Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Vermillion, SD: $26.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Vermillion, SD runs $26.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,070 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Vermillion's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,637 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Vermillion, South Dakota, athletic trainers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $26.95 in 2026, which is considerably lower than the national median of $31.45. This wage reflects the financial compensation for those working in various settings, including high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional team environments. Part-time athletic trainers, working approximately three days a week, might find this rate suits their lifestyle, while per-diem professionals can also benefit from substantial earnings during events. The hourly range for athletic trainers in this community spans from $22.56 for entry-level positions to $35.77 for highly experienced individuals, further illustrating the diverse earning potential available.
About the Vermillion 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) | $22.56 | $180.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.64 | $197.12 |
| Median (P50) | $26.95 | $215.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.76 | $254.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.77 | $286.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vermillion
Based on $26.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.95/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vermillion, SD can expect to earn approximately $56,062 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,343. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Vermillion.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vermillion
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,078.11 | $4,672 | $56,062 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $646.86 | $2,803 | $33,637 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $431.24 | $1,869 | $22,425 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Vermillion) | $26.95 |
| 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 Vermillion, SD earn a median of $56,070 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.29% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 7.60% below the South Dakota state average of $60,682.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.95/hr = $33,637/year (purchasing power: $36,247).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,062/year (purchasing power: $60,411).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Vermillion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Vermillion grew 29.1% from $19.96/hr (2019) to $25.76/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.20/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 Vermillion 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 Vermillion
For part-time athletic trainers, working 24 hours a week translates into an annual income of around $33,529, which is significantly less than full-time counterparts. Those in more flexible, on-demand roles find unique opportunities as per-diem or locum tenens workers, earning anywhere from $200 to $500 per event for game coverage. In contrast, industrial athletic trainers, especially those partnering with large companies like Toyota or FedEx, often command higher hourly rates, from $50 to $80, due to the unique demands of the role. While community schools may offer lower pay, the trade-off may include benefits like health insurance, a consideration for some professionals. Negotiation in this field typically hinges on expertise and specific service offerings, urging athletic trainers in Vermillion to articulate their value effectively, especially given the varying pay structures across different employer types.
More salary data for Vermillion, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Vermillion 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
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 Vermillion. 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 Vermillion 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