Rhode Island isn’t called “The Ocean State” without good reason. This smallest US state is a giant for sailing, motor boating, para-skiing and ocean fishing. A whopping 14 percent of Rhode Island’s total area consists of bays and inlets. Residents tend to be ruddy individuals who strive to stay in good shape. A paradise for personal trainers!
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics there were 580 fitness trainers working in Rhode Island in 2013. There are fitness centers and gyms in almost every town with over a dozen in the capital city of Providence alone, including “Method Fitness,” the longest running personal training studio in the nation. Personal trainers also are employed by high-end hotels, resorts, health spas and private businesses. As a personal trainer, you can also opt to work independently for individual clients.
What You Can Expect to Earn as a Fitness Trainer in Rhode Island
The Bureau of Labor Statistics 2013 Occupational Survey reports the following salaries for fitness trainers in Rhode Island:
In comparison, the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training’s Labor Market Information for 2013 lists the following hourly wages for fitness trainers:
- Entry-Level – $9.67
- Median – $15.08
- Experienced – $28.29
Personal trainers who provide services to individuals in their homes can set their own hourly rates.
The Labor Market Report also indicates that, in general, persons of all occupations with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of $24,000 more a year than individuals with only a high school education. Similarly, the unemployment level for Rhode Islanders over age 23 with a bachelor’s degree is 4.0 percent but 7.5 percent for those with just a high school diploma. As a fitness trainer with an appropriate bachelor’s degree you will have knowledge of the human body and the science of exercise that allows you to command higher wages.
What Salaries Can You Expect in Key Areas of Rhode Island
Salaries will vary with location. You will most likely earn more in urban areas than small towns or rural areas. The following Bureau of Labor Statistics table lists salaries in Rhode Island’s largest metropolitan area: