Personal Care & Fitness Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Athletic Trainer Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median athletic trainer salary in Rapid City, SD is $48,456 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$48,456
vs State Avg
+$1,077
vs National
$-5,384
Cost of Living
90%

Athletic Trainer Pay in Rapid City: What to Expect (2026)

Rapid City offers a median athletic trainer salary of $48,456, which is $1,077 above the South Dakota state average of $47,379. Compared to the national median of $53,840, Rapid City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rapid City's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for athletic trainers in Rapid City spans from $30,600 at the 10th percentile to $73,800 at the 90th percentile — a $43,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,400, while senior athletic trainers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,200. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Athletic Trainer Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level athletic trainer earns around $32,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,400
$-3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,500
$-5,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,200
$-7,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $30,600
25th Percentile $37,800
Median (50th) $48,456
75th Percentile $61,200
90th Percentile $73,800

Athletic Trainer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$49,533
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$46,302
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$45,226
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$44,149
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Athletic Trainer in Rapid City

Education

Most athletic trainer positions require a bachelor's degree. Rapid City 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 Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Athletic Trainer Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open athletic trainer positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Athletic Trainer Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Athletic Trainer make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median athletic trainer salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $48,456 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $53,840. Salaries range from $30,600 (10th percentile) to $73,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Athletic Trainer make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,456, a athletic trainer in Rapid City earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for athletic trainer pay? ▼
Rapid City's median athletic trainer salary of $48,456 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $47,379. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rapid City, SD? ▼
Rapid City has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a athletic trainer salary of $48,456 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a athletic trainer in Rapid City? ▼
Most athletic trainer positions in Rapid City 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.