Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Huron, SD: $46,693 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Huron, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,693 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Huron's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,316 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($55,983) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the workforce as an athletic trainer in Huron, SD, presents new graduates with a promising yet challenging financial outlook for 2026. Starting salaries in this profession are projected to be around $46,693, which may feel modest compared to the city median annual salary of $55,983. However, this entry-level pay reflects the initial steps in a career with a growth trajectory; new trainers can expect to see their earnings increase as they transition from the 10th percentile through the 25th percentile, with the potential to reach the median salary within three to five years. For new grads looking at employment opportunities in Huron, the market offers a unique blend of industrial and traditional athletic training settings, making it a relatively favorable location for those entering the field.
About the Huron Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Huron
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Huron
Entry-level athletic trainers in Huron, SD typically start between $46,693 and $51,064 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,433 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $55,983 — 14.42% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in South Dakota of $48,000 represents just 102.80% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($46,693/year) in Huron. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAATE-accredited Master of Science in Athletic Training programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institutions; the BOC certification exam is required after graduation for practice.
AT, ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Huron
- 1Research the Huron market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $46,693 to $51,064, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the athletic training field — employers in SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Huron, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Huron for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Huron's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Athletic Trainer Compensation Range
The athletic trainer wage spread in Huron is $27,433 ( 58.75%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,693, experienced hygienists can earn up to $74,126.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,992
2025 BLS Actual
$44,627
2026 Current Est.
$46,693
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Huron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,992 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,548 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,234 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,745 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,996 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,896 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,627 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,693 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,855 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Huron, SD grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,992 in 2019 to $44,627 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,855. New graduates entering the Huron job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huron metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.63% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your athletic training Career in Huron
Employers in Huron seeking to hire new athletic trainers primarily include high schools that often rely on outsourced services and industrial settings that recruit through specialized staffing firms. While collegiate positions typically require internship experience or graduate assistant roles, entry-level graduates can find opportunities in diverse environments. To enhance starting pay in South Dakota, candidates should focus on obtaining their Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam to earn the ATC credential, and securing state licensure. Continuing education, including optional specialty certifications like CSCS, may also enhance employability. In the first few years after graduation, realistic salary growth expectations can range widely, influenced by the transition to more lucrative roles in occupational settings, which may offer pay increases of 30-50% compared to traditional school roles. This strategic approach will provide a strong foundation for a successful career in athletic training.
More salary data for Huron, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Huron in 2026?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new athletic training graduates. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Huron. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Huron is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.63%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for athletic trainers (SOC 29-9091).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov