Arkansas is a great state for those who enjoy outdoor recreation. In addition to mountain biking and kayaking, Arkansas is becoming known as a prime location for rock climbing. It was even featured in a 2003 issue of Rock and Ice. As a personal trainer, this presents opportunities for you to help keep such sportsmen and women stay in shape and avoid injuries, all while earning a good salary.
In addition to clients who rely on you to keep them in top form, you also have opportunities to help more sedentary residents become physically fit. The Get Fit Arkansas Council retains personal trainers who help citizens embark on a quest to improve their lives through exercise.
Salaries and Job Growth for Personal Trainers in Arkansas
Your salary as a personal trainer in Arkansas will depend on your level of experience. Once you are an experienced trainer, you will make 1.5 times more than fitness trainers who are just starting out, according to the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services (DWS). This agency reports that the salaries for personal trainers in Arkansas as of 2013 were:
- Experienced: $25,110
- Average: $22,230
- Entry-level: $16,740
There were 1,100 personal trainers in Arkansas as of 2013. The DWS reports that the field of personal training is growing, and reported that it expects 23 jobs on average to become available each year between 2012 and 2022.
The fitness industry in Arkansas is becoming lucrative, and industry giants are taking notice. In fact, the well-known health club chain, LA Fitness, recently announced plans to open its first location in the state. Another notable gain for Arkansas was the opening of a franchise of the kickboxing gym 9Round Fitness LLC in Bentonville.
Personal Trainer Salaries Throughout Arkansas
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics provides salary information for personal trainers in a range of locations in Arkansas (2013). Personal trainers in the Fort Smith area were among the most highly paid, earning significantly more than their colleagues in other parts of Arkansas: