Personal Trainer in Arkansas

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AR. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$39,920
trending_down -13.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Arkansas.

engineering
1,100

Jobs (AR)

monitoring Surging
+11.9%

10-yr job growth

schedule
Not specified (depends on chosen certification)

Time to complete

route How to become a personal trainer in Arkansas

In Arkansas, there is no state-level licensing body or specific state license required to work as a Personal Trainer. Instead, individuals typically need to obtain certification from a nationally recognized private organization such as NASM, ACE, ACSM, or NSCA. Key requirements generally include being at least 18 years old, possessing a high school diploma or GED, and holding a current CPR/AED certification. Employers in Arkansas usually require these certifications for employment.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $23,090
25th percentile $26,830
50th (median) $39,920
75th percentile $46,830
90th (experienced) $55,620

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Arkansas. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Arkansas requirements

Licensing bodyNo state-level licensing body for Personal Trainers
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED; CPR/AED certification
ExamN/A (certification exams are through private organizations)
NotesThere is no state-level licensing requirement to work as a Personal Trainer in Arkansas. Certification is handled by private organizations (e.g., NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA) and is typically required by employers. Must be at least 18 years old. CPR/AED certification is also typically required.

Source: No state-level licensing body for Personal Trainers

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+11.9%
Much faster than average
Annual openings
74,200
Nationwide per year
Total employment
370,100
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -2.11/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+11.9%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a personal trainer in Arkansas? expand_more
Arkansas requires personal trainers to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED; CPR/AED certification), and pass the N/A (certification exams are through private organizations).
Is a state license required for personal trainers in Arkansas? expand_more
No state license is needed to work as a personal trainer in Arkansas. Note: There is no state-level licensing requirement to work as a Personal Trainer in Arkansas. Certification is handled by private organizations (e.g., NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA) and is typically required by employers. Must be at least 18 years old. CPR/AED certification is also typically required.
What is the average personal trainer salary in Arkansas? expand_more
personal trainers in Arkansas earn a median of $39,920 annually. That's 14% below the national median of $46,180. New personal trainers start around $23,090; seasoned professionals can reach $55,620.
How long does it take to become a personal trainer in Arkansas? expand_more
Expect to spend Not specified (depends on chosen certification) from start to finish in Arkansas — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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