Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Colorado Springs, CO: $54,376 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Colorado Springs, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,376 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Colorado Springs's local price level (BEA RPP 100.7 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,994 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,413) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates venturing into the athletic training field in Colorado Springs, 2026 estimates indicate a starting pay of $54,376, which represents the lower end of the salary spectrum for entry-level positions. This figure sits well below the city’s overall median salary for athletic trainers, projected at $67,413, highlighting a significant gap that early-career professionals may need to navigate. However, new grads can anticipate a growth trajectory that typically includes reaching $61,847 within their first few years, as they gain valuable experience and develop vital skills. Given the average annual growth rate of 4.63% in the industry, Colorado Springs presents a promising job market, offering increasing opportunities for recent graduates looking to establish themselves in the profession.
Career Earnings Timeline in Colorado Springs
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Colorado Springs
Entry-level athletic trainers in Colorado Springs, CO typically start between $54,376 and $61,847 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,882 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,413 — 3.05% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Colorado of $60,000 represents just 110.34% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($54,376/year) in Colorado Springs. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAATE-accredited Master of Science in Athletic Training programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institutions; the BOC certification exam is required after graduation for practice.
AT, ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Colorado Springs
- 1Research the Colorado Springs market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $54,376 to $61,847, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the athletic training field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Colorado Springs, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Colorado Springs for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Colorado Springs's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Athletic Trainer Compensation Range
The athletic trainer wage spread in Colorado Springs is $57,882 ( 106.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,376, experienced hygienists can earn up to $112,258.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,620
2025 BLS Actual
$51,970
2026 Current Est.
$54,376
2019–2027 Growth
+64.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Colorado Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,620 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,440 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,080 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,590 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,970 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,376 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,894 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Colorado Springs, CO grew 50.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,620 in 2019 to $51,970 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,894. New graduates entering the Colorado Springs job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colorado Springs 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.
Starting Your athletic training Career in Colorado Springs
Newly minted athletic trainers in Colorado Springs will often find their first roles in high school athletic programs, which frequently outsource their services to hospital sports medicine departments. These positions typically offer solid entry-point opportunities, though competitive roles at collegiate levels often require prior graduate assistantships or internships. Earning credentials that can elevate starting compensation is critical; obtaining a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam for the ATC credential, and securing a state license are essential steps for new entrants. Additionally, specialty certifications like the CSCS can be advantageous. In pursuing positions within industrial settings—where salaries can be notably higher, sometimes 30-50% above standard school roles—recent graduates should develop strategies for reinforcing their skill sets in this evolving field. With realistic salary progress over the initial years, new professional athletic trainers can find satisfaction and opportunities for growth as they advance their careers in Colorado.
More salary data for Colorado Springs, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new athletic training graduates. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Colorado Springs. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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