Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Dickinson, ND: $45,263 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Dickinson, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,263 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dickinson's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,199 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,845) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dickinson, ND, new graduates considering a career in athletic training can expect a starting salary around $45,263 in 2026. This figure reflects the lower end of the salary spectrum for entry-level positions, with the median overall salary for athletic trainers in the city projected to be $58,845. Thus, early-career professionals begin their journey with a noticeable pay gap to the city median, but as they gain experience, they can realistically aim for salaries that increase to the $51,186 range within the first few years. The growth trajectory in this market, coupled with a projected annual growth rate of 4.63%, offers promising potential for new grads to advance financially over time, making Dickinson a relatively favorable area for those entering the field.
About the Dickinson Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dickinson
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dickinson
Entry-level athletic trainers in Dickinson, ND typically start between $45,263 and $51,186 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,071 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,845 — 10.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in North Dakota of $45,000 represents just 99.42% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($45,263/year) in Dickinson. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAATE-accredited Master of Science in Athletic Training programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institutions; the BOC certification exam is required after graduation for practice.
AT, ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Dickinson
- 1Research the Dickinson market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $45,263 to $51,186, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the athletic training field — employers in ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dickinson, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Dickinson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dickinson's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Athletic Trainer Compensation Range
The athletic trainer wage spread in Dickinson is $38,071 ( 84.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,263, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,334.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,104
2025 BLS Actual
$43,260
2026 Current Est.
$45,263
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Dickinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,104 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,612 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,186 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,619 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,771 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,141 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,260 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,263 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,359 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Dickinson, ND grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,104 in 2019 to $43,260 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,359. New graduates entering the Dickinson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dickinson 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.
Starting Your athletic training Career in Dickinson
Employers in the Dickinson area primarily hiring new athletic trainers include high school athletic training services, often outsourced to local hospital sports medicine programs, along with some opportunities in industrial settings through specialty staffing firms. Due to the 2022 requirement for a master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, securing the BOC national exam credential will be essential for increasing starting pay in North Dakota. Moreover, obtaining state AT license and certifications such as BLS or specialty accreditations can enhance competitiveness. While collegiate positions often demand previous experience, understanding the dynamics that favor industrial or occupational settings can lead to salaries that may exceed initial expectations. Entry-level athletic trainers should be prepared for realistic earnings growth in their first few years, reflecting the promise of ongoing professional development and specialization unique to this field.
More salary data for Dickinson, 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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new athletic training graduates. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Dickinson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dickinson 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