Employed vs Self Employed Personal Training: Pros and Cons

Thinking about a career in personal training but unsure whether to go down the employed or self-employed route? Or maybe you want to do a bit of both?

Each option has its perks and challenges. The right choice will depend on your unique goals, lifestyle and how you want your career to develop. 

In this guide, we explore the pros and cons of employed and self-employed personal training to help you decide which path suits you best.

Employed personal training

As an employed personal trainer (PT), you’re usually under a contract with a commercial gym, which means a consistent monthly wage and access to the gym’s facilities and clients. You won’t have to worry about finding your own clients, as often the gym will assign these to you. But this also means you may have less flexibility in your schedule and earnings, as your rates and working hours are usually set by the gym.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of being an employed PT.

The benefits

• Stable income

One of the biggest advantages of working for a commercial gym is the financial stability it offers. You can count on regular pay checks, which eliminates the uncertainty of fluctuating income that self-employed trainers often face. 

In some gyms, there may even be opportunities for bonuses based on performance, client retention or hitting sales targets, providing an extra financial incentive. This predictable income stream means you can focus on training rather than constantly worrying about when the next paycheck will arrive.

• Job security

Working under contract with a gym offers a sense of job security that self-employment doesn’t always provide. You’ll have guaranteed work hours, and some gyms may offer longer-term contracts that ensure ongoing employment. This stability can be a major advantage if you’re looking to build a steady career in personal training, knowing that you won’t need to constantly hustle for clients or stress about gaps in your schedule.

• Less administrative responsibility

As an employed personal trainer, you won’t have to juggle the additional responsibilities that come with running a business. Client acquisition, managing bookings, marketing yourself and handling finances are all managed by the gym. This allows you to focus on what you do best: training and supporting your clients. Many trainers appreciate this freedom from administrative duties, giving them more time and energy to dedicate to their clients' fitness journeys.

• Employee benefits

Many commercial gyms offer valuable employee benefits that can make a big difference in your overall compensation package. These benefits can include health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans and even free or discounted gym memberships. 

These perks provide financial and health-related security, which can be hard to come by in the gig economy. Plus, they help ensure you’re taken care of, even when you're not working directly with clients.

• Training and development

Commercial gyms often invest in their trainers through professional development opportunities. This could include in-house training programs, workshops or mentorship from senior trainers. 

Some gyms may even sponsor your continued education, allowing you to pursue certifications or courses that enhance your skills and knowledge. Being employed at a gym means you can take advantage of these resources to stay current with fitness trends and expand your expertise without having to cover all the costs yourself.

• Established client base

One of the biggest challenges for self-employed trainers is finding and retaining clients. In a commercial gym, however, this burden is largely lifted as clients are typically provided for you. You’ll have access to the gym’s existing members, many of whom may already be looking for personal training services. This means you can start working with clients right away without needing to invest time or money into marketing and outreach.

• Marketing support

As part of a commercial gym, you’ll benefit from the gym’s marketing and promotional efforts. Many gyms invest in advertising to attract new members, organise fitness challenges and promote personal training packages – all of which can help drive clients directly to you. Having this marketing support takes the pressure off you to promote yourself constantly.

• Work-life balance

Commercial gyms generally offer more predictable schedules than self-employment, where you’re constantly hustling to fill your calendar. You may have set hours or shifts, and once your workday is done, you can clock out without having to think about client outreach, marketing or admin tasks. 

This predictability can provide a better work-life balance, giving you more control over your time and reducing the mental strain that can come with running your own business.

The drawbacks

While being an employed PT has its upsides, it inevitably has its limitations too. These include:

• Limited earning potential 

One of the key drawbacks of being an employed personal trainer is that your earnings are typically capped. Whether you're on a fixed salary or paid hourly, there’s often a ceiling to how much you can make – regardless of how many clients you train or how experienced you become. 

This can be frustrating if you’re highly motivated and want to increase your income based on your skills and client results. Even though there may be bonuses or incentives, the potential for significant earnings is often limited compared to what self-employed trainers can achieve.

• Lack of flexibility

Working for a commercial gym means you must adhere to the gym’s schedule, which can limit your flexibility in terms of when and how you work. Whether it's working specific shifts, attending mandatory meetings, or abiding by corporate policies, the freedom to set your own hours is restricted. This could be an issue if you're someone who values independence or needs a more adaptable schedule to balance work with personal commitments.

• Reduced autonomy 

As an employed personal trainer, you might find yourself restricted by gym protocols and corporate guidelines. From the types of training programmes you can offer to the way you engage with clients, your approach may need to align with the gym’s brand and policies. A lack of autonomy can stifle creativity and could leave you feeling like you’re not in full control of how you interact with clients or develop your own methods.

• Corporate environment

Not everyone loves the corporate world. It often means dealing with bureaucracy, office politics and pressure to meet specific targets. While some thrive in structured settings, others may find the environment restrictive. The need to meet quotas, whether for client retention, new sales, or training session bookings, can add stress that detracts from the joy of training. 

• Commission-based pay

In some gyms, your earnings are heavily dependent on commission, meaning you only get paid based on hitting sales targets or retaining clients. This commission-based structure can add a lot of pressure, especially if you're struggling to meet sales quotas or deal with client cancellations. The pressure to "sell" personal training sessions can sometimes conflict with your passion for fitness and may lead to burnout. It can also create financial instability, as your income may fluctuate from month to month depending on how many clients you have.

• Limited personal branding 

When you work for a commercial gym, it’s difficult to build a personal brand, as you're essentially representing the gym rather than yourself. This can be limiting if you have aspirations to establish your own name in the fitness industry. Clients may associate their experience with the gym rather than with you personally, which can make it harder to stand out and build a loyal following. 

• Dependency on your employer

Job security and career progression in a commercial gym are tied to the performance and policies of your employer. If the gym undergoes changes – such as a shift in management, budget cuts or even closure – you may find yourself at risk of losing your job or facing changes in your working conditions. 

Your ability to progress may also be limited by the opportunities available within the company, meaning you may have to wait for promotions or raises, rather than creating your own path to growth. 

Being a self-employed personal trainer

Being a self-employed personal trainer offers you the freedom to start your own business, set your own hours and choose the clients you want to work with. It allows for greater earning potential since you can charge your own rates and expand your services without restrictions. Sounds great, right?

It’s worth bearing in mind that it also comes with responsibilities like client acquisition, marketing, managing finances, sorting insurance and the day-to-day operations of your business. While the autonomy and flexibility are appealing, you’ll need a strong entrepreneurial mindset to ensure consistent income and long-term success.

The benefits

These are just some of the benefits of being a self-employed PT.

• Higher income potential

If you’re wondering how much self-employed personal trainers make, this is a big bonus. As a self-employed PT, you have the freedom to set your own rates, giving you the opportunity to earn significantly more than you would in a salaried role. You can scale your business by taking on more clients, offering niche services or boosting your prices based on experience and demand. 

• Flexible schedule

One of the biggest perks of self-employment is the flexibility to design your own working hours. You can tailor your schedule around your personal life, offering sessions when it suits you and your clients. This freedom allows for a better work-life balance, giving you the power to take time off when needed or work during peak times to maximise productivity and income.

• Complete autonomy

Being your own boss means you have complete control over how you run your business. You can create personalised training programs that reflect your unique approach without adhering to any external protocols or limitations. You’ll have the flexibility to innovate and provide services that are tailored specifically to your clients' needs, improving their experience and your reputation. You can even choose where you train your clients (have you checked out the flexible personal training spaces to rent at UNTIL??)

• Personal branding

Self-employment offers you the opportunity to establish and grow your own personal brand. You can choose the type of clients you want to work with, how you market yourself and what values your business represents – it’s all in your hands. By creating a strong personal brand, you can differentiate yourself from competitors and build lasting relationships with clients.

• Multiple revenue streams

As a self-employed trainer, you’re not limited to just one form of income. You can diversify your revenue by offering online training programs, hosting group sessions, conducting workshops or even selling branded merchandise. 

• Creative freedom

Without the structure and limitations of a corporate gym, you have the creative freedom to design and deliver your services however you see fit. This could include offering unique training techniques, experimenting with new fitness tools or creating specialised programs that align with your vision. Your creativity becomes a key part of your brand and can help attract clients seeking something a little bit different.

• Long-term career control

When you work for yourself, you have full control over your career trajectory. There are no limitations imposed by external entities like gyms, meaning your growth potential is entirely in your hands. You can decide how to expand your business, set long-term goals and shape your career progression, ensuring it aligns with your personal aspirations and values.

The drawbacks

Before you dive in headfirst and become self-employed, here are some of the disadvantages of going solo.

• Inconsistent income

How much do self-employed personal trainers make? Well, it’s hard to say, as your earnings are not guaranteed and can fluctuate depending on how many clients you acquire and retain, as well as the overall demand for your services. Unlike salaried positions, your income can vary from month to month, making financial planning more challenging. This inconsistency means you’ll need to stay proactive about managing your finances and budgeting.

• High responsibility

Running your own business means wearing many hats. You’re responsible for client acquisition, scheduling, managing finances, marketing your services and handling legal and tax-related tasks. This added responsibility can be overwhelming, especially if you're not experienced in business management. 

• No employee benefits

Being self-employed means you don’t have access to the typical employee benefits like health insurance, pensions or paid time off. These perks must be arranged independently, which can add significant costs. Without a safety net of benefits, it’s important to consider your long-term security, including how you’ll cover expenses during illness, holidays or less busy periods.

• Marketing and branding costs

When you work for yourself, marketing is essential to building your brand and attracting clients, but it comes at a cost. Whether it's creating a website, paying for advertising or investing in social media campaigns, these expenses fall on your shoulders. 

• Client acquisition pressure

In a self-employed role, you must continuously work to attract new clients while also retaining existing ones. This pressure can be stressful, especially when dealing with last-minute cancellations. Maintaining a steady stream of clients requires ongoing effort, including networking, marketing and excellent customer service.

• Administrative workload

Beyond training, you'll spend a significant amount of time on administrative tasks. These can include bookkeeping, handling taxes, managing payments, organising client schedules and running marketing campaigns. This workload can take away from the time and energy you'd prefer to dedicate to your clients, adding another layer of complexity to your business.

• Loneliness and lack of support

Unlike working in a gym, where you’re surrounded by colleagues and management, self-employed trainers may find the job isolating. Without regular team interaction, there’s limited access to collaboration or mentorship, which can make it harder to stay motivated or inspired. The absence of a support network means you have to rely on your own initiative to keep growing and developing professionally.

• Unpredictable work-life balance

Client schedules often dictate your working hours when you’re self-employed, which can lead to an unpredictable work-life balance. To meet client demands, you may find yourself working weekends, evenings or early mornings. While you have the flexibility to set your own schedule, catering to clients’ needs often means sacrificing your personal time, making it harder to achieve a consistent routine.

Rent your own space at UNTIL

Now that you know the key differences between being self-employed or working for a gym, you can make an informed decision as to which career path would better suit your lifestyle and ambitions. There’s always scope to mix and match, too – once you choose an avenue, you’re not tied to it for the rest of your life. So it might be worth trying both careers to see which you prefer.

If you choose to go down the self-employed route, make sure you’re giving your clients the best experience possible. If you’re looking for premium personal training space in London with state-of-the-art gym equipment and consultation rooms, you’ve come to the right place. UNTIL offers beautiful spaces for you to train your clients in Soho, Marylebone and Liverpool Street. Get started from just £100 a month.