Do you want to share your knowledge and passion for fitness? Would you enjoy helping others achieve their goals in the Empire State? Whether you want to specialize in strength and conditioning for theater performers or senior fitness upstate, you can start your career with the proper credentials in just a few months.
The qualifications needed to work as a personal trainer in New York are:
- To 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 strict legal requirements in New York, they are the established industry standards. And the typical minimums needed to get started in the fitness industry.
By equipping yourself with a nationally recognized certification and liability insurance, you’ll increase your professionalism, trustworthiness, and appeal to individual clients and gyms in New York.
Age Requirements for Personal Trainers
The minimum age requirement to become a personal trainer in New York (in most cases) is 18.
The majority of personal trainer certification programs require you to be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED (General Education Development) certificate to take the certifying exam.
CPR and AED Certification Requirements in New York
Personal trainers in New York typically need to have an adult CPR/AED certification to work in most fitness facilities. On top of that, 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.
Personal Trainer Certifications in New York
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 popular personal trainer certifications in Washington include:
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
To find the best course for you, check out our review of popular CPT programs.
Additional Education
Higher education is not typically required for most personal trainer jobs. If you’re interested in advanced organizational roles or other specialized positions, however, you may need additional degrees in business, health, or exercise-related fields.
New York may have an active fitness job market, but it can also be competitive. Developing your knowledge and establishing a niche for yourself via continuing education can help you carve out your own space in that market.
New York Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Similar to most states, the individual trainers are typically responsible for getting liability insurance in New York.
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 New York
New York has the third highest employment level of exercise trainers and group fitness instructors in the U.S. as of May 2023*
New York is the second highest-paying state for fitness trainers and group exercise instructors*
Personal trainer pay in New York averages $30.78 per hour, with the highest paying areas listed as: Geneva ($35.58/hour), NYC ($35.21/hour), and Brooklyn ($34.02/hour)**
Average cost New York personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $19.13/month
New York requires all employers to carry workers compensation insurance, even if you have only one part-time employee. You do not need workers comp if you’re self-employed, with no “borrowed” or part-time employees, unpaid volunteers, or subcontractors.
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Source: Indeed
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in New York
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in NY?
It will likely cost between $400 and $1000 (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.
How Do I Find a Job/Where Can I Work After Getting Certified?
Chain or big box gyms:
Local and/or municipal locations:
- Senior centers
- Community centers
- Retirement communities
- Corporate wellness programs
Boutique studios, independent gyms, resorts and spas, and other fitness programs, such as:
- Mark Fisher Fitness, Midtown Manhattan
- Spiked Wellness, Brooklyn
- Chelsea Piers Fitness, Chelsea
- Midtown Athletic Club, Rochester
- Syracuse Sweat Club, Syracuse
Resources for Personal Trainers in New York
Personal Trainer Certification Reviews
- 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)
