South Dakota is known for the Black Hills, Badlands National Park, and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
In the late 90s, the state reached the top 10 healthiest states on America’s Health Rankings report, but it’s been slowly falling since.
Help your fellow South Dakotans improve their health by becoming a personal trainer today! Here’s what you need to get started:
- Be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED
- A current CPR/AED* certification
- A recognized personal trainer certification
- Liability insurance
*Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) / Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
While these are not all official legal requirements, they are the accepted industry standards. Meet these minimums, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful fitness career.
Age Requirements for South Dakota Personal Trainers
You must be at least 18 years old to become a personal trainer in South Dakota. This is primarily because being 18 with a high school diploma or GED is a prerequisite for taking the certifying exams.
Learn the CPR and AED Certification Requirements in South Dakota
Personal trainers in South Dakota typically need to have an adult CPR/AED certification to work in most fitness facilities. Plus, personal trainer certification programs usually require you to have this certification before you can take the final exam.*
Depending on individual gyms ‘ policies, you may also need to have child and infant CPR and/or first aid credentials. These are often combined with and/or provided by the same organizations as the standard adult CPR class, like The American Red Cross.
CPR training is typically offered online, in a classroom, or hybrid settings. However, the trainer certification agencies typically require a hands-on evaluation via an in-person or blended course.
For further information about CPR/AED training and where to find a class, check out:
*The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) states that all personal trainer certifying bodies accredited by the NCCA must require CPR/AED certification.
Additional Education
Four-year degrees aren’t required to get started or succeed in your career as a personal trainer. Additional education in fields like kinesiology and exercise science, however, does help boost your resume if you want to pursue specialized or leadership roles.
Some higher education programs in South Dakota include:
- Exercise Science, University of South Dakota
- Human Performance, Northern State University
- Exercise Science, Black Hills State University
Explore Personal Trainer Certifications in South Dakota
Most fitness centers prefer hiring personal trainers with certifications from an NCCA-accredited training program. Many recognized certified personal trainer (CPT) programs offer this accreditation.
Pro Tip: Some CPT programs have an open-book or remote exam option. These exams are typically not NCCA-accredited, and therefore may not be accepted at all fitness facilities.
Some of the most common personal trainer certifications in South Dakota include:
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
To find the best course for you, check out our review of popular CPT programs.
Get South Dakota Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like in most states, you’re responsible for carrying your own liability insurance in South Dakota.
Some larger gyms may cover your work under their liability policy, if you’ve been hired as an actual W2 employee. However, the company could still want you to have your own liability policy regardless of the facility itself’s coverage.
If you’re self-employed or hired as an independent contractor, you will need your own personal trainer liability insurance to protect you from expensive claims stemming from — real or perceived — client accidents, injuries, and other damages.
Fast Facts About Personal Training in South Dakota
- Personal trainer pay in South Dakota averages $25.33 per hour. Some of the best areas for personal trainers include Pierre ($25.24), Rapid City ($25/hour), Sioux Falls ($24.48 per hour)*
- South Dakota ranked 22nd on the 2024 America’s Health Rankings report
- South Dakota does not require workers compensation insurance, but if you do hire any employees they highly recommend it**
- Average cost South Dakota personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $15.42/month
*From ZipRecruiter
**Insurance Canopy offers workers’ compensation insurance as a separate coverage! Get a free quote.
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in South Dakota
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in South Dakota?
It will likely cost between $400 and $1,000 (depending on the course) for the course itself, study materials, the final exam, and CPR/AED classes.
How Long Does It Take To Become a Certified Personal Trainer?
Anywhere between one and eight months, depending on how much time you have to study each day. Most programs range from 3 to 6 months.
Where Can I Find Personal Trainer Jobs in South Dakota?
Beyond applying to jobs online, leverage your network and talk to local studios, gyms, community centers, and other fitness facilities.
Chain or big box gyms:
Local and/or municipal locations:
- Senior centers
- Community centers
- Retirement communities
- Corporate wellness programs
Boutique studios, independent gyms, and others like:
- Avera McKennan Fitness Center, Sioux Falls
- The Gym Inc, Watertown
- The Hero Gym, Pierre
- 605 Grit Fitness, Rapid City
Resources for Personal Trainers in South Dakota
Check out these resources to learn how to grow your personal training business at every step, why you need insurance, and more valuable insights.
Personal Trainer Certification Reviews
Explore our in-depth reviews on the most popular CPT certifications below.
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
- Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
- National Association for Fitness Certification (NAFC)
- National Aerobics and Fitness Trainers Association (NAFTA)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA)
