Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Pierre, SD: $77,490 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Pierre, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $77,490/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Pierre's price premium (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $83,502 in average-cost America. The 36% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, SD, experienced athletic trainers can expect a robust compensation package as they advance in their careers. The projected median annual salary for 2026 is $57,034, but for top-level professionals, the potential peaks at $77,490, representing a significant earnings gap compared to the median. This disparity highlights the value of extensive experience—typically seven or more years—along with specialized training and certifications. To achieve such top-tier pay, professionals in Pierre often focus on gaining expertise in high-demand areas within the field, whether that be working with professional sports teams, collegiate athletics, or in industrial settings. Those earning the top athletic trainer salaries in Pierre are distinguished not only by their experience but also by their willingness to embrace varied roles and settings.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Pierre earn between $67,103 and $77,490 per year (2026 est.). This $32,989 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Pierre median of $57,034 sits 12.81% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Pierre | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $57,034 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,103 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $77,490 | $92,870 |
In Pierre, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 35.87% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Pierre
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $57,034 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Pierre employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Pierre command premium compensation, often reaching the $67,103–$77,490 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Pierre 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 Pierre 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 South 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 Pierre
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPierre ranks #4 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $77,490).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Pierre ($77,490) is 5.19% above the South Dakota average P90 ($73,666).
2019 BLS Actual
$61,303
2025 BLS Actual
$74,061
2026 Current Est.
$77,490
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
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 | $61,303 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,256 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,564 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,083 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,286 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,251 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,061 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,490 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,078 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Pierre saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $61,303 in 2019 to $74,061 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 $81,078 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Athletic Trainer Earnings in Pierre
As the 2026 data illustrates, senior athletic trainer pay in SD varies considerably depending on the employer and specific focus area. Specializations in professional sports and college athletics, particularly at Division I institutions, tend to offer premium compensation, whereas traditional high school roles generally fall short. While the industrial sector, including companies like Toyota and Boeing, may provide salaries that surpass those in educational environments by 30-50%, advancement opportunities also differ by setting. Leadership roles such as head athletic trainer or associate athletic director for sports medicine are viable paths for seasoned professionals. Additionally, advanced credentials, namely the Master’s degree required since 2022, alongside the ATC designation from BOC, strengthen the professional profile. Non-salary factors, including year-round contracts, responsibilities tied to evening and weekend events, and potential for stipends, also contribute to the overall compensation framework for experienced trainers in Pierre.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Pierre in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Pierre?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Pierre?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Pierre?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Pierre?
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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 $74,061 for athletic trainers in the Pierre 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 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