Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Williston, ND: $78,613 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Williston, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $78,613/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Williston's price premium (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $85,449 in average-cost America. The 37% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A senior athletic trainer in Williston, North Dakota, has significant earning potential, particularly at the top tier of the salary spectrum. The 2026 estimates present a compelling picture, with the potential for the highest earners to command up to $78,613 annually, placing them on a competitive scale against their national counterparts. This top athletic trainer salary in Williston not only highlights the financial rewards for those with more than seven years of experience but underscores the sizeable gap between the median annual salary of $57,425 and the earnings for high performers. Achieving this level of compensation requires not only extensive experience but also specialization and strategic career moves within the field.
About the Williston Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Williston
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Williston earn between $67,651 and $78,613 per year (2026 est.). This $31,949 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Williston median of $57,425 sits 12.21% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Williston | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $57,425 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,651 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $78,613 | $92,870 |
In Williston, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 36.90% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Williston
Advanced Certifications in North Dakota
ND athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $57,425 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Williston employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Williston command premium compensation, often reaching the $67,651–$78,613 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Williston metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced athletic trainers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured athletic trainers in Williston with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Athletic Trainers in North Dakota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Athletic Trainer Career & Wage Growth Path in Williston
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWilliston ranks #7 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $78,613).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Williston ($78,613) is 3.21% below the North Dakota average P90 ($81,218).
2019 BLS Actual
$62,191
2025 BLS Actual
$75,134
2026 Current Est.
$78,613
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Williston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,191 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,172 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,485 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,026 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,261 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,436 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,134 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,613 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,252 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Williston saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $62,191 in 2019 to $75,134 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.63% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $82,252 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williston 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.
Maximizing Your Athletic Trainer Earnings in Williston
In Williston, various specializations within athletic training can lead to higher compensation levels. Those working in professional sports or college Division I athletics typically see the most lucrative salaries, while roles in performing arts medicine and military settings also command premium pay. Compensation can markedly differ based on employer type: head athletic trainers at professional teams or major colleges can expect to earn more than those in high school settings. Advancing to positions such as associate athletic director for sports medicine or faculty in athletic training programs can also result in salary increases. Moreover, holding advanced credentials—such as the ATC from the BOC, a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, and optional specialty certifications—can significantly enhance earning potential. Non-salary compensation factors like stipends for event coverage or year-round contracts also influence total compensation, illustrating that the pathway to senior athletic trainer pay in ND is multifaceted.
More salary data for Williston, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Williston in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Williston?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Williston?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Williston?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Williston?
Related Pages
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $75,134 for athletic trainers in the Williston metro area. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Williston 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