Last Updated: April 25, 2026
Planet Fitness vs LA Fitness: Comparing Jobs and Pay
Quick Answer: Planet Fitness offers significantly more locations (2,650+ vs 594–639) and lower starting pay ($11–$13/hr vs $14–$17/hr) with stronger benefits including free Black Card membership and mental health programs. LA Fitness provides higher hourly wages and guest gym privileges but fewer advancement opportunities. Both require 18+ applicants and background checks.
Planet Fitness vs LA Fitness – Side-by-Side Comparison
This table breaks down the key differences between Planet Fitness and LA Fitness as job providers:
Factor
Planet Fitness
LA Fitness
Pay Range
$11–$13/hour
$14–$17/hour
Minimum Age
18 years old
18 years old
U.S. Locations
2,650+
594–639
Application Portal
planetfitness.com/careers
lafitness.com/pages/jobapp.aspx
Drug Test
Varies by location
Required
Background Check
Yes (7-year lookback)
Yes
Benefits
Healthcare, 401k match, free Black Card, mental health programs
Free gym membership with guest privileges, flexible scheduling, health insurance, PTO
Career Growth
Strong internal promotion culture
Limited growth opportunities
Planet Fitness – Overview
Planet Fitness is the largest gym chain in the US by location count, with over 2,650 facilities. The company employs thousands in entry-level roles such as front desk associates and member service representatives. Starting pay ranges from $11–$13 per hour. The company actively hires workers aged 18 and conducts background checks with 7-year lookback, though drug testing varies by location.
Planet Fitness is known for robust benefits including healthcare, 401(k) matching, a free Black Card membership (valued at $24.99 monthly), and comprehensive mental health programs. The company emphasizes internal promotion and has built a strong culture of advancing employees from front-desk roles into management. Applications are through planetfitness.com/careers. Visit the Planet Fitness Application Guide for more details.
LA Fitness – Overview
LA Fitness operates 594 to 639 fitness locations across the US and is a well-established premium gym brand. The company offers entry-level positions at hourly rates ranging from $14–$17. LA Fitness requires applicants to be 18+ and mandates drug testing as part of pre-employment screening. Background checks are standard for all candidates.
LA Fitness provides benefits such as free gym membership with extended guest privileges, flexible scheduling, health insurance, and paid time off. However, the company offers fewer internal advancement pathways compared to competitors. Applications are hosted at lafitness.com/pages/jobapp.aspx, with responses typically within 1–2 weeks. Explore the LA Fitness Application Guide to learn more about openings.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Planet Fitness if: You value career growth and promotion opportunities, want access to mental health resources, seek a company with thousands of locations for potential transfers, or prioritize long-term benefits such as 401(k) matching and healthcare.
Choose LA Fitness if: You prioritize higher hourly wages ($14–$17 vs $11–$13), prefer a smaller, more intimate gym environment, or want flexible scheduling that accommodates fitness certification training.
Can You Work at Both?
Technically, you could apply to both Planet Fitness and LA Fitness simultaneously. However, full-time employment at both would be logistically challenging due to scheduling conflicts and company policies. Part-time roles at one facility while awaiting a decision from the other is a practical middle ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which gym employer offers better pay for personal trainers?
LA Fitness typically pays personal trainers in the $14–$17 base range, though commission and client fees supplement income. Planet Fitness personal trainers generally earn in the $11–$13 base range but have access to the free Black Card membership and profit-sharing opportunities.
Is it easier to get hired at Planet Fitness or LA Fitness?
Planet Fitness, with over 2,650 locations, typically has more entry-level openings and faster hiring due to higher turnover and expansion. LA Fitness, with fewer locations, may have more selective hiring but also may offer more stability.
Which company has better health and wellness benefits?
Planet Fitness edges ahead with comprehensive mental health programs, free Black Card membership ($24.99 value), healthcare, and 401(k) matching. LA Fitness offers free gym membership with guest privileges and health insurance but lacks mental health support.
Which gym is better for a first fitness industry job?
Planet Fitness is recommended for first-time fitness employees due to stronger promotion culture, better benefits, mental health support, and significantly more locations for future career movement. LA Fitness works better if you already have gym experience or certifications.
Do either company offer fitness certifications or training programs?
Both companies support fitness certifications, though approaches differ. Planet Fitness encourages development and often covers costs for personal training credentials. LA Fitness offers flexible scheduling to accommodate certification courses.
What is the typical hiring timeline at each company?
Planet Fitness typically completes hiring within 5–10 business days. LA Fitness generally takes 1–2 weeks. Both timelines can vary by location and position demand.
Are there night shift opportunities at these gyms?
Yes, both companies operate extended hours and hire for late-night front desk, cleaning, and maintenance shifts. LA Fitness emphasizes flexible scheduling more explicitly, making it a better choice if night shifts are essential.
Planet Fitness vs LA Fitness – Side-by-Side Comparison
This table breaks down the key differences between Planet Fitness and LA Fitness as job providers:
| Factor | Planet Fitness | LA Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Pay Range | $11–$13/hour | $14–$17/hour |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old | 18 years old |
| U.S. Locations | 2,650+ | 594–639 |
| Application Portal | planetfitness.com/careers | lafitness.com/pages/jobapp.aspx |
| Drug Test | Varies by location | Required |
| Background Check | Yes (7-year lookback) | Yes |
| Benefits | Healthcare, 401k match, free Black Card, mental health programs | Free gym membership with guest privileges, flexible scheduling, health insurance, PTO |
| Career Growth | Strong internal promotion culture | Limited growth opportunities
Planet Fitness – OverviewPlanet Fitness is the largest gym chain in the US by location count, with over 2,650 facilities. The company employs thousands in entry-level roles such as front desk associates and member service representatives. Starting pay ranges from $11–$13 per hour. The company actively hires workers aged 18 and conducts background checks with 7-year lookback, though drug testing varies by location. Planet Fitness is known for robust benefits including healthcare, 401(k) matching, a free Black Card membership (valued at $24.99 monthly), and comprehensive mental health programs. The company emphasizes internal promotion and has built a strong culture of advancing employees from front-desk roles into management. Applications are through planetfitness.com/careers. Visit the Planet Fitness Application Guide for more details. LA Fitness – OverviewLA Fitness operates 594 to 639 fitness locations across the US and is a well-established premium gym brand. The company offers entry-level positions at hourly rates ranging from $14–$17. LA Fitness requires applicants to be 18+ and mandates drug testing as part of pre-employment screening. Background checks are standard for all candidates. LA Fitness provides benefits such as free gym membership with extended guest privileges, flexible scheduling, health insurance, and paid time off. However, the company offers fewer internal advancement pathways compared to competitors. Applications are hosted at lafitness.com/pages/jobapp.aspx, with responses typically within 1–2 weeks. Explore the LA Fitness Application Guide to learn more about openings. Which Should You Choose?Choose Planet Fitness if: You value career growth and promotion opportunities, want access to mental health resources, seek a company with thousands of locations for potential transfers, or prioritize long-term benefits such as 401(k) matching and healthcare. Choose LA Fitness if: You prioritize higher hourly wages ($14–$17 vs $11–$13), prefer a smaller, more intimate gym environment, or want flexible scheduling that accommodates fitness certification training. Can You Work at Both?Technically, you could apply to both Planet Fitness and LA Fitness simultaneously. However, full-time employment at both would be logistically challenging due to scheduling conflicts and company policies. Part-time roles at one facility while awaiting a decision from the other is a practical middle ground. Frequently Asked Questions
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