How to Become A Personal Trainer in Missouri
Missouri employs approximately 5,060 personal trainers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $36,450 1. Nationally, personal trainer employment is projected to grow 11.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 74,200 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a personal trainer in Missouri, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Personal Trainer in Missouri
How do I become a personal trainer in Missouri? Missouri does not require a state license for personal trainers, but employers typically expect industry certifications such as NASM Certified Personal Trainer and ACE Personal Trainer Certification. Complete a training program to prepare.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Missouri? No state license is required, but certifications such as NASM Certified Personal Trainer and ACE Personal Trainer Certification are expected by most employers.
What do personal trainers earn in Missouri? The median annual wage for personal trainers in Missouri is $36,450 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $28,600 and experienced professionals can earn $62,390 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Missouri): $36,450 per year 1
Personal Trainer Certification Options in Missouri
Missouri does not require a state license to work as a personal trainer. However, industry certifications can strengthen your resume and may be required by employers.
Common certifications for personal trainers include:
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- ACE Personal Trainer Certification
For more information, visit the NASM - National Academy of Sports Medicine 3. Contact training programs in Missouri for details on certification preparation courses.
Personal Trainer Wages by Metro Area in Missouri
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors Wages by Metro Area in Missouri
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), exercise trainers and group fitness instructors wages in Missouri vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | 3,210 | $38,550 | $44,690 | $28,350 | $68,010 |
| St. Louis | 3,200 | $36,500 | $42,520 | $28,600 | $63,740 |
| Springfield | 360 | $35,240 | $40,980 | $28,600 | $56,540 |
| Columbia | 150 | $35,090 | $41,600 | $28,600 | $61,640 |
| Jefferson City | 110 | $38,670 | $40,540 | $28,600 | $56,680 |
| Joplin | 100 | $29,880 | $34,540 | $28,600 | $45,780 |
| Cape Girardeau | 70 | $37,450 | $42,620 | $29,010 | $51,630 |
| St. Joseph | 60 | $31,380 | $32,510 | $28,600 | $39,130 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Personal trainers in Missouri
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest personal trainer employment within Missouri according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | 3,210 | $38,550 |
| St. Louis | 3,200 | $36,500 |
| Springfield | 360 | $35,240 |
| Columbia | 150 | $35,090 |
| Jefferson City | 110 | $38,670 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for personal trainers in Missouri? Missouri currently employs approximately 5,060 personal trainers 1. Nationally, personal trainer employment is projected to grow 11.9% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Missouri? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Missouri.
How much do personal trainers earn in Missouri compared to the national average? The median annual wage for personal trainers in Missouri is $36,450, which is $9,730 below the national median of $46,180 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
NASM - National Academy of Sports Medicine: https://www.nasm.org/ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |