Athletic Trainer Salary in Vermillion, SD: $56,070 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Vermillion, SD earns a median $56,070/year (≈ $26.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Vermillion's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $60,420 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for athletic trainers in Vermillion, SD, is $56,070, which represents a notable gap compared to the national median of $65,415. Compensation ranges from approximately $46,911 at the lower end (P10) to about $74,401 for those at the higher end (P90). These figures are derived from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments. The relatively moderate pay reflects the influence of the local job market and the preference for school-year contracts often contrasted with year-round positions in various industrial settings. This distinction is particularly relevant for those considering a career as an athletic trainer in this region.
About the Vermillion Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,911 | $22.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,249 | $24.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,070 | $26.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,058 | $31.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,401 | $35.77 |
Median Salary Position
14.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vermillion
In Vermillion, SD, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,490 (2026 est.). At $56,070, the local median is 14.29% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Vermillion: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Vermillion Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Vermillion median: $56,070/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Vermillion Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $60,682 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -14.29% less |
Athletic Trainers in Vermillion, SD earn a median of $56,070 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.29% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 7.60% below the South Dakota state average of $60,682.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Vermillion 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.
Vermillion, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $56,070 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,420 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,520
2025 BLS Actual
$53,589
2026 Current Est.
$56,070
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Vermillion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,520 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,737 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,503 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,149 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,655 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,857 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,589 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,070 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,666 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Vermillion metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $41,520 (2019) to $53,589 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,666 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,146 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vermillion 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) | $46,911 – $51,249 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,249 – $56,070 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,070 – $66,058 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,058 – $74,401 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Vermillion
Analyzing the job market further, only six athletic trainers are currently employed in Vermillion, indicating a tight and potentially competitive landscape. With a cost-of-living index of 92.8, professionals in this field may find their purchasing power somewhat limited compared to other locations. Among the local employers, secondary schools typically offer lower salaries, while colleges and universities, particularly those participating in NCAA sports, provide better compensation packages. Factors influencing the earnings spread include the nature of the employment setting—where professional sports roles tend to pay significantly more than high school positions—and additional responsibilities such as evening events, which often come with stipends for athletic trainers. To maximize pay in this market, candidates should consider pursuing advanced certifications and seeking roles in industrial health settings, where compensation can be 30-50% higher than traditional school roles. Understanding these dynamics can help navigate the local job market effectively.
More salary data for Vermillion, 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 $53,589 for athletic trainersin the Vermillion 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 Vermillion 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