So, you've got your shiny new personal training qualification, (or if you’re looking to undertake one make sure to check us out!) you have a head full of fitness knowledge, and a burning desire to help people smash their goals. But now comes the big question: should you go solo as a freelance PT or play it safe with the security of being employed by a gym? The age-old debate of "personal trainer freelance vs employee" is a tricky one, and honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Lucky for you, I’ve broken it all down—pros, cons, and a few funny observations—so you can decide whether you want to be your own boss or enjoy the cushy perks of employment. Let’s get into it!
The Life of an Employed Personal Trainer
The Pros
1. Steady Income = No Sweat (Literally)
Being employed means you get a regular paycheck—hallelujah! Whether your clients show up or not, you’re still getting paid. No awkward chasing for payments, no sudden income droughts when January’s New Year’s resolution rush dies down and half your clients ghost you.
2. Clients Served on a Silver Platter
Most gyms will assign clients to you, which means you don’t have to hustle as hard to build your client base. If marketing yourself sounds as appealing as running a marathon in flip-flops, this is a major win.
3. Less Admin, More Gains
No need to stress over scheduling, payments, or invoices—your employer handles all that. You just show up, train people, and flex in the mirror when no one’s watching.
4. Perks & Freebies
Free gym membership? Tick. Paid holiday? Tick. Potential discounts on protein bars that cost as much as a small mortgage? Tick. You might even get benefits like pension contributions or sick pay, which is a rare unicorn in the fitness world.
The Cons
1. Set Hours = Less Flexibility
Your schedule is at the mercy of your employer. You might have to work early mornings, late nights, or weekends, and you won’t have much say in it. Fancy a lie-in on a Monday? Not happening.
2. Lower Earning Potential
Your salary or hourly rate is set by the gym, and they take a big ol’ cut of what clients pay. Even if you’re training back-to-back sessions, you might not be raking in as much as your freelance counterpart.
3. Less Freedom to Be YOU
Want to run a ‘Deadlifts & Donuts’ bootcamp? Too bad—your gym might have strict guidelines on what you can and can’t do. Your creativity is often limited, and let’s be real, not every gym manager is open to your ‘Yoga for Weightlifters’ fusion class.
The Wild World of Freelance Personal Training
The Pros
1. Cha-Ching! Higher Earning Potential
As a freelance PT, you set your own rates. You can charge what you're worth (goodbye, minimum wage vibes) and pocket all the profit instead of giving a huge chunk to a gym. If you’re thinking about doing it on your own, get to grips with what you should be charging per client with our handy blog How Much To Charge For A Personal Training Class.
2. Be Your Own Boss
You choose your hours, your clients, your training style—literally everything. Hate morning workouts? Cool, don’t schedule any. Want to offer outdoor bootcamps or online training? Go for it. It’s all on your terms.
3. No Office Drama
No dealing with annoying coworkers or gym politics. No passive-aggressive notes about putting weights back. No Karen complaining that your music is ‘too loud’ (it’s Eminem—get over it, Karen). It’s just you, your clients, and the sweet sound of success.
4. Sky’s the Limit
Freelancing allows you to grow in ways an employed role doesn’t. Want to start a fitness blog, launch an online coaching business, or run retreats? You can diversify your income streams however you like.
The Cons
1. No Clients = No Money
If you’re bad at marketing or networking, you might struggle to get clients. In the "personal trainer freelance vs employee" debate, this is the biggest downside—no guaranteed income. You have to constantly attract and retain clients, or your bank account will cry.
2. You Do EVERYTHING
Training is only part of the job. You’re also the accountant, the marketer, the customer service rep, and sometimes even the janitor (because training in a messy space is a no-go). If spreadsheets make you break out in a cold sweat, freelancing might not be for you.
3. No Paid Holidays or Sick Pay
Want to take a week off? That’s a week of no income. Feeling under the weather? No sick pay for you. It’s all on you to plan your finances accordingly.
4. Finding a Space to Train
Unless you have a home gym or train outdoors, you’ll probably need to rent gym space. That means additional costs eating into your profits. Some gyms charge per hour, while others take a monthly fee—either way, it adds up.
If you want a more in depth look at freelance personal training, make sure to check out our blog Freelance Personal Training: Pros, Cons and How to Succeed.
So, Freelance or Employee Personal Training: Which One Is Better?
Drumroll, please… The answer? It depends on you.
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If you love stability, don’t want to deal with admin, and prefer a structured environment, an employed role is a safe bet.
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If you’re independent, love the idea of running your own business, and have a knack for self-promotion, freelancing might be your calling.
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If you’re still unsure, why not start employed, build your skills and confidence, and then transition to freelance when you’re ready?
Whichever route you choose in the "personal trainer freelance vs employee" debate, remember: success comes down to your passion, work ethic, and ability to build solid relationships with clients. Whether you’re rocking a branded gym uniform or running your own empire, as long as you’re helping people get fitter, stronger, and healthier, you’re winning.
Now, go forth and conquer the fitness world—just don’t forget to stretch first!
New to the world of personal training and thinking about starting a career? Make sure to take a look at Study Active’s courses online to find the right fit and qualification for you.