Personal Trainer in Maryland

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

Median annual salary
$45,260
trending_down -2.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Maryland.

engineering
7,170

Jobs (MD)

monitoring Surging
+11.9%

10-yr job growth

payments
$400

Licensing fees

schedule
3-6 months (for certification programs)

Time to complete

route How to become a personal trainer in Maryland

To become a Personal Trainer in Maryland, there is no state-level licensing body; instead, certification is handled by private, nationally accredited organizations such as NASM, ACE, ACSM, and NSCA. Aspiring personal trainers typically need a high school diploma or GED and a current adult CPR/AED certification, often with a live skills check, to be eligible for certification exams. While not legally mandated by the state, most employers in Maryland require personal trainers to hold one of these national certifications.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $31,200
25th percentile $35,010
50th (median) $45,260
75th percentile $62,000
90th (experienced) $78,870

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

checklist Maryland requirements

Licensing bodyNo state-level licensing body
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED equivalent, and current adult CPR/AED certification (with a live skills check for most certification exams)
NotesThere is no state-level licensing requirement to work as a Personal Trainer in Maryland. Certification is handled by private, nationally accredited organizations (e.g., NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA) and is typically required by employers. Minimum age is 18 years old. Liability insurance is also recommended or required by some employers.

Source: No state-level licensing body

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

How do you get certified as a personal trainer in Maryland? expand_more
Maryland requires personal trainers to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED equivalent, and current adult CPR/AED certification (with a live skills check for most certification exams)).
Is a state license required for personal trainers in Maryland? expand_more
No state license is needed to work as a personal trainer in Maryland. Note: There is no state-level licensing requirement to work as a Personal Trainer in Maryland. Certification is handled by private, nationally accredited organizations (e.g., NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA) and is typically required by employers. Minimum age is 18 years old. Liability insurance is also recommended or required by some employers.
How much do personal trainers make in Maryland? expand_more
personal trainers in Maryland earn a median of $45,260 annually. That's roughly in line with the $46,180 national median. The range spans from $31,200 at the entry level to $78,870 for top earners.
What are the fees to become a personal trainer in Maryland? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($400). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
How long does it take to become a personal trainer in Maryland? expand_more
The typical timeline in Maryland is 3-6 months (for certification programs). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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