Personal trainer and fitness instructor pay under the Fitness Industry Award from 1 July 2026: hourly, casual and weekend rates for every level, including the Certificate III and IV levels, with take-home pay after tax in 2026–27.
An employed personal trainer (Certificate IV, Level 4A) earns at least $32.13 an hour ($40.16 casual), about $63,497 a year full time. A fitness instructor with a Certificate III (Level 3A) earns at least $29.45. Open in the pay calculator.
Which level am I?
- Level 3A: Level 3 duties (general supervision within set guidelines) and you hold, and use, a relevant Certificate III in Fitness.
- Level 4A: Level 4 duties (limited supervision, using initiative and judgment) and you hold, and use, a relevant Certificate IV in Fitness, the usual personal trainer qualification.
- Other levels depend on the duties, supervision and qualifications described in Schedule A of the award. Level 2 includes assisting with classes; Level 7 covers supervising and training staff.
Fitness Industry Award pay rates
| Level | Hourly | Casual hourly | Weekly | Year (52 weeks) | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $25.74 | $32.18 | $978.10 | $50,861 | $1,704 |
| Level 2 | $26.44 | $33.05 | $1,004.90 | $52,255 | $1,740 |
| Level 3 | $27.97 | $34.96 | $1,062.90 | $55,271 | $1,817 |
| Level 3A | $29.45 | $36.81 | $1,119.10 | $58,193 | $1,891 |
| Level 4 | $30.66 | $38.33 | $1,165.10 | $60,585 | $1,953 |
| Level 4A | $32.13 | $40.16 | $1,221.10 | $63,497 | $2,027 |
| Level 5 | $33.87 | $42.34 | $1,287.20 | $66,934 | $2,115 |
| Level 6 | $33.58 | $41.98 | $1,276.00 | $66,352 | $2,100 |
| Level 7 | $34.89 | $43.61 | $1,325.70 | $68,936 | $2,168 |
Full-time weekly rate for 38 hours. Level 5 is above Level 6 in the award, as published. Take-home pay is after income tax and the Medicare levy for a full year in 2026–27.
Weekend and public holiday rates
| Level | Saturday | Sunday | Public holiday | Casual weekend or public holiday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $32.18 | $38.61 | $64.35 | $33.46 |
| Level 2 | $33.05 | $39.66 | $66.10 | $34.37 |
| Level 3 | $34.96 | $41.96 | $69.93 | $36.36 |
| Level 3A | $36.81 | $44.18 | $73.63 | $38.29 |
| Level 4 | $38.33 | $45.99 | $76.65 | $39.86 |
| Level 4A | $40.16 | $48.20 | $80.33 | $41.77 |
| Level 5 | $42.34 | $50.81 | $84.68 | $44.03 |
| Level 6 | $41.98 | $50.37 | $83.95 | $43.65 |
| Level 7 | $43.61 | $52.34 | $87.23 | $45.36 |
How it works
- The Fitness Industry Award covers gyms, fitness centres, group fitness, aquatic and indoor sports centres, dance and martial arts centres and similar businesses.
- It only applies to employees. Many personal trainers are contractors or run their own business and charge per session; the award doesn't set their fees.
- Casuals get 125% of the hourly rate for ordinary hours and 130% on weekends and public holidays, instead of paid leave.
- Super is paid on top for employees.
Common questions
How much does a personal trainer earn in Australia?
An employed personal trainer with a Certificate IV in Fitness doing Level 4 work is paid at least Level 4A: $32.13 an hour, $1,221.10 a week or about $63,497 a year from 1 July 2026. Casuals get $40.16. Self-employed trainers set their own fees and aren't covered by the award.
How much does a gym or fitness instructor get paid?
With a Certificate III in Fitness and Level 3 duties, at least Level 3A: $29.45 an hour ($36.81 casual). Without the certificate the Level 3 rate is $27.97.
What do fitness workers get on weekends?
Full-time and part-time employees get 125% on Saturdays, 150% on Sundays and 250% on public holidays. Casuals get 130% on weekends and public holidays: $41.77 an hour at Level 4A.
Which award covers personal trainers?
The Fitness Industry Award. The Fair Work Ombudsman lists personal trainers, fitness class teachers, swim, tennis and gymnastics coaches, lifeguards and receptionists in fitness and aquatic centres as examples.
How much does a personal trainer take home?
On $63,497 a year, about $2,027 a fortnight after tax in 2026–27.
When do the rates go up?
Each year from the first full pay period on or after 1 July. Next: 1 July 2027 (Annual Wage Review).
See also the sole trader tax calculator for self-employed trainers, the casual loading calculator and weekend pay rates.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide and award text, Fitness Industry Award [MA000094], rates from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. Take-home pay: ATO tax rates. Checked 2026-10-22. General information only.