Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Richmond, IN: $48,916 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Richmond, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,916 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richmond's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,577 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,523) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Aspiring athletic trainers in Richmond, Indiana, can expect their starting athletic trainer salary in Richmond to be around $48,916 in 2026. New graduates should recognize that this figure is significantly below the city's median annual salary of $64,523, highlighting a common gap found in entry-level positions. However, there is potential for growth as the experience increases; new grads moving toward the 25th percentile may earn approximately $59,679 within a few years and can aim to reach the median salary as they build their careers. Given the projected annual growth rate of 4.63%, Richmond presents a moderately promising job market for entry-level athletic trainers, especially as the demand continues to rise for professionals with advanced training and certifications following the 2022 shift to a master's degree requirement.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richmond
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 Richmond
Entry-level athletic trainers in Richmond, IN typically start between $48,916 and $59,679 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,042 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,523 — 1.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Indiana of $55,000 represents just 112.44% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($48,916/year) in Richmond. 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 Richmond
- 1Research the Richmond market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $48,916 to $59,679, 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 Richmond, 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 Richmond for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richmond'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 Richmond is $38,042 ( 77.77%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,916, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,958.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,372
2025 BLS Actual
$46,751
2026 Current Est.
$48,916
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,372 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,002 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,864 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,493 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,899 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,510 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,751 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,916 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,180 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Richmond, IN grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,372 in 2019 to $46,751 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,180. New graduates entering the Richmond job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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 Richmond
In Richmond, new grads can expect to find entry-level positions primarily through high school athletic training services, which are often outsourced to local hospitals or clinics that specialize in sports medicine. Industrial sectors are also notable employers, frequently utilizing staffing firms that specialize in occupational athletic training roles, which commonly pay more than traditional school-based positions. Graduates should consider enhancing their credentials through programs accredited by CAATE and ensure they pass the BOC national exam to earn the ATC credential. Additionally, seeking a state license or registration will bolster employability. Although the first few years may not yield high salaries, those who focus on industrial roles can see significantly higher pay—up to 30-50% more than their peers in educational settings. Developing a solid foundation of skills and pursuing further certifications, such as the CSCS or OCS-AT, will also positively influence salary growth in the critical early stages of one’s career.
More salary data for Richmond, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is athletic training school worth it in Richmond?
What do new athletic trainers make right out of school in Richmond?
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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 Richmond. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richmond 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