Have a question? Becoming a personal trainer in Massachusetts requires:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a GED or the equivalent
- Have an updated adult CPR/AED Certification
- Get a certification through a recognized personal training institution
Personal Trainer Certification Massachusetts
Here are the best personal training certification options in Massachusetts:
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA-CPT)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT)
- National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF-CPT)
- National Personal Training Institute (NPTI)
I would recommend that you take the quiz to find out which certification will be helpful for your specific Massachusetts personal trainer career objectives.
Personal Trainer Certification Massachusetts Cost
For you to become a personal trainer in Massachusetts, you will need to spend approximately $449 to $999 depending on your choice of certification, and this can vary even further depending on any coupons or discounts you may have.
Do you need a license to be a personal trainer in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts state does not require personal trainers to have a license. However, a majority of employers will only work with certified trainers for clients’ safety and to enhance the quality of service delivered.
Personal Trainer Schools in Massachusetts
Having a professional personal trainer certification will leverage your skills and make you more competitive. In my research, I came across the following kinesiology schools in Massachusetts that you may want to consider.
- Atlantic Union College Health and Natural Sciences
- Becker College Exercise Science
- Boston University Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
- Bridgewater State University Movement Arts, Health Promotion and Leisure Studies
- Eastern Nazarene College Exercise and Sport Sciences
- Elms College Physical Education
- Endicott College Sport Science and Fitness
- Fitchburg State College Exercise and Sport Science
- Gordon College Kinesiology
- Lasell College Athletic Training and Exercise Science
- Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Physical Education
- Mount Ida College Sport Management
- Salem State College Sport and Movement Science
- Simmons College Physical Therapy
- Springfield College School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation
- University of Massachusetts at Amherst Department of Kinesiology
- University of Massachusetts at Boston Exercise and Health Science
- University of Massachusetts at Lowell Physical Therapy and Exercise Physiology
- Westfield State College Movement Science, Sport and Leisure Studies
- Worcester State College Health Science
If you haven’t yet, be sure to take the quiz to find out the best personal trainer certification for your career.
How Much Do Personal Trainers Make in Massachusetts?
As a personal trainer in Massachusetts, you can expect to make $72,443, but the salary range typically varies from $52,259 to $88,994 based on the location, other factors like education and professional certifications, additional skills, and years of experience.
Make sure to check out the general guide on how to become a personal trainer.
State Fitness Rating
Before you become a personal trainer in Springfield or any other city in Massachusetts, you must understand how active the local fitness industry is.
For that, I will look at some data and two key pieces of data to be specific.
Those are the obesity statistics and the top gym statistics.
The data I’ll be using was sourced from the good folks over at exercise.com.
They have some amazing tools to help you further your fitness empire, so check them out when possible.
Let’s take a look at obesity stats in Massachusetts. With a prevalence rate of just 23.6%, Massachusetts finds itself in the top 3 healthiest populations coming in at 3rd place out of 651.
This is very promising as it indicates a high level of consumer engagement with health and maintenance of fitness levels.
A low obesity statistic means people invest in their wellness. Personal trainers are a significant part of providing health and fitness for a population.
Next up, I’ll take a look at the top gyms ranking. Before we go any deeper, let’s try and understand what is meant by top gyms.
These gyms or fitness centers are your run-of-the-mill, general fitness facility.
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Commercial gyms with franchise chains dotted nationwide and a mainstream appeal that has made them household names.
These include the likes of:
- LA Fitness
- Crunch Fitness
- Gold’s Gym
- Orange Theory Fitness
- Planet Fitness
- YMCA
- Snap Fitness
- Anytime Fitness
- 24 Hour Fitness
Top gyms are included as valuable statistics because they indicate a market primed for consumer demand through fitness facilities that are affordable and accessible.
Top gyms also indicate the low-hanging fruit regarding employment opportunities for fitness instructors.
These are typically ground zero when it comes to starting your career as a fitness trainer or group fitness instructor.
I am happy to report that Massachusetts scores well in this department.
With a total of 412 gyms to a population of 6,811,779 residents, the state has gym access to 6.05 facilities per 100 thousand locals.
This gives Massachusetts a ranking of 19, leading to an overall state fitness ranking of 6 out of 51.
Fitness Market Makeup
Massachusetts is a considerably healthy, active state, so that the market would include a mix of sedentary and athletic fitness profiles.
Personal trainers in Boston are expected to deal with clients looking to improve more specific aspects, such as aesthetics and athletic performance.
This is also due to the rich sporting heritage associated with Massachusetts.
Boston is one of America’s sporting hubs, so expect a significant amount of opportunity to train clients with athletic ambition at an amateur, collegiate, and perhaps even pro-level.
Another notable aspect of Massachusetts fitness is the love of outdoor activities and adventure sports.
This brings a similar theme to Colorado regarding the fitness culture.
Personal Trainer Certifications in Massachusetts
Personal trainer certification in Boston and other cities are needed to get a job as a personal trainer in Massachusetts.
Your personal trainer certification in Massachusetts is also personal training licensure.
Overall here are my top 2 best personal trainer certificates in Massachusetts. Ensure you have all or any of them when you decide to become a personal trainer in Springfield and other areas.
Possession of the highest personal training certification from training schools in MA will help you when searching for personal trainer jobs in MA.
Personal Trainer Jobs in Massachusetts
Personal trainer jobs in Worcester and other areas of Massachusetts are most prevalent within the gyms.
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The high number of commercial gyms means the best personal trainers in Boston have great odds of finding job placement.
This is the best way to start, as it allows you to hone your craft while building a reputation amongst clients.
Beyond this, working as an independent personal trainer in Boston and running your own business is the next step forward.
There is ample space to develop a unique and lucrative niche considering the diverse nature of Massachusetts fitness culture.
One thing to consider is having an online component of your PT business.
Evidence indicates this to be the industry’s fastest-growing segment in terms of service.
If you haven’t yet, be sure to take the quiz to find out the best personal trainer certification for your career.
Best Cities to Be a Personal Trainer in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, you should aim to become a personal trainer in Boston. It is the largest city by far, with a total population that eclipses the next six largest cities combined.
This would suggest that most of the viable commercial activity, which includes the fitness industry, is happening there.
If Boston is out of the question, you can still ply your trade in Worcester and Springfield as the next two options.
| City In Massachusetts | Population |
|---|---|
| Boston | 710,195 |
| Worcester | 186,433 |
| Springfield | 155,472 |
| Cambridge | 121,783 |
| Lowell | 112,626 |
| Brockton | 96,313 |
| Lynn | 96,032 |
A quick search on google will give you more insights on “personal trainer Boston MA,” “personal trainer Worcester MA,” “personal trainer Lowell, MA,”
“personal trainer Springfield MA,” “personal trainer Cambridge MA.”
Personal Trainer Salary in Massachusetts
Trainers in Massachusetts can expect an annual average income of $68,083 statewide and $69,743 in Boston.
This is a fantastic proposition compared to the national average of $61,802.
That income level is near the unofficial “happiness threshold.”
The happiness threshold is a theoretical annual salary figure identified as the limit at which more money leads to a happier life.
However, the dollar amount of a salary figure is only worth the cost of living and the quality of life you’re subject to.
With that said, let’s take a look at life in Massachusetts.
Quality of Life Rating
Personal trainer jobs in Springfield and other cities rely on the local quality of life.
According to USA Today, Massachusetts has the highest quality of life in America.
This is primarily due to excellent health care, education, and employment.
The state also records some of the country’s lowest crime stats and has excellent service infrastructure and entertainment.
The cost of living is relatively high, but this is canceled out by the high employment rate and mean income.
Considering all this, I give Massachusetts a 9/10 quality of life rating.
Make sure to check out the full guide on personal trainer salary.
Methodology
The methodology I am using to critically evaluate this article on how to become a Personal Trainer in Massachusetts is clearly stated below:
- The population of the state and its major cities.
- The obesity figures as compared with other states.
- Personal trainer certifications are attainable in the state.
- Availability of personal training schools & colleges.
- Career prospects for personal trainers.
- Earning potential for certified PTs.
- Quality of Life (QoL).
Final Words on How to Become A Personal Trainer in Massachusetts
Massachusetts, particularly Boston, is one of the US’s best places to live and work.
Becoming a personal trainer in Springfield and other cities will put you in line for decent income potential.
The vibrant, active fitness market, along with business freedom and a low unemployment rate, means you will always have something to occupy your time while lining your pockets as a fitness professional.
FAQs on How to Become A Personal Trainer in Massachusetts
How to get certified as a personal trainer?
Getting certified as a personal trainer requires you to have the following:
– A high school diploma
– An AED/CPR certification
– First Aid cert
Having a degree in an exercise-related field in a community college or university.
Enrolling in a personal training certification program that is NCCA accredited.
What degree do you need to become a personal trainer?
To improve your knowledge and skills as a personal trainer, you can obtain an associate, bachelor, or even a Masters degree in the courses below:
– Kinesiology and Exercise Science
– Fitness and Health
– Sports Management
How to become a personal trainer in Massachusetts?
You can become a personal trainer in Massachusetts by undergoing the personal trainer course and taking a certification exam.
– National Personal Training Institute (NPTI)
– American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
– National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
– International Sports and Fitness Trainers Association (ISFTA)
– World Instructor Training Schools (WITS)
How much do personal trainers make in Massachusetts?
The average salary of personal trainers in Massachusetts is $68,083 as of June 28, 2021.
It is important to have the right education, personal training certs, skills, and years of experience to be a top earner.
References
https://www.exercise.com/learn/ten-fittest-states-in-the-us/
https://www.americankinesiology.org/SubPages/Pages/Kinesiology%20Institution%20Database
Tyler Read
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