Athletic Trainer Salary in Mitchell, SD: $57,786 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Mitchell, SD earns a median $57,786/year (≈ $27.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Mitchell's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $62,269 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainer salaries in Mitchell, South Dakota, are projected to reach a median of $57,786, reflecting the significant changes that followed the transition to a master's degree requirement in 2022 for entry-level trainers. The salary range for this profession varies considerably, stretching from $46,387 at the 10th percentile to $76,495 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating diverse opportunities within the field. These figures are derived from state-level BLS estimates and adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors. Compared to the national median of $65,415, the compensation for athletic trainers in Mitchell represents a notable gap, suggesting a competitive job market tailored more toward educational institutions and local healthcare facilities than the high-paying sectors seen in larger cities.
About the Mitchell Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,387 | $22.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,392 | $24.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,786 | $27.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,740 | $32.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,495 | $36.78 |
Median Salary Position
11.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mitchell
In Mitchell, SD, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,108 (2026 est.). At $57,786, the local median is 11.66% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mitchell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mitchell Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Mitchell median: $57,786/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mitchell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $60,700 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -11.66% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mitchell 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.
Mitchell, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $57,786 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,269 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,791
2025 BLS Actual
$55,229
2026 Current Est.
$57,786
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Mitchell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,791 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,045 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,773 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,561 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,174 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,169 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,229 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,786 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,462 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mitchell metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $42,791 (2019) to $55,229 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,462 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,671 (41.30%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $46,387 – $51,392 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,392 – $57,786 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,786 – $66,740 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,740 – $76,495 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Mitchell
The local job market for athletic trainers in Mitchell is relatively small, with only six professionals employed in the area. This limited number of positions is counterbalanced by a cost-of-living index of 92.8, indicating that expenses in Mitchell are lower than the national average, which can enhance take-home pay. Local employers such as secondary schools and outpatient clinics generally offer entry-level positions, while roles in industrial settings, like those with Toyota and FedEx, tend to attract higher salaries due to the nature of the work and required certifications. The pay disparity between various settings is driven by factors such as contract length, responsibilities (head athletic trainer versus assistant), and the demand for evening and weekend coverage. For those seeking to increase their earning potential, gaining additional certifications or pursuing opportunities in industrial or occupational health settings may offer the best return on investment in the Mitchell market.
More salary data for Mitchell, 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 $55,229 for athletic trainersin the Mitchell 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 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