Personal Trainer Salary in Brookings, SD: $39,027 (2026)

Personal Trainer Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median personal trainer salary of $39,027, which is $907 below the South Dakota state average of $39,934. Compared to the national median of $45,380, Brookings pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Brookings's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $39,027 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $45,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for personal trainers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for personal trainers in Brookings spans from $22,360 at the 10th percentile to $70,520 at the 90th percentile — a $48,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,080, while senior personal trainers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $67,080. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Personal Trainer Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level personal trainer earns around $24,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$24,080

$-3,920 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$39,560

$-6,440 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$67,080

$-10,920 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$22,360	$22,880	$26,000
25th Percentile	$28,380	$29,040	$33,000
Median (50th)	$39,027	$39,934	$45,380
75th Percentile	$53,320	$54,560	$62,000
90th Percentile	$70,520	$72,160	$82,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$22,360

25th Percentile

$28,380

Median (50th)

$39,027

75th Percentile

$53,320

90th Percentile

$70,520

How to Become a Personal Trainer in Brookings

Education

Most personal trainer positions require a high school diploma. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Exercise ScienceProgram DesignAnatomyNutritionCPR/AEDClient Motivation

Job Outlook

Nationally, personal trainer employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Personal Trainer Salary in Brookings

How much does a Personal Trainer make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median personal trainer salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $39,027 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $45,380. Salaries range from $22,360 (10th percentile) to $70,520 (90th percentile).

How much does a Personal Trainer make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $39,027, a personal trainer in Brookings earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for personal trainer pay? ▼

Brookings's median personal trainer salary of $39,027 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $39,934. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Brookings, SD? ▼

Brookings has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a personal trainer salary of $39,027 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a personal trainer in Brookings? ▼

Most personal trainer positions in Brookings require a high school diploma. Key skills include Exercise Science, Program Design, Anatomy, Nutrition. The job market is projected to grow 14% nationally over the next decade.

Personal Trainer Salary in Brookings, South Dakota