Personal Trainer in South Dakota

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

Median annual salary
$36,960
trending_down -20.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, South Dakota.

engineering
960

Jobs (SD)

monitoring Surging
+11.9%

10-yr job growth

route How to become a personal trainer in South Dakota

To become a personal trainer in South Dakota, there is no state-level licensing. Instead, individuals must obtain certification from a nationally recognized private organization, such as ACE, NASM, ACSM, or NSCA. Key requirements for certification typically include being at least 18 years old, possessing a high school diploma or GED, and holding a current CPR/AED certification. While not legally mandated, most employers in South Dakota require personal trainers to have an NCCA-accredited certification.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $28,490
25th percentile $31,290
50th (median) $36,960
75th percentile $45,370
90th (experienced) $53,880

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

checklist South Dakota requirements

Licensing bodyNo state-level licensing body; certification by private organizations
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED; CPR/AED certification
NotesThere is no state-level licensing requirement to work as a Personal Trainer in South Dakota. Certification is handled by private organizations (e.g., NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA) and is typically required by employers. Minimum age of 18 years is generally required for certification. Professional liability insurance is strongly recommended, especially for independent trainers.

Source: No state-level licensing body; certification by private organizations

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 I become a personal trainer in South Dakota? expand_more
South Dakota requires personal trainers to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED; CPR/AED certification).
Is a state license required for personal trainers in South Dakota? expand_more
personal trainers in South Dakota are not required to hold a state license. Note: There is no state-level licensing requirement to work as a Personal Trainer in South Dakota. Certification is handled by private organizations (e.g., NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA) and is typically required by employers. Minimum age of 18 years is generally required for certification. Professional liability insurance is strongly recommended, especially for independent trainers.
What is the average personal trainer salary in South Dakota? expand_more
personal trainers in South Dakota earn a median of $36,960 annually. — 20% under the $46,180 national average. Wages range from $28,490 (10th percentile) up to $53,880 (90th percentile).

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