Personal Trainer in North Dakota

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ND

Median Salary
$36,970
North Dakota (2024)
National Median
$46,180
All states
Time to Complete
3-6 months (for certification programs)
From start to licensed

How to Become a Personal Trainer in North Dakota

To become a personal trainer in North Dakota, there is no state-level licensing. Instead, you'll need to obtain certification from a nationally recognized private organization such as NASM, ACE, ACSM, or NSCA. Key steps include being at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED, completing a certification program (typically 3-6 months), passing a national exam, and holding a current CPR/AED certification. Many employers also prefer or require a college degree in a related field.

Personal Trainer Requirements in North Dakota

DetailNorth Dakota
Licensing BodyNo state-level licensing body; certification by private organizations
State License Required No
EducationHigh school diploma or GED; some employers may prefer or require a college degree in a related field (e.g., Exercise Science, Kinesiology)
Exam National certification exam (e.g., NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA) ($400)
NotesMinimum age of 18. Current CPR/AED certification is typically required by employers and certification programs. Liability insurance is also recommended. While there is no state license, some sources mention a state application process and fees, but this appears to be for 'trainers' or 'coaches' in specific fields like early childhood education or diabetes education, not general personal training.

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

Personal Trainer Salary in North Dakota

The median personal trainer salary in North Dakota is $36,970 per year, which is 19.9% below the national median of $46,180.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$22,270
25th$30,910
50th (median)$36,970
75th$47,740
90th (experienced)$55,860

North Dakota employs approximately 740 personal trainers.

Personal Trainer Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+11.9%
Much faster than average
Annual Openings
74.2
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
370.1
Nationwide

AI Impact on Personal Trainers

Low AI Exposure (Score: -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.

Is Becoming a Personal Trainer in North Dakota Worth It?

Factors to consider: North Dakota's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a personal trainer in North Dakota?
North Dakota requires personal trainers to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED; some employers may prefer or require a college degree in a related field (e.g., Exercise Science, Kinesiology)), and pass the National certification exam (e.g., NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA).
Is a state license required for personal trainers in North Dakota?
personal trainers in North Dakota are not required to hold a state license. Note: Minimum age of 18. Current CPR/AED certification is typically required by employers and certification programs. Liability insurance is also recommended. While there is no state license, some sources mention a state application process and fees, but this appears to be for 'trainers' or 'coaches' in specific fields like early childhood education or diabetes education, not general personal training.
How much do personal trainers make in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, the median pay for personal trainers comes to $36,970/year. This trails the $46,180 national median by 20%. Wages range from $22,270 (10th percentile) up to $55,860 (90th percentile).
What's the total cost to get personal trainer certified in North Dakota?
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($400) plus your education and training.
What's the timeline to become a personal trainer in North Dakota?
Most candidates in North Dakota complete the process in 3-6 months (for certification programs), from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

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