Personal Trainer in Minnesota

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

Median annual salary

$44,140

trending_down -4.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Minnesota.

engineering

6,000

Jobs (MN)

monitoring Surging

+11.9%

10-yr job growth

payments

$400

Licensing fees

schedule

1-8 months (typically 3-6 months)

Time to complete

route How to become a personal trainer in Minnesota

To become a personal trainer in Minnesota, there is no state-level licensing body or requirement for a state license. Aspiring personal trainers must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED, along with current CPR/AED certification. Employers typically require certification from a nationally recognized organization such as NASM, ACE, ACSM, or NSCA, which involves completing coursework and passing a certification exam. The overall process, including study and exam, usually takes between 3 to 6 months.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $31,290

25th percentile $37,510

50th (median) $44,140

75th percentile $58,050

90th (experienced) $76,110

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

checklist Minnesota requirements

Licensing body	No state-level licensing body for personal trainers
State license	Not required
Education	High school diploma or GED, and CPR/AED certification. Most employers prefer a certification from a nationally accredited organization (e.g., NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA).
Exam	Varies by certification organization (e.g., NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA) ($400)
Notes	Minimum age is 18 years old. While there is no state license, certification from a nationally recognized organization is generally required by employers. Some sources incorrectly suggest the Minnesota Board of Medical Practitioners licenses personal trainers; however, this board licenses 'Athletic Trainers,' which is a distinct profession.

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

Wondering if a personal trainer career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a personal trainer in Minnesota? expand_more

The path to personal trainer licensure in Minnesota: complete the required education (High school diploma or GED, and CPR/AED certification. Most employers prefer a certification from a nationally accredited organization (e.g., NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA).), and pass the Varies by certification organization (e.g., NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA).

Do I need a license to work as a personal trainer in Minnesota? expand_more

Minnesota does not require a state license for personal trainers. Note: Minimum age is 18 years old. While there is no state license, certification from a nationally recognized organization is generally required by employers. Some sources incorrectly suggest the Minnesota Board of Medical Practitioners licenses personal trainers; however, this board licenses 'Athletic Trainers,' which is a distinct profession.

How much does a personal trainer make in Minnesota? expand_more

personal trainers in Minnesota earn a median of $44,140 annually. — within a few percent of the $46,180 national figure. The range spans from $31,290 at the entry level to $76,110 for top earners.

How much does it cost to become a personal trainer in Minnesota? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($400). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How many months or years does personal trainer certification take in Minnesota? expand_more

Most candidates in Minnesota complete the process in 1-8 months (typically 3-6 months), from enrollment in a training program through licensure.