675by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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South Texas CollegeMcallen, TX(855) 468-67823201 W. PecanAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $5,2202024-25 | $895 to $5,020by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Stephen F Austin State UniversityNacogdoches, TX(936) 468-20112008 Alumni Drive, Rusk 206Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $11,1282024-25 | $11,174 to $21,940by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Tarleton State UniversityStephenville, TX(254) 968-90001333 W. WashingtonAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $8,3022024-25 | $15,477 to $22,981by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Temple CollegeTemple, TX(254) 298-82822600 S 1st StAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $5,0402024-25 | $4,774 to $10,880by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Texas A & M University-Corpus ChristiCorpus Christi, TX(361) 825-57006300 Ocean Dr.Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $9,7482024-25 | $10,936 to $22,683by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station, TX(979) 845-32111246 TAMUAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $13,1542024-25 | $12,273 to $29,548by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth, TX(817) 257-70002800 S University DrAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private nonprofit | $57,2202023-24 | $12,341 to $49,598by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Texas CollegeTyler, TX(903) 593-83112404 N. Grand AvenueAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private nonprofit | $10,0082023-24 | $8,403 to $11,282by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Texas Lutheran UniversitySeguin, TX(830) 372-80001000 W. Court StAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private nonprofit | $34,9202023-24 | $20,270 to $26,533by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Texas Southern UniversityHouston, TX(713) 313-70113100 Cleburne StAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $9,1732024-25 | $19,237 to $19,738by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Texas State UniversitySan Marcos, TX(512) 245-2111601 University DrAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $11,4502024-25 | $12,144 to $23,150by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterLubbock, TX(806) 743-10003601 4th StreetAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | not published | not published |
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Texas Wesleyan UniversityFort Worth, TX(817) 531-44441201 Wesleyan StAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private nonprofit | $37,9342023-24 | $17,583 to $26,015by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington, TX(817) 272-2011701 S. Nedderman Dr.Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $11,9502024-25 | $13,225 to $22,617by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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The University of Texas at AustinAustin, TX(512) 471-3434110 Inner Campus DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $11,6882024-25 | $12,972 to $28,972by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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The University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio, TX(210) 458-4011One UTSA CircleAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $9,0112024-25 | $7,802 to $19,758by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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The University of Texas Permian BasinOdessa, TX(432) 552-20204901 E University BlvdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $9,2362024-25 | $7,684 to $16,113by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Tyler Junior CollegeTyler, TX(903) 510-22001400 East Fifth StreetAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,9122024-25 | $8,333 to $14,382by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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University of HoustonHouston, TX(713) 743-10004302 University Drive, Room 212Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $9,7172024-25 | $10,327 to $22,969by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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University of Mary Hardin-BaylorBelton, TX(800) 727-8642900 College StAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private nonprofit | $33,1502023-24 | $25,332 to $33,693by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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University of the Incarnate WordSan Antonio, TX(210) 829-60004301 BroadwayAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private nonprofit | $35,6602023-24 | $17,434 to $28,584by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Wayland Baptist UniversityPlainview, TX(806) 291-10001900 W. 7th StreetAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private nonprofit | $23,1862023-24 | $18,314 to $23,518by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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West Texas A & M UniversityCanyon, TX(806) 651-00002501 4th AveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $9,1012024-25 | $17,085 to $23,378by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Wiley UniversityMarshall, TX(903) 927-3300711 Wiley AveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private nonprofit | $12,5002023-24 | $8,970 to $17,272by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Tuition and fees are from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS) for the year shown. Net price is the range of the average net prices each school published for different family incomes, from CareerSpy; it covers first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, so yours may differ. Schools that have closed are not listed. Programs shown without a link were added from federal completions data: the school awarded this program in 2022-23 or 2023-24. We have not yet recorded its own page for the program.