Athletic Trainer Salary in Bismarck, ND: $59,320 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Bismarck, ND earns a median $59,320/year (≈ $28.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Bismarck's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $64,478 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the North Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the athletic trainer salary in Bismarck, North Dakota, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $59,320, reflecting a notable gap compared to the national median of $65,415. This salary range varies significantly, from $47,828 at the 10th percentile to $81,327 at the 90th percentile. These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional living costs, highlight the unique economic conditions of Bismarck. The difference in pay often stems from the structural choice between industrial athletic training settings and traditional sports environments, suggesting that those engaging in occupational health roles could find themselves on the higher end of the salary spectrum.
About the Bismarck Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,828 | $23.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,495 | $25.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,320 | $28.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,474 | $33.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,327 | $39.10 |
Median Salary Position
9.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bismarck
In Bismarck, ND, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,499 (2026 est.). At $59,320, the local median is 9.32% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bismarck: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bismarck Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Bismarck median: $59,320/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bismarck Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $60,162 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -9.32% less |
Athletic Trainers in Bismarck, ND earn a median of $59,320 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.32% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.40% below the North Dakota state average of $60,162.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bismarck has a cost of living 8.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bismarck, ND has a cost-of-living index of 92 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $59,320 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,478 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.7% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,927
2025 BLS Actual
$56,695
2026 Current Est.
$59,320
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Bismarck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,927 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,215 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,940 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,533 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,155 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,695 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,320 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,066 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bismarck metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $43,927 (2019) to $56,695 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,066 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,139 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bismarck 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $47,828 – $53,495 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,495 – $59,320 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,320 – $69,474 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,474 – $81,327 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Bismarck
With only 11 athletic trainers employed locally, the Bismarck job market for this profession is rather insular, indicating a niche demand for qualified individuals. The cost-of-living index stands at 92, suggesting that while salaries may not match national averages, purchasing power remains relatively stable for residents. Employers in Bismarck include secondary schools and colleges, with potential for the highest pay often found in industrial settings such as Toyota or Boeing, where roles can provide additional incentives like evening event stipends or head AT positions. The disparity in athletic trainer pay in Bismarck is influenced by varied employment settings, contract types, and certifications. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing positions in occupational health or enhancing qualifications with certifications recognized by the BOC or NATA could make a significant difference in overall compensation prospects.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $56,695 for athletic trainersin the Bismarck metropolitan area. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bismarck 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