Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Longmont, CO: $54,447 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Longmont, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,447 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Longmont's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,854 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,615) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the athletic training profession in Longmont, Colorado, can expect a starting salary around $54,447, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $67,615. This gap indicates that while the potential for growth exists, entry-level positions may require patience and dedication as new professionals work their way up the pay scale. Over the initial three to five years, early-career athletic trainers could advance from this entry-level figure toward the 25th percentile salary of $60,873 or even the median, depending on their commitment to professional development and experience. Given the projected growth rate of 4.63% in this field, Longmont presents a favorable market for recent graduates, providing opportunities to gradually increase their earnings as they gain experience and skill.
About the Longmont Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Longmont
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 Longmont
Entry-level athletic trainers in Longmont, CO typically start between $54,447 and $60,873 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,590 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,615 — 3.36% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Colorado of $60,000 represents just 110.20% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($54,447/year) in Longmont. 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 Longmont
- 1Research the Longmont market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $54,447 to $60,873, 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 Longmont, 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 Longmont for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Longmont'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 Longmont is $42,590 ( 78.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,447, experienced hygienists can earn up to $97,037.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,806
2025 BLS Actual
$52,038
2026 Current Est.
$54,447
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Longmont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,806 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,621 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,920 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,847 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,638 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,231 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,038 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,447 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,968 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Longmont, CO grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,806 in 2019 to $52,038 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,968. New graduates entering the Longmont job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longmont 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 Longmont
For those looking to break into this field, high schools in Longmont often provide the most opportunities for newly credentialed athletic trainers. Many of these positions are associated with hospital sports medicine programs, which frequently outsource their athletic training departments. New graduates seeking roles in industrial settings may find more lucrative offers, as these environments often pay 30-50% more than traditional school roles. To enhance their starting athletic trainer salary in Longmont, candidates should focus on attaining critical credentials. A master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program has been necessary since 2022, alongside obtaining the BOC national exam certification for the ATC credential and acquiring a state license. Additional certifications, such as the CSCS or OCS-AT, can further bolster their competitive edge. Realistically, in the first three years, new grad athletic trainer pay in Colorado can grow as individuals transition into more specialized roles and pursue opportunities that reflect their advanced qualifications and skill sets.
More salary data for Longmont, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Longmont in 2026?
How fast do athletic trainer salaries grow in Longmont?
Is athletic training school worth it in Longmont?
What do new athletic trainers make right out of school in Longmont?
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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 Longmont. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Longmont is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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