Money · Income streams

8 ways PTs make money.
Most only know 2.

Pay ranges are real-world UK numbers for 2025/26. Effort is how hard the route is to break into — not how hard the work is.

£25–£60 / sessionEffort: Low

Who pays: Local clients — gym, park, home visits.
What it is: The bread and butter. Direct, simple, scales with your time only.
How to start: Use the PT Rate Calculator to set your real number, then post your link in 3 local Facebook groups.

£60–£200 / month per clientEffort: Medium

Who pays: Remote clients — programmes, check-ins, video form review.
What it is: Earnings stop being capped by your in-person hours. Build it once, deliver to many.
How to start: Start with 3 clients on a simple monthly package. Use the Workout Advisor to build their programmes.

£25–£50 / hour, paid by PCNEffort: Medium

Who pays: GP-referred patients with long-term conditions, low mood, weight management.
What it is: Steady, paid, and stacks with your private work. Some PCNs commission group sessions at £150–£300 per session.
How to start: Read the NHS Work guide, then contact your local Primary Care Network social prescribing lead.

£200–£500 / session for groupsEffort: High

Who pays: Young people on community sentences, at-risk, or in PRUs.
What it is: Lived experience is an asset here, not a barrier. CIC structure unlocks this work.
How to start: Coaching At-Risk Young People hub explains the routes, what councils want, and how to pitch.

£35–£80 / hourEffort: Medium

Who pays: Primary, secondary, SEN schools needing extra coaching capacity.
What it is: Termly contracts. Regular hours. Some schools pay for after-school clubs out of pupil premium.
How to start: DBS check first (essential). Then email PE leads at 5 local schools with a one-page offer.

£300–£800 / sessionEffort: Medium

Who pays: Companies running staff wellbeing days, lunchtime sessions, fitness perks.
What it is: Highest pay-per-hour bracket. Companies have budget; they don't haggle the way individuals do.
How to start: Offer a free 'taster' lunchtime HIIT to one local company. Convert to monthly contract.

Varies — rent or revenue shareEffort: Low

Who pays: Gyms with spare capacity who want freelance coaches in.
What it is: A solid base of operations without overheads. Some gyms give floor time in exchange for free taster sessions.
How to start: Search MEM Academy gym partners in your area for spaces actively looking for coaches.

£5–£12 per head × 8–20 peopleEffort: Medium

Who pays: Beginners, mums, over-50s, sports teams.
What it is: Multiplies your hourly rate. A 10-person park bootcamp at £8 each = £80/hour. No gym fees.
How to start: Pick one demographic. Run a free first session. Charge from week 2. Track sign-ups in the Client Manager.

You don’t need all 8.

Pick 2 to start: one that pays your bills now (1:1 or group), and one you’re building towards (NHS, YOT or corporate). Stack as you grow.