Athletic Trainer Salary in Pierre, SD: $57,034 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Pierre, SD earns a median $57,034/year (≈ $27.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Pierre's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $61,459 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Pierre, South Dakota, are expected to earn a median annual salary of $57,034, which reflects a notable adjustment following the transition to the master's degree requirement in 2022. The projected salary range for these professionals spans from $44,501 at the 10th percentile to $77,490 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a considerable variation in compensation based on experience, setting, and responsibilities. These salary estimates are derived from state-level data and account for regional cost considerations, revealing that while local pay is lower than the national median of $65,415, it remains competitive within the context of Pierre's job market dynamics.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,501 | $21.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,322 | $25.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,034 | $27.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,103 | $32.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,490 | $37.26 |
Median Salary Position
12.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
In Pierre, SD, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,989 (2026 est.). At $57,034, the local median is 12.81% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pierre: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pierre Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Pierre median: $57,034/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pierre Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $60,674 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -12.81% less |
Athletic Trainers in Pierre, SD earn a median of $57,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $60,674.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pierre 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.
Pierre, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $57,034 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,459 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,234
2025 BLS Actual
$54,510
2026 Current Est.
$57,034
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,234 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,472 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,216 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,942 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,508 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,593 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,510 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,034 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,674 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pierre metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $42,234 (2019) to $54,510 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,674 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,440 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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) | $44,501 – $53,322 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,322 – $57,034 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,034 – $67,103 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,103 – $77,490 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Pierre
The local job market for athletic trainers in Pierre currently employs just four professionals, illustrating a relatively small yet specialized workforce. The cost of living index for Pierre stands at 92.8, which is below the national average, suggesting that take-home pay may stretch further, providing a better quality of life despite slightly lower salaries. Among local employers, athletic trainers typically find the highest pay within industrial or occupational health settings, where compensation can be substantially higher than in traditional school environments like high schools or universities. The disparity in earnings is influenced by factors such as the nature of the employment contract—year-round roles often yield higher salaries than those tied to academic schedules—along with added stipends for weekend events or specialized certifications. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in this market, pursuing certification endorsements from the BOC, building experience in industrial settings, and actively engaging in professional development through organizations like NATA can significantly enhance career prospects and salary potential in Pierre, SD.
More salary data for Pierre, 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 $54,510 for athletic trainersin the Pierre 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 Pierre 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