Athletic Trainer Salary in North Dakota: $63,148 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across North Dakota's 8 metropolitan areas, the average median athletic trainer pay sits at $63,148/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-9091. Because North Dakota sits at BEA RPP 92.0 (8% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $68,639 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Fargo ($65,440), Grand Forks ($57,843), Bismarck ($56,695).
In 2026, athletic trainers in North Dakota can expect an average median salary of $63,147, which is about 3.5% lower than the national median of $65,415. Fargo leads the state with the highest salary at $68,470, while Mandan offers the lowest at $56,247, creating a salary gap of $12,223. This difference is primarily driven by variations in cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and the type of facilities employing athletic trainers. North Dakota's specific factors include state licensing requirements and defined scope of practice laws that govern athletic training. These regulations ensure that practitioners meet specific educational and professional standards, influencing employment opportunities and salary potential. Additionally, with a projected annual growth rate of 4.63%, the demand for athletic trainers is increasing, indicating a stable job market. The top cities in North Dakota, besides Fargo, include Grand Forks at $60,521, Bismarck at $59,320, West Fargo at $59,144, and Minot at $59,102. This projected growth reflects a broader trend in healthcare, emphasizing preventative care and rehabilitation, which drives the need for trained professionals in the state. Overall, the job outlook for athletic trainers in North Dakota remains positive as demand continues to grow.
North Dakota Athletic Trainer Salary Range
Overall salary range in North Dakota: $45,263 (lowest entry-level) to $84,308 (highest top earner)
North Dakota vs National Average
North Dakota athletic trainers earn 3.47% less than the national median ($-2,267/year difference).
North Dakota Athletic Trainer Salary Distribution (2026)
Athletic Trainer salaries in North Dakota range from $49,554 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $81,218 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $63,148. The North Dakota median is $2,267 below the US national median of $65,415. The average hourly rate is $30.36/hr. Approximately 114 athletic trainers are employed across 8 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,761
2025 BLS Actual
$60,353
2026 Current Est.
$63,148
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in North Dakota (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,761 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,690 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,009 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,913 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,330 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,662 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,353 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,148 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,071 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Dakota metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $46,761 (2019) to $60,353 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,071 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,310 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Dakota 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in North Dakota
Lowest Paying Cities in North Dakota
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Mandan | $56,247 |
| Williston | $57,425 |
| Dickinson | $58,845 |
| Minot | $59,102 |
| West Fargo | $59,144 |
Best Value Cities for Athletic Trainers in North Dakota
When adjusted for local cost of living, these North Dakota cities offer the most purchasing power for athletic trainers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo | $68,470 | 90.871 | $75,349 |
| Grand Forks | $60,521 | 92 | $65,784 |
| Bismarck | $59,320 | 92 | $64,478 |
| West Fargo | $59,144 | 92 | $64,287 |
| Minot | $59,102 | 92 | $64,241 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in North Dakota
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $49,554 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $63,148 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $81,218 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across North Dakota metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 8 Cities in North Dakota
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fargo | $68,470 |
| 2 | Grand Forks | $60,521 |
| 3 | Bismarck | $59,320 |
| 4 | West Fargo | $59,144 |
| 5 | Minot | $59,102 |
| 6 | Dickinson | $58,845 |
| 7 | Williston | $57,425 |
| 8 | Mandan | $56,247 |
More North Dakota Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore athletic trainer hourly pay in North Dakota cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced athletic trainers.
Explore More Athletic Trainer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in North Dakota in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for athletic trainers in North Dakota?
How does North Dakota athletic trainer pay compare to the national average?
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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
Statewide 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. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 athletic trainer compensation across North Dakota. State averages are employment-weighted across 8 metro areas — larger metro areas with more athletic trainerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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