So, you’re thinking about getting into personal training, but there’s just one tiny little thing stopping you—you have absolutely zero experience. Like, none. Zilch. Maybe you love working out, maybe you’re obsessed with watching fitness influencers smash their workouts on Instagram, or maybe you just like the idea of getting paid to wear gym gear all day. Whatever brought you here, the good news is that there are great paying jobs with no experience in personal training. Yep, you heard me right. You don’t have to be some elite, protein-shake-chugging, six-pack-sporting guru to land a solid gig in the fitness world.
Can You Really Get a Great Paying Personal Training Job with No Experience?
Yes! And before you roll your eyes thinking, This sounds way too good to be true, let me explain. The fitness industry is booming, and gyms, studios, and online coaching platforms are always on the lookout for enthusiastic, motivated people who are willing to learn.
Of course, you can’t just rock up to a gym, flex your biceps, and demand a job (though that would be quite the entrance). You’ll likely need to get a personal training qualification, but don’t panic—there are plenty of beginner-friendly courses that you can complete in just a few weeks. Some gyms even offer their own in-house training, meaning you can get certified while working. Win-win! At Study Active we offer a range of flexible personal training courses, check out our list of courses here.
The Best Entry-Level Personal Training Jobs That Pay Well
Let’s talk about the juicy part—where you can actually make good money without prior experience. Here are some of the top entry-level roles that offer great paying jobs with no experience.
1. Gym Instructor (with On-the-Job Training!)
Many large gym chains are open to hiring fitness lovers who aren’t yet qualified. Some offer internal training programs where you can get your Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification while working.
💰 Potential Earnings: £20,000–£25,000 per year starting out, with opportunities to progress.
🎯 Best for: Those who want a structured role and don’t mind working for a company rather than being self-employed.
🚀 How to Get Started: Check out big-name gyms like PureGym, The Gym Group, and David Lloyd—they often have entry-level positions where they train you up.
2. Apprentice Personal Trainer
Apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers; they’re a great way for anyone to get into personal training. You’ll earn while you learn, and many programs cover your certification costs.
💰 Potential Earnings: £12,000–£18,000 while training, then £25,000+ once qualified.
🎯 Best for: Those who want hands-on experience and don’t mind a lower salary to start with.
🚀 How to Get Started: Search for apprenticeships on government job boards or check out gym chains with PT training schemes.
3. Online Fitness Coach (Yes, Even Without Experience!)
If you’ve got a good social media presence and love sharing workout tips, becoming an online fitness coach could be a goldmine. You don’t always need qualifications to start—many online coaches begin by offering general fitness advice, then work towards getting certified.
💰 Potential Earnings: £20,000–£50,000+ per year (seriously, some online trainers make six figures!).
🎯 Best for: Those who love social media, enjoy creating content, and want flexibility.
🚀 How to Get Started: Start by sharing your fitness journey, offer free advice, build a following, and take an affordable online PT course.
4. Fitness Class Instructor (Because Group Workouts Are Fun!)
Love the idea of leading a room full of energetic people through an intense HIIT session? Many gyms hire people to teach classes without prior experience, especially for trendy workouts like Zumba, indoor cycling, or circuit training. They often provide training and certifications.
💰 Potential Earnings: £20–£50 per class (teach a few classes a day, and you’re making solid cash!).
🎯 Best for: Those with high energy and a love for motivating people.
🚀 How to Get Started: Check with local gyms and studios to see if they’re hiring class instructors and if they offer training.
5. Freelance PT Assistant (Work Under an Experienced Trainer!)
Some personal trainers need assistants to help them manage clients, set up workouts, and keep things running smoothly. It’s a fantastic way to learn on the job and transition into a full PT role.
💰 Potential Earnings: £15,000–£25,000 per year.
🎯 Best for: Those who want to shadow an experienced trainer and gain real-world experience.
🚀 How to Get Started: Reach out to personal trainers at your gym and ask if they need an extra pair of hands.
How to Maximise Your Earning Potential as a New PT
Okay, so now you know there are great paying jobs with no experience, but how do you ensure you’re making the most of your earning potential? Here are a few top tips:
👉 Get Certified Quickly – The sooner you get your Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification, the more doors will open for you.
👉 Build a Social Media Presence – Having an online following can help you attract clients and boost your income.
👉 Network Like a Pro – Talk to gym managers, trainers, and fitness influencers. The more people you know, the more opportunities you’ll get.
👉 Offer Free Sessions at First – This helps build a client base and get those all-important testimonials.
👉 Upskill Constantly – Specialising in areas like pre/post-natal fitness, strength training, or nutrition can increase your value (and your rates!).
We have a great blog Personal Training: An Easy but Well-Paying Job? which will outline all of your earning potential (kerching!) and what being a personal trainer could mean.
Summary of Great Paying Personal Training Jobs With No Prior Experience
So, what’s the verdict? If you’ve been dreaming about a career in fitness but thought you needed years of experience to get started, now you know better! There are plenty of great paying jobs with no experience in the personal training world. Whether you start as a gym instructor, an online coach, or a class instructor, there are loads of ways to break into the industry without needing to be a fitness veteran. It's never to late to start your personal training career, we have some great advice on our blog Starting A New Career As a Personal Trainer at 50.
Now, go put on your comfiest workout gear, do some research, and start making moves towards your new career. You’ve got this!