Athletic Trainer Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $60,521 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Grand Forks, ND earns a median $60,521/year (≈ $29.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Grand Forks's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $65,784 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% above the North Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainer salaries in Grand Forks, ND, are projected to reach a median annual figure of $60,521 in 2026, reflecting the unique dynamics of the local job market, especially when compared to the national median of $65,415. The salary range for athletic trainers here spans from $45,721 at the 10th percentile to $83,400 at the 90th percentile, according to estimates derived from 2025 BLS data. The local figures suggest that Grand Forks offers competitive but slightly lower compensation levels than the national average, which may be influenced by the city's cost of living index of 92. The difference in pay is particularly pronounced between athletic trainers working in traditional school settings versus those employed in industrial or occupational health environments. With only 14 athletic trainers currently working in the area, the profession has the potential for growth, which could lead to opportunities for improved compensation structures.
About the Grand Forks Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,721 | $21.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,411 | $25.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,521 | $29.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,322 | $34.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,400 | $40.09 |
Median Salary Position
7.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Grand Forks
In Grand Forks, ND, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,679 (2026 est.). At $60,521, the local median is 7.48% below the national median of $65,415.
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At 40 hours/week in Grand Forks: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Grand Forks Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Grand Forks median: $60,521/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Grand Forks Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $60,160 | +0.60% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | -7.48% less |
Athletic Trainers in Grand Forks, ND earn a median of $60,521 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.48% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.60% above the North Dakota state average of $60,160.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Grand Forks 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.
Grand Forks, ND has a cost-of-living index of 92 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $60,521 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,784 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.7% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,816
2025 BLS Actual
$57,843
2026 Current Est.
$60,521
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Grand Forks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,816 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,798 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,812 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,596 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,110 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,843 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,521 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,323 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Grand Forks metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $44,816 (2019) to $57,843 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,323 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,507 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Forks 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) | $45,721 – $52,411 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,411 – $60,521 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,521 – $72,322 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,322 – $83,400 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Grand Forks
The local job market for athletic trainers shows promise, particularly as the demand for this role grows alongside the recognition of their value in various settings beyond traditional sports. Employers in Grand Forks such as colleges and universities, industrial health facilities, and outpatient clinics tend to offer the highest salaries, while roles in high school athletic training typically pay less. Additionally, the cost of living in Grand Forks allows for a reasonable standard of living despite the differences in pay. Factors driving the salary spread include the nature of contracts, with year-round positions generally offering higher pay than those only covering the school year, as well as distinctions between head and assistant athletic trainers. For professionals looking to maximize their earnings in this market, obtaining advanced certifications, such as the CSCS or OCS-AT, and exploring roles in industrial health can significantly bolster their athletic trainer pay in Grand Forks, ND.
More salary data for Grand Forks, 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 $57,843 for athletic trainersin the Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks 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