Athletic Trainer Salary in 2026
How Much Do Athletic Trainers Make?
Athletic Trainers earn a median annual salary of $60,250 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $45,380 at the 10th percentile to $84,100 at the 90th percentile — a range of $38,720. The highest-paying state is New Jersey at $77,350.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,380 |
| 25th percentile | $51,590 |
| Median (50th) | $60,250 |
| 75th percentile | $70,880 |
| 90th percentile | $84,100 |
Athletic Trainer Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Jerseytop | $77,350 |
| District of Columbia | $74,990 |
| California | $74,150 |
| Hawaii | $70,930 |
| Connecticut | $67,090 |
| Texas | $66,430 |
| Oklahoma | $65,070 |
| Minnesota | $64,340 |
| New York | $63,850 |
| Massachusetts | $63,720 |
| Utah | $63,190 |
| Alaska | $62,740 |
| Colorado | $62,670 |
| Louisiana | $62,500 |
| New Mexico | $62,300 |
| Illinois | $62,140 |
| Georgia | $61,790 |
| Montana | $61,590 |
| Ohio | $60,900 |
| Maryland | $60,840 |
| Wyoming | $60,790 |
| Delaware | $60,750 |
| Wisconsin | $60,520 |
| Idaho | $60,360 |
| Washington | $60,350 |
| Pennsylvania | $58,970 |
| Michigan | $58,550 |
| Florida | $58,410 |
| North Dakota | $58,380 |
| Arizona | $58,270 |
| Virginia | $58,200 |
| Maine | $58,140 |
| Rhode Island | $58,140 |
| Indiana | $57,750 |
| Nevada | $57,670 |
| Nebraska | $57,430 |
| Oregon | $57,420 |
| Vermont | $57,160 |
| New Hampshire | $55,180 |
| Kansas | $54,990 |
| Missouri | $54,340 |
| South Dakota | $54,200 |
| Tennessee | $54,040 |
| Alabama | $53,640 |
| South Carolina | $53,520 |
| Arkansas | $53,490 |
| North Carolina | $52,980 |
| Mississippi | $52,260 |
| Kentucky | $51,550 |
| Iowa | $49,700 |
| West Virginia | $45,140 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Athletic Trainers
Athletic Trainer Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$45,380 – $51,590 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$60,250 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$70,880 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $84,100+ |
How to Earn More as an Athletic Trainer
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Athletic Trainers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX earn $78,510 — $18,260 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($70,880) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
Want to see if a different career pays more for your skills? PathScorer maps your experience against hundreds of occupations and shows you where you're most competitive. Try it free →
Athletic Trainer Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainerthis career | $60,250 |
| Fitness and Wellness Coordinator | $61,340 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $65,850 |
| Coaches and Scout | $45,920 |
| Chiropractor | $79,000 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
PathScorer compares your skills to Athletic Trainer requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.
See how your skills compare — freeFrequently Asked Questions
SOC: 29-9091.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.