How Much Do Personal Trainers Earn in Australia? (2026 Salary Guide by State)

Published on 13/02/2026

How Much Do Personal Trainers Earn in Australia? (2026 Salary Guide by State)

If you’re considering a career as a Personal Trainer or you’re already qualified and comparing opportunities, one of the biggest questions is:

How much do Personal Trainers actually earn in Australia?

The answer depends on several factors:

  • Location (state + metro vs regional)
  • Contractor vs employee model
  • Experience level
  • Niche specialisation
  • Client load and business skills

In this guide, we break down average PT earnings across Australia, explain how pay structures work, and show you what influences your income potential.

💰 Average Personal Trainer Earnings in Australia (2026 Overview)

Personal Trainers in Australia typically earn in one of three ways:

1️⃣ Per session (contractor model)

2️⃣ Hourly rate (employee model)

3️⃣ Percentage split of client revenue

National Average Ranges

  • $40–$90 per session (contractor)
  • $30–$45 per hour (employee casual rate)
  • $60,000–$110,000+ per year (full-time equivalent, depending on client load)

Highly experienced or niche PTs in major cities can exceed $120,000 annually, especially those running semi-private sessions or hybrid online models.


📍 Personal Trainer Salary by State

Below is a general guide based on metro averages in 2026.


Victoria (VIC)

Melbourne Metro:

  • $45–$90 per session (contractor)
  • $65,000–$105,000 annual equivalent

Melbourne’s boutique studio market and strong fitness culture support higher session rates, particularly in inner suburbs.


New South Wales (NSW)

Sydney Metro:

  • $50–$100 per session
  • $70,000–$115,000 annual equivalent

Sydney generally commands the highest rates due to:

  • Higher cost of living
  • Premium gym models
  • Strong demand in affluent suburbs

Queensland (QLD)

Brisbane + Gold Coast:

  • $40–$85 per session
  • $60,000–$100,000 annual equivalent

Outdoor training and lifestyle-focused clients make QLD competitive, though rates may be slightly lower than Sydney/Melbourne.


Western Australia (WA)

Perth Metro:

  • $45–$85 per session
  • $65,000–$100,000 annual equivalent

Mining industry professionals and corporate clients can increase earning potential in certain areas.


South Australia (SA)

Adelaide Metro:

  • $40–$75 per session
  • $55,000–$90,000 annual equivalent

Generally slightly lower than eastern states, but lower studio overheads can improve take-home income for contractors.


Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

  • $45–$90 per session
  • $70,000–$110,000 annual equivalent

Higher average incomes in Canberra can support strong PT pricing.


Tasmania & Northern Territory

  • $35–$70 per session
  • $50,000–$85,000 annual equivalent

Smaller markets, but less competition in some regions.


🧾 Contractor vs Employee: What Changes Your Income?

Contractor PT Model

Most Australian PTs operate as contractors.

You:

  • Set your own rates (within gym structure)
  • Pay rent or revenue split
  • Manage your own super, tax, insurance

Upside: Unlimited earning potential

Downside: Income depends on client acquisition + retention

Employee PT Model

More common in large gyms and franchises.

You:

  • Earn hourly wage
  • May receive commission/bonuses
  • Receive super + entitlements

Upside: Stability

Downside: Income ceiling is lower

🚀 What Increases a Personal Trainer’s Income?

If you want to move from $60k → $100k+, here’s what makes the difference:

1️⃣ Specialising

High-demand niches include:

  • Pre/postnatal training
  • Strength & conditioning
  • Injury rehab (in collaboration with physios)
  • Online coaching
  • Small group training

2️⃣ Semi-Private Sessions

Instead of 1:1:

  • 3 clients paying $40 each = $120 per hour
  • Much higher hourly efficiency

3️⃣ Strong Client Retention

Keeping clients 12+ months is more valuable than constantly finding new ones.


4️⃣ Location & Studio Choice

Premium suburbs = higher session rates

Budget gyms = lower rates but higher foot traffic

5️⃣ Business & Sales Skills

PT income is partly coaching… and partly business development.

Confidence with:

  • Consultations
  • Goal setting
  • Follow-ups
  • Social proof
  • Referrals

…dramatically increases earning potential.


📈 Is Personal Training a Good Career in Australia?

Yes, but it’s performance-based.

It suits people who:

  • Enjoy building relationships
  • Can self-manage
  • Are comfortable promoting themselves
  • Want flexible income potential

The ceiling is high, but it requires consistency and business skills.


🔎 How to Find Higher-Paying PT Roles

If you’re looking to increase your earning potential:

✅ Look for studios with strong lead flow

✅ Ask about average trainer earnings

✅ Clarify rental vs revenue split models

✅ Ask about mentoring and development

✅ Compare metro vs regional opportunities

Platforms like Wellness Careers Hub allow you to browse PT roles across Australia and compare different pay models in one place.


Final Thoughts

Personal Trainers in Australia can earn anywhere from $50,000 to over $110,000+ per year, depending on:

  • State
  • Experience
  • Business model
  • Specialisation
  • Work ethic

The industry offers flexibility, growth, and strong income potential, particularly in major metro areas.

If you're exploring new PT opportunities or just entering the industry, understanding pay structures helps you make smarter career decisions.


Looking for Personal Trainer Jobs in Australia?

Browse the latest PT roles across:

🏋️ Melbourne

🏋️ Sydney

🏋️ Brisbane

🏋️ Perth

🏋️ Adelaide

🏋️ Canberra

👉 Visit wellnesscareershub.com to explore current opportunities or create your free profile.