Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Watertown, SD: $28.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Watertown, SD runs $28.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,371 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,021 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, South Dakota, the athletic trainer hourly pay stands at $28.06, which is noticeably below the national hourly median of $31.45. This median rate reflects the unique landscape of athletic training positions in the region, particularly for those working part-time in settings such as high school training rooms or outpatient clinics. For athletic trainers operating on a part-time basis—say three days a week—this hourly wage can equate to varying annual earnings, particularly when considering the range that spans from $23.02 at the entry-level (10th percentile) to as high as $37.69 for the most experienced professionals (90th percentile). Such figures illustrate the diverse environments athletic trainers find themselves in, from collegiate athletic programs to industrial sites, shaping the overall compensation structure.
About the Watertown 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) | $23.02 | $184.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.31 | $202.48 |
| Median (P50) | $28.06 | $224.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.75 | $261.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.69 | $301.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $28.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.06/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, SD can expect to earn approximately $58,368 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,674. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,122.47 | $4,864 | $58,368 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $673.48 | $2,918 | $35,021 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $448.99 | $1,946 | $23,347 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Watertown) | $28.06 |
| 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 Watertown, SD earn a median of $58,371 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.77% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $60,677.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.06/hr = $35,021/year (purchasing power: $37,738).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,368/year (purchasing power: $62,897).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Watertown grew 29.1% from $20.78/hr (2019) to $26.82/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.36/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
For those grappling with the realities of part-time work in this field, it’s crucial to weigh the financial implications of their choices. A part-time athletic trainer working 24 hours per week could expect to take home just over $35,000 annually, whereas full-time positions naturally offer more significant earnings. The per diem athletic trainer pay in Watertown can be quite lucrative, with coverage for events commonly ranging from $200 to $500, while industrial settings may pay contractors between $50 and $80 an hour. Job type has a substantial impact on pay rates; for example, high school positions typically offer lower compensation compared to those in occupational health with major companies like Toyota or Boeing. Athletic trainers often face a debate over lower hourly rates with benefits versus higher hourly pay without health coverage, making negotiation skills paramount for maximizing their compensation. Understanding the local market allows professionals to effectively advocate for themselves.
More salary data for Watertown, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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