Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Bartlett, IL: $48,440 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Bartlett, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,440 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bartlett's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,887 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,354) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the athletic training field, the entry-level athletic trainer salary in Bartlett, Illinois, is projected to start at around $48,440 in 2026. While this figure may initially seem low compared to the city's median annual salary of $62,354, it's essential for new grads to recognize the upward mobility in this career. Over the first three to five years, they can expect to experience a growth trajectory, moving from an entry-level position towards roles that could command salaries around $54,543 and beyond. With the local market actively hiring, Bartlett presents a viable option for fresh graduates looking to establish their careers in athletic training.
About the Bartlett Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bartlett
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 Bartlett
Entry-level athletic trainers in Bartlett, IL typically start between $48,440 and $54,543 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,453 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,354 — 4.68% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Illinois of $65,000 represents just 134.19% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($48,440/year) in Bartlett. 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 Bartlett
- 1Research the Bartlett market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $48,440 to $54,543, 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 IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bartlett, 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 Bartlett for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bartlett'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 Bartlett is $34,453 ( 71.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,440, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,893.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,076
2025 BLS Actual
$46,296
2026 Current Est.
$48,440
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Bartlett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,076 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,690 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,515 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,119 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,492 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,955 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,296 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,440 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,682 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Bartlett, IL grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,076 in 2019 to $46,296 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,682. New graduates entering the Bartlett job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bartlett 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 Bartlett
In Bartlett, high schools often employ entry-level athletic trainers, particularly through partnerships with local hospitals and sports medicine programs, making them a primary source of jobs for recent graduates. Industrial settings also present lucrative opportunities, as they tend to offer starting salaries that can be 30-50% higher than traditional school roles. To increase their marketability and earning potential, new grads should focus on fulfilling the requirements set by the BOC for certification, which now necessitates a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program. Obtaining state licensure, alongside first aid and BLS certifications, can significantly enhance a new grad's appeal to employers. Given the dynamic nature of the job market for athletic trainers in Illinois, realistic salary growth in those initial years is achievable, especially for those willing to seek out positions outside of traditional educational institutions.
More salary data for Bartlett, IL:
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 Bartlett. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bartlett 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