Athletic Trainer Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $57,690 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Aberdeen, SD earns a median $57,690/year (≈ $27.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Aberdeen's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $62,166 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aberdeen, SD, the landscape of athletic trainer salaries has been shaped by the transition to requiring a master's degree for entry-level positions, implemented in 2022. As of 2026, the median annual salary for athletic trainers is projected at $57,690, which reflects a competitive offering in comparison to the national median of $65,415. Salary estimates range from $46,499 at the lower end (P10) to $78,528 at the upper level (P90), showcasing the potential earning variance based on experience and work setting. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost considerations, illuminating the local market's context. Athletic trainers in Aberdeen can find opportunities across various sectors, significantly impacting their compensation prospects.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,499 | $22.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,705 | $24.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,690 | $27.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,933 | $33.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,528 | $37.75 |
Median Salary Position
11.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aberdeen
In Aberdeen, SD, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,029 (2026 est.). At $57,690, the local median is 11.81% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aberdeen: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aberdeen Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Aberdeen median: $57,690/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aberdeen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $60,726 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -11.81% less |
Athletic Trainers in Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $57,690 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $60,726.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aberdeen has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aberdeen, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $57,690 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,166 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,720
2025 BLS Actual
$55,137
2026 Current Est.
$57,690
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,972 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,702 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,482 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,089 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,095 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,137 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,690 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,361 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aberdeen metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $42,720 (2019) to $55,137 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,361 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,641 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aberdeen 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) | $46,499 – $51,705 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,705 – $57,690 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,690 – $68,933 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,933 – $78,528 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Aberdeen
The job market for athletic trainers in Aberdeen is modest, with only five professionals currently employed in this field. The relatively low cost of living, reflected in a cost-of-living index of 92.8, enhances the purchasing power of earned wages, allowing healthcare and athletic training professionals to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Local employers, particularly in secondary schools and outpatient clinics, often offer competitive salaries, but opportunities in industrial settings typically yield higher pay. The disparity in earnings arises from factors such as employment setting, whether in high schools, colleges, or industry, as well as contract types that can provide additional stipends for night and weekend events. For those looking to maximize pay in Aberdeen, pursuing additional certifications such as CSCS or OCS-AT can be advantageous, and positioning oneself in year-round roles, particularly in fields that command higher compensation, can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Aberdeen, 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
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 $55,137 for athletic trainersin the Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen 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