Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Mitchell, SD: $27.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Mitchell, SD runs $27.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,786 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Mitchell's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,669 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Mitchell, SD, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $27.78, which is noticeably below the national average of $31.45. This disparity can affect part-time and per-diem positions, often held in various environments such as high school training rooms and college athletic facilities. With an hourly rate ranging from $22.30 for entry-level roles to $36.78 for seasoned professionals, those working just three days a week can have their earnings significantly impacted. The hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, suggesting that while the profession may offer opportunities in different settings—including military bases and outpatient clinics—the financial rewards can vary widely.
About the Mitchell Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.30 | $178.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.70 | $197.63 |
| Median (P50) | $27.78 | $222.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.09 | $256.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.78 | $294.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mitchell
Based on $27.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.78/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mitchell, SD can expect to earn approximately $57,781 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,335. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mitchell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mitchell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,111.17 | $4,815 | $57,781 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $666.70 | $2,889 | $34,669 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $444.47 | $1,926 | $23,112 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Mitchell) | $27.78 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Athletic Trainers in Mitchell, SD earn a median of $57,786 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.66% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.80% below the South Dakota state average of $60,700.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.78/hr = $34,669/year (purchasing power: $37,358).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,781/year (purchasing power: $62,264).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Mitchell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Mitchell grew 29.1% from $20.57/hr (2019) to $26.55/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.07/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem athletic trainers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mitchell 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.
Working as an Hourly Athletic Trainer in Mitchell
When considering part-time work schedules, an athletic trainer in Mitchell who works 24 hours a week may earn $43,391 annually, whereas a full-time counterpart would reach approximately $57,786. For those in per-diem roles, compensation can be lucrative; coverage at athletic events typically ranges from $200 to $500 per engagement, while industrial athletic trainers bill at $50 to $80 per hour. Employers like Toyota or FedEx may offer higher hourly rates compared to secondary schools or smaller colleges. While some trainers might choose positions with lower hourly rates for access to benefits, like health insurance, others may seek higher pay that lacks such perks. In negotiations, articulating the unique skills brought to specific settings or highlighting experience can be beneficial for those seeking to boost their athletic trainer hourly pay in Mitchell.
More salary data for Mitchell, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Mitchell in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Mitchell?
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How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Mitchell?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for athletic trainers in Mitchell. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mitchell 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