Personal Care & Fitness Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Personal Trainer Salary in Arkansas

The median personal trainer salary in Arkansas is $38,119 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $45,380.

Median Salary
$38,119
vs National
$-7,261
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Personal Trainer Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for personal trainer compensation. Personal Trainer salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $38,119 per year, personal trainers in Arkansas earn $7,261 less than the national median of $45,380.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $38,119 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $45,380 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: personal trainers at the 10th percentile earn $21,840, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $68,880 — a $47,040 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $39,934.

Nationally, personal trainer employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Arkansas and beyond.

Personal Trainer Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level personal trainer earns around $23,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,520 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,520
$-4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,640
$-7,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$65,520
$-12,480 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $21,840
25th Percentile $27,720
Median (50th) $38,119
75th Percentile $52,080
90th Percentile $68,880

Personal Trainer Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for personal trainers in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Personal Trainer in Arkansas

Education

Most personal trainer positions require a high school diploma. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Exercise ScienceProgram DesignAnatomyNutritionCPR/AEDClient Motivation

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, personal trainer employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Personal Trainer Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Personal Trainer make in Arkansas? ▼
The median personal trainer salary in Arkansas is $38,119 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $45,380. Salaries range from $21,840 (10th percentile) to $68,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Personal Trainer make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,119, a personal trainer in Arkansas earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for personal trainers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for personal trainer pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level personal trainers earn $23,520, while senior professionals earn $65,520.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for personal trainer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for personal trainers is Hawaii at $77,146. Arkansas's median of $38,119 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($39,481) and Oklahoma ($39,027).
What is the entry-level personal trainer salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level personal trainer in Arkansas earns approximately $23,520 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $38,640. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $65,520.
What city in Arkansas pays personal trainers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for personal trainers, with a median salary of $39,934. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.