Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Gardner, KS: $46,501 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Gardner, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,501 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Gardner's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,156 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($55,141) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gardner, Kansas, new graduates entering the field of athletic training can expect a starting salary of approximately $46,501, markedly lower than the overall median of $55,141 for this profession in the area. This initial compensation reflects the entry-level position and sets realistic expectations for new grads. Over the first few years, an athletic trainer's salary can progress through various pay tiers, from the entry-level mark to a range of approximately $50,667 at the 25th percentile and potentially reaching the median as experience and skills develop. With a growth rate of 4.63% projected annually, Gardner presents a decent market for aspiring athletic trainers, offering opportunities as they ascend the career ladder amidst the region's moderate demand for healthcare professionals with a focus on sports medicine.
About the Gardner Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Gardner
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 Gardner
Entry-level athletic trainers in Gardner, KS typically start between $46,501 and $50,667 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,964 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $55,141 — 15.71% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Kansas of $40,000 represents just 86.02% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($46,501/year) in Gardner. 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 Gardner
- 1Research the Gardner market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $46,501 to $50,667, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Gardner, 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 Gardner for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Gardner'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 Gardner is $28,964 ( 62.29%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,501, experienced hygienists can earn up to $75,465.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,872
2025 BLS Actual
$44,443
2026 Current Est.
$46,501
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Gardner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,872 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,422 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,093 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,593 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,831 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,152 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,443 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,501 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,654 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Gardner, KS grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,872 in 2019 to $44,443 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,654. New graduates entering the Gardner job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gardner 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 Gardner
Job opportunities for new athletic trainers in Gardner primarily stem from local high schools, where many tend to outsource their athletic training services to hospital sports medicine programs. Graduates targeting these roles must consider that collegiate positions often require prior experience, such as a graduate assistantship or internship. Credentials in this field are essential, with a Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program now necessary following the 2022 transition. Obtaining the BOC national exam credential, along with state licenses and additional certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT, can significantly boost a new grad athletic trainer's pay in KS. Given the disparities between school-based roles and industrial settings—where occupational athletic trainers can earn 30-50% more—strategic networking and leveraging NATA resources will help new professionals navigate their early careers while setting realistic salary growth expectations during their first few years in the industry.
More salary data for Gardner, KS:
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 Gardner. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gardner 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