Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Sioux Falls, SD: $68,010 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Sioux Falls, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $68,010/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Sioux Falls's price premium (BEA RPP 90.6, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $75,041 in average-cost America. The 11% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, top-tier athletic trainers can command an annual salary of up to $68,010, with a solid median pay of $61,334 for 2026. For seasoned professionals with over seven years in the field, the experience premium becomes evident, as there exists a notable gap between this median figure and the higher earnings possible at the 90th percentile. Achieving this elite salary often necessitates more than just experience; specialized credentials and a strategic choice of employer can significantly impact earning potential. For instance, trainers affiliated with professional sports teams or those specializing in industrial wellness are among the highest earners in the state, reflecting a robust demand for their expertise.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sioux Falls
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Sioux Falls earn between $61,491 and $68,010 per year (2026 est.). This $17,306 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Sioux Falls median of $61,334 sits 6.24% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Sioux Falls | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $61,334 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,491 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $68,010 | $92,870 |
In Sioux Falls, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 10.88% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Sioux Falls
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $61,334 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Sioux Falls employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Sioux Falls command premium compensation, often reaching the $61,491–$68,010 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Sioux Falls metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced athletic trainers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured athletic trainers in Sioux Falls with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Athletic Trainers in South Dakota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Athletic Trainer Career & Wage Growth Path in Sioux Falls
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSioux Falls ranks #11 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $68,010).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Sioux Falls ($68,010) is 7.68% below the South Dakota average P90 ($73,666).
2019 BLS Actual
$61,340
2025 BLS Actual
$65,000
2026 Current Est.
$68,010
2019–2027 Growth
+16.0%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Sioux Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,220 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,780 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,210 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,630 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,010 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,158 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Sioux Falls saw their compensation grow 6.0% from $61,340 in 2019 to $65,000 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.63% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $71,158 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sioux Falls 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.
Maximizing Your Athletic Trainer Earnings in Sioux Falls
When examining the factors that influence senior athletic trainer pay in SD, specific specializations emerge as leading contributors to premium compensation. Trainers working in professional sports, NCAA Division I institutions, and certain industrial settings enjoy the highest pay structures, driven by the critical nature of their roles. Compensation also varies widely across employer types, with head athletic trainer positions at professional teams typically offering superior salaries compared to those in secondary school settings. Career advancement strategies play a vital role; positions such as head athletic trainer or sports medicine director at colleges, or transitioning to consultant roles in industrial health, open avenues for increased income. Credentials such as the ATC and a master’s degree are essential since 2022, adding a layer of requirement for higher positions. Those seeking to maximize their income should consider the benefits of working in environments that offer more than just a salary, such as professional sporting events, which often include stipends for added responsibilities during off-peak times.
More salary data for Sioux Falls, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Sioux Falls in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Sioux Falls?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Sioux Falls?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Sioux Falls?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Sioux Falls?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $65,000 for athletic trainers in the Sioux Falls metro area. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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