Personal Care & Fitness Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

Personal Trainer Salary in Virginia

The median personal trainer salary in Virginia is $47,195 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $45,380.

Median Salary
$47,195
vs National
+$1,815
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Personal Trainer Salary Overview in Virginia (2026)

Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for personal trainer compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for personal trainer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $47,195 per year, personal trainers in Virginia earn $1,815 more than the national median of $45,380.

Virginia's cost of living is near the national average at 104%, meaning personal trainer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Virginia is significant: personal trainers at the 10th percentile earn $27,040, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $85,280 — a $58,240 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Virginia for this role is Arlington, where the median reaches $59,902.

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 Virginia and beyond.

Personal Trainer Salary in Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level personal trainer earns around $29,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,120 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,120
+$1,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,840
+$1,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,120
+$3,120 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $27,040
25th Percentile $34,320
Median (50th) $47,195
75th Percentile $64,480
90th Percentile $85,280

Personal Trainer Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for personal trainers in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Personal Trainer in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

Exercise ScienceProgram DesignAnatomyNutritionCPR/AEDClient Motivation

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Personal Trainer Salary in Virginia

How much does a Personal Trainer make in Virginia? ▼
The median personal trainer salary in Virginia is $47,195 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $45,380. Salaries range from $27,040 (10th percentile) to $85,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Personal Trainer make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,195, a personal trainer in Virginia earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for personal trainers? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for personal trainer pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level personal trainers earn $29,120, while senior professionals earn $81,120.
How does Virginia compare to other states for personal trainer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for personal trainers is Hawaii at $77,146. Virginia's median of $47,195 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($47,649) and Rhode Island ($47,649).
What is the entry-level personal trainer salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level personal trainer in Virginia earns approximately $29,120 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $47,840. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $81,120.
What city in Virginia pays personal trainers the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for personal trainers, with a median salary of $59,902. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.