Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Lawrence, IN: $51,814 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Lawrence, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,814 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,751 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,433) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level athletic trainer salary in Lawrence, Indiana, reflects the local labor market's dynamics, with starting pay expectations positioned at $51,814. This figure presents a substantial gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $63,433. Over the next few years, early-career professionals can anticipate steady growth as they progress through the pay ranges—starting from $51,814 to $57,359 by reaching the 25th percentile and potentially landing at the median as they gain experience. Given the projected growth rate of 4.63% annually for the athletic training field, Lawrence serves as a favorable market for new graduates looking to establish themselves in a profession that has increasingly required a master’s degree since 2022.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
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 Lawrence
Entry-level athletic trainers in Lawrence, IN typically start between $51,814 and $57,359 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,741 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,433 — 3.03% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Indiana of $55,000 represents just 106.15% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($51,814/year) in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $51,814 to $57,359, 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 IN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lawrence, 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 Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence's below-average 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 Lawrence is $37,741 ( 72.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,814, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,555.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,171
2025 BLS Actual
$49,521
2026 Current Est.
$51,814
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,171 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,898 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,989 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,774 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,382 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,680 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,521 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,814 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,213 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, IN grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,171 in 2019 to $49,521 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,213. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Employers in Lawrence that typically hire new athletic trainers include local high schools, where athletic training services are often outsourced to sports medicine programs from nearby hospitals. Industrial firms, especially in sectors like manufacturing and distribution, are another avenue for employment and generally offer compensation that can be 30-50% higher than traditional school athletic trainer roles. To enhance starting salaries, new athletic trainers should focus on obtaining credentials such as the BOC certification, which requires passing a national exam, and securing a state license following the completion of a CAATE-accredited master’s program. Further, involvement with professional organizations like NATA can provide valuable networking opportunities, which are often vital for career advancement. In the first few years, realistic salary growth should mirror the overall rising trends, with new professionals aiming for at least a modest increase as they develop their skills and experience in the field.
More salary data for Lawrence, IN:
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 Lawrence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence 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