Personal Care & Fitness Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Athletic Trainer Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median athletic trainer salary in Aberdeen, SD is $45,226 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$45,226
vs State Avg
$-2,153
vs National
$-8,614
Cost of Living
84%

Athletic Trainer Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median athletic trainer salary of $45,226, which is $2,153 below the South Dakota state average of $47,379. Compared to the national median of $53,840, Aberdeen pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Aberdeen's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $45,226 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $53,840 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for athletic trainers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for athletic trainers in Aberdeen spans from $28,560 at the 10th percentile to $68,880 at the 90th percentile — a $40,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,240, while senior athletic trainers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $65,520. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Athletic Trainer Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level athletic trainer earns around $30,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,240
$-5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,200
$-8,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$65,520
$-12,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $28,560
25th Percentile $35,280
Median (50th) $45,226
75th Percentile $57,120
90th Percentile $68,880

Athletic Trainer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Athletic Trainer in Aberdeen

Education

Most athletic trainer positions require a bachelor's degree. Aberdeen and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Injury AssessmentRehabilitationTaping/BracingEmergency CareExercise ScienceCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, athletic trainer employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Athletic Trainer Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open athletic trainer positions in Aberdeen, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Athletic Trainer Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Athletic Trainer make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median athletic trainer salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $45,226 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $53,840. Salaries range from $28,560 (10th percentile) to $68,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Athletic Trainer make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,226, a athletic trainer in Aberdeen earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for athletic trainer pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median athletic trainer salary of $45,226 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $47,379. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
Aberdeen has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a athletic trainer salary of $45,226 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a athletic trainer in Aberdeen? ▼
Most athletic trainer positions in Aberdeen require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Injury Assessment, Rehabilitation, Taping/Bracing, Emergency Care. The job market is projected to grow 17% nationally over the next decade.