Athletic Trainer Salary in Yankton, SD: $58,352 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Yankton, SD earns a median $58,352/year (≈ $28.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Yankton's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $62,879 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Yankton, South Dakota, can expect a median annual salary of $58,352 in 2026, reflecting a localized job market that tends to pay significantly less than the national median of $65,415. This compensation range spans from $47,826 at the 10th percentile to $76,332 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026 while considering regional cost adjustments. The job market is influenced by the increasing demand for athletic trainers, as their roles expand beyond traditional sports settings to include industrial and occupational health environments. This shift creates a notable pay disparity, with industrial athletes often receiving higher compensation compared to their counterparts in secondary schools and colleges.
About the Yankton Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,826 | $23.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,612 | $25.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,352 | $28.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,829 | $32.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,332 | $36.69 |
Median Salary Position
10.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Yankton
In Yankton, SD, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,506 (2026 est.). At $58,352, the local median is 10.8% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Yankton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Yankton Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Yankton median: $58,352/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Yankton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $60,720 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -10.80% less |
Athletic Trainers in Yankton, SD earn a median of $58,352 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.80% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.90% below the South Dakota state average of $60,720.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Yankton 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.
Yankton, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $58,352 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,879 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,210
2025 BLS Actual
$55,770
2026 Current Est.
$58,352
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Yankton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,210 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,477 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,192 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,027 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,676 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,602 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,770 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,352 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,054 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Yankton metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $43,210 (2019) to $55,770 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,054 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,844 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Yankton 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) | $47,826 – $52,612 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,612 – $58,352 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,352 – $66,829 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,829 – $76,332 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Yankton
While the local employment scenario only features four athletic trainers, this limited pool emphasizes the opportunities unique to Yankton. The cost of living index of 92.8 suggests that the purchasing power for residents is slightly more favorable compared to the national average. Among local employers, industrial positions in settings like Boeing or Toyota generally offer the highest pay rates compared to roles in schools or outpatient clinics. The variance in salaries largely depends on the training setting and employment type, with professional sports roles leading the pay scale. Athletic trainers can boost their salaries by pursuing specialized certifications or taking on head trainer positions, further enhancing their value in the market. For those asking how much do athletic trainers make in Yankton, understanding these dynamics and maximizing qualifications is essential for career growth and salary advancement.
More salary data for Yankton, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Yankton, SD in 2026?
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in Yankton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Yankton?
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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 $55,770 for athletic trainersin the Yankton 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 Yankton 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