Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Yankton, SD: $28.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Yankton, SD runs $28.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,352 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Yankton's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,008 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Yankton, South Dakota, the athletic trainer hourly pay stands at a median of $28.05, which is noticeably lower than the national hourly median of $31.45. This difference reflects the unique local economic conditions and can impact part-time and per-diem athletic trainers who may work in high school training rooms, collegiate facilities, or professional team environments. For individuals working part-time at around three days a week, this rate translates to approximately $673 weekly, forming a solid income base for those balancing athletic training with other commitments. Furthermore, the hourly pay varies significantly, ranging from $23.00 at entry-level positions to $36.69 for experienced professionals, indicating the earning potential across different stages in one's career. These hourly estimates are drawn from annual salary data, highlighting the affordability of living in Yankton, which has a cost of living index of 92.8, below the national average.
About the Yankton 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) | $23.00 | $183.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.30 | $202.40 |
| Median (P50) | $28.05 | $224.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.13 | $257.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.69 | $293.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Yankton
Based on $28.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.05/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Yankton, SD can expect to earn approximately $58,347 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,662. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Yankton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Yankton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,122.05 | $4,862 | $58,347 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $673.23 | $2,917 | $35,008 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $448.82 | $1,945 | $23,339 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Yankton) | $28.05 |
| 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 Yankton, SD earn a median of $58,352 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.80% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.90% below the South Dakota state average of $60,720.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.05/hr = $35,008/year (purchasing power: $37,724).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,347/year (purchasing power: $62,874).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Yankton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Yankton grew 29.1% from $20.77/hr (2019) to $26.81/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.35/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 Yankton 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 Yankton
When considering the earning potential in more flexible roles, part-time athletic trainers in Yankton can expect varied financial outcomes. With a schedule of just three days a week, they may take home approximately $35,000 annually, a stark contrast to full-time colleagues who earn around $58,352 yearly. Per diem athletic trainers, who often work event-specific coverage or contract positions, can command substantially higher rates—typically between $200 and $500 per event. In industrial settings, contract athletic trainers may earn $50 to $80 per hour, driven by demand from larger corporate clients such as Toyota or Boeing. These roles often offer diverse working conditions and benefits. While some athletic trainers might accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance, others may prefer the flexibility and higher rates associated with freelance or per diem positions. It's essential to keep in mind practical negotiation strategies when discussing hourly pay, especially in a community like Yankton where understanding local employment standards can significantly influence compensation outcomes.
More salary data for Yankton, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Yankton 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 Yankton. 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 Yankton 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