Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Aberdeen, SD: $27.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Aberdeen, SD runs $27.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,690 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Aberdeen's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,616 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aberdeen, South Dakota, athletic trainers are expected to earn a median hourly pay of $27.74 in 2026, which is significantly less than the national median hourly rate of $31.45. This rate is indicative of the earning potential in various settings across the region, including high school and college training rooms, as well as professional teams and clinics. For those working part-time, such as those on a three-day weekly schedule, this pay translates to a manageable living, although it may not fully cover the higher costs of living found elsewhere. Entry-level positions may start around $22.36 per hour, while more experienced trainers can earn up to $37.75 per hour, reflecting a wide range of opportunities in the profession based on experience and workplace setting.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.36 | $178.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.86 | $198.88 |
| Median (P50) | $27.74 | $221.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.14 | $265.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.75 | $302.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aberdeen
Based on $27.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.74/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aberdeen, SD can expect to earn approximately $57,694 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,285. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aberdeen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aberdeen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,109.50 | $4,808 | $57,694 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $665.70 | $2,885 | $34,616 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $443.80 | $1,923 | $23,078 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Aberdeen) | $27.74 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Athletic Trainers in Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $57,690 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $60,726.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.74/hr = $34,616/year (purchasing power: $37,302).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,694/year (purchasing power: $62,170).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Aberdeen grew 29.1% from $20.54/hr (2019) to $26.51/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.02/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem athletic trainers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aberdeen 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.
Working as an Hourly Athletic Trainer in Aberdeen
Looking at the annual figures for part-time work, an athletic trainer working 24 hours a week might bring home around $34,569 each year, while a full-time professional at 40 hours per week would reach over $57,000. Per diem positions in Aberdeen can prove lucrative, with coverage for events typically paying between $200 and $500, while industrial athletic trainers command billing rates of $50 to $80 per hour. Differences in hourly rates can be seen across various types of employers; for instance, secondary schools usually pay less than professional sports organizations or industrial clients like Toyota or Boeing. Some athletic trainers may be willing to accept a lower hourly rate with the trade-off of benefits like health insurance, which can be beneficial but also limits hourly earning potential. Negotiating effectively in Aberdeen may involve explicitly discussing benefits and considering the long-term implications of compensation versus hourly rates.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Aberdeen in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Aberdeen?
Are athletic trainers in Aberdeen paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Aberdeen?
Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in Aberdeen?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Dakota
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for athletic trainers in Aberdeen. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aberdeen 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