Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Gurnee, IL: $49,033 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Gurnee, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,033 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Gurnee's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,497 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,596) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the athletic training field in Gurnee, IL, the entry-level salary can be an eye-opener. The 2026 projected starting athletic trainer salary in Gurnee is estimated to be around $49,033, which sits significantly below the city median of $62,596. This gap offers an important perspective for recent grads as they step into their first positions. Over the first few years, they can expect to see salary increases that typically range from the lower percentiles, growing through $55,052 and eventually approaching or reaching the median pay as they gain experience. Given Gurnee's relatively stable market and its proximity to educational institutions and sports programs, it presents a viable entry point for new athletic trainers.
About the Gurnee Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Gurnee
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 Gurnee
Entry-level athletic trainers in Gurnee, IL typically start between $49,033 and $55,052 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,657 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,596 — 4.31% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Illinois of $65,000 represents just 132.56% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($49,033/year) in Gurnee. 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 Gurnee
- 1Research the Gurnee market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $49,033 to $55,052, 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 Gurnee, 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 Gurnee for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Gurnee'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 Gurnee is $34,657 ( 70.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,033, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,690.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,444
2025 BLS Actual
$46,863
2026 Current Est.
$49,033
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Gurnee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,444 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,078 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,950 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,586 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,000 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,476 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,863 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,033 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,303 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Gurnee, IL grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,444 in 2019 to $46,863 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,303. New graduates entering the Gurnee job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gurnee 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 Gurnee
Employers in Gurnee who are known to hire entry-level athletic trainers include local high schools and various outpatient rehabilitation centers, with high school AT services frequently outsourced to larger sports medicine programs tied to hospitals. Meanwhile, industrial settings often leverage specialty staffing firms to recruit and may offer competitive salaries, even as much as 30-50% more than traditional school roles. New grads can enhance their earning potential significantly with relevant credentials such as a master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, a BOC certification, and a state license. Given the industry's shift to a master’s level requirement since 2022, it's essential for new entrants to stay current with certifications, especially for jobs in the industrial sector, which are increasingly preferred by employers. In these initial career years, salary growth can be steady, particularly for those who seek opportunities that blend traditional athletic training with industrial applications.
More salary data for Gurnee, 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 Gurnee. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gurnee 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