1

Personal Trainer Jobs in Dothan, AL (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Personal Trainer information

See Dothan, AL salary details

$10

$26

$47

How much do personal trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for personal trainer in Dothan, AL is $26.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a personal trainer?

Personal trainers are fitness professionals who work with individuals or small groups to help them achieve their health and fitness goals. They create personalized exercise programs, demonstrate proper workout techniques, and provide motivation and support throughout the fitness journey. Personal trainers also offer guidance on nutrition and healthy habits, and they ensure exercises are performed safely to prevent injury. Their role can be in gyms, fitness centers, private studios, or even through virtual sessions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a personal trainer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Personal Trainer, you need a solid understanding of exercise science, anatomy, nutrition, and personal training techniques, usually supported by a certification from organizations like NASM, ACE, or ACSM. Familiarity with fitness assessment tools, workout tracking software, and gym equipment is typically required. Outstanding communication, motivational skills, and the ability to build rapport help clients stay engaged and achieve their goals. These skills ensure safe, effective training programs and foster lasting client relationships, which are crucial for success in this role.

What does a personal trainer do?

Personal Trainers are fitness professionals who are certified and educated in the fields of health and fitness. They help their clients reach their fitness goals by motivating them, teaching them proper techniques, and holding them accountable to their fitness and health goals. They also may keep data on their clients’ progress. Personal Trainers often work in fitness centers and gyms, community centers, and even corporate settings.

How does a personal trainer collaborate with other fitness professionals?

Personal trainers often work closely with other fitness professionals such as group exercise instructors, nutritionists, and physical therapists to provide well-rounded support to clients. Collaboration may include sharing client progress, co-developing training plans, or referring clients to specialists for specific needs. This team-based approach helps ensure clients receive comprehensive care and reach their fitness goals safely and effectively. Open communication and regular meetings are common practices to maintain alignment and deliver the best possible results.

What is the difference between Personal Trainer vs Fitness Instructor?

AspectPersonal TrainerFitness Instructor
CertificationsCertified Personal Trainer (CPT), NASM, ACE, ACSMGroup fitness certifications, ACE, AFAA, NASM
Work EnvironmentOne-on-one client sessions, gyms, private studiosGroup classes, gyms, community centers
Job FocusIndividualized fitness plans, personal coachingLeading group exercise classes, motivating groups
Employer & Industry UsageGyms, personal training studios, private clientsFitness centers, gyms, recreation facilities

While both Personal Trainers and Fitness Instructors work in fitness environments and may hold similar certifications, Personal Trainers focus on personalized training programs for individual clients, whereas Fitness Instructors lead group classes and focus on group motivation and instruction.

Do personal trainers actually make good money?

Personal trainers can earn a wide range of incomes depending on factors such as location, experience, certifications, and client base. According to industry data, the median annual salary for personal trainers is around $40,000, but top earners in high-demand markets or with specialized skills can make significantly more. Many trainers supplement income through group classes, online coaching, or working in gyms and fitness centers.

How much do most personal trainers make?

Most personal trainers earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and client base. Trainers who work independently or have specialized certifications can earn higher incomes, often supplementing sessions with group classes or online coaching.

What cities near Dothan, AL are hiring for Personal Trainer jobs?

Cities near Dothan, AL with the most Personal Trainer job openings:

Infographic showing various Personal Trainer job openings in Dothan, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,467 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Job description

Description

Primary Summary:

The YMCA’s focus is to strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. YMCA Personal Trainers provide private and/or semi-private sessions with members only. All workouts are created to provide personalized attention, safety, and programs that focus on desired results, limitless motivation, and the highest level of customer service. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to providing a quality experience to members and guests focused on YMCA core values: caring, honesty, and responsibility.

Essential Functions:

  • Actively promote and represent the YMCA Personal Training program through interaction and engagement with members, staff and the community.
  • Meet with clients for initial interview and administer required paperwork prior to commencement of fitness assessment.
  • Design and deliver safe and effective training programs based on fitness assessment results and member goals.
  • Execute effective and proper use of YMCA program software to accurately collect and report revenue and data related to sessions purchased, redeemed and due.
  • Provide a high degree of member service through a professional relationship with the members in regards to their needs, concerns, and questions about the YMCA, its programs and mission.
  • Instruct members in the strength training principles, training procedures, and exercise techniques.
  • Teach members the proper and preferred use of all the strength and conditioning training equipment.
  • Provide relevant wellness information to members in order to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
  • Notify the supervisor of any equipment out of service or in need of repair.
  • Actively pursue awareness and knowledge of current fitness program and trends, utilizing those that will benefit client quality of life and wellness goals
  • Demonstrate ability to work cooperatively with professional staff and other departments and to relate to and work with people of diverse backgrounds.
  • Have a thorough knowledge of branch emergency procedures and take appropriate action for Wellness Department emergency situations.
  • Adhere to the YMCA Wellness Standards and Guidelines, and Personal Training and Fitness Assessment Best Practices.
  • Attends all staff meetings and required training programs.
  • Other duties and responsibilities assigned by the supervisor.

Employees and volunteers who do not directly supervise children and teens will:

  • Adhere to policies related to boundaries with children and teens.
  • Attend required abuse risk management training annually.
  • Report suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
  • Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

  • On the job training provided - reimbursement for certification available
-OR-
  • Possess and maintain approved National Personal Training Certification (AAPTE, ACE, AFFA, ACSM, CI, IFPA, NASM, NCCPT, NCSF, NESTA, NETA, NFPT, NSCA, TWCC). (CEUs and recertification are at the expense of the Personal Trainer)
  • Required courses to be completed prior to start date are as follows: Orientation to Healthy Living, Foundations of Listen First, and Principles of Healthy Living. Foundations of Strength and Conditioning is also required (unless nationally certified with an approved certification).
  • Personal Trainer must abide by YMCA policies, procedures, and guidelines.
  • Adhere to Fitness Center guidelines.
  • Possess exceptional customer service skills.
  • Successful completion of background screening.
  • Acquire and maintain the following certifications prior to start date via YMCA, American Red Cross, American Heart Association and American Health and Safety Institute (ASHI):
    • First Aid/CPR /AED (valid 2 years unless otherwise noted)
  • Requisite Risk Management Online Training Modules (completed prior to start date and repeated annually).
  • Stay abreast of industry standards and trends through reasonable proactive efforts and personal certification requirements.
  • Maintain 10 hours or more of personal training related activity per pay period.• Adhere to job-specific abuse risk management responsibilities.

Physical Demands:

  • Must have the physical, visual and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
  • Ability to be physically active to include, but not limited to walking, sitting, squatting, standing, kneeling, climbing, running, lifting, pushing, pulling, etc.
  • Ability to take the responsibility for the health and safety of others.