Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Wichita, KS: $48,119 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Wichita, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,119 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wichita's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,099 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,696) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those embarking on a career as an athletic trainer in Wichita, KS, the projected starting salary in 2026 emphasizes a promising yet competitive landscape. Entry-level positions typically begin around $48,119, a figure that may seem lower when compared to the overall city median salary of $60,696 for athletic trainers. Nonetheless, new graduates can realistically expect their earnings to improve as they progress in their careers, with potential growth trajectories leading to the 25th percentile at $50,065 and eventually reaching the median within a few years of experience. Given Wichita's current demand for athletic trainers and a modest cost of living index, the entry-level situation proves advantageous for new professionals seeking their first job opportunity in this field.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wichita
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 Wichita
Entry-level athletic trainers in Wichita, KS typically start between $48,119 and $50,065 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,813 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,696 — 7.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Kansas of $40,000 represents just 83.13% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($48,119/year) in Wichita. 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 Wichita
- 1Research the Wichita market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $48,119 to $50,065, 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 Wichita, 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 Wichita for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wichita'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 Wichita is $25,813 ( 53.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,119, experienced hygienists can earn up to $73,932.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,510
2025 BLS Actual
$45,990
2026 Current Est.
$48,119
2019–2027 Growth
+24.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Wichita (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,510 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,860 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,620 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,130 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,570 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,990 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,119 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,347 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Wichita, KS grew 13.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,510 in 2019 to $45,990 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,347. New graduates entering the Wichita job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wichita 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 Wichita
In Wichita, diverse employers are eager to hire newly licensed athletic trainers, particularly within high schools and industrial settings. Many high school athletic trainer roles are often serviced through outsourced hospital sports medicine programs, providing ample opportunities for fresh graduates. Conversely, positions in collegiate athletics may necessitate prior experience such as a graduate assistantship or internship, which can complicate early career pursuits. Aspiring trainers should prioritize obtaining essential credentials, including a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam, and acquiring state licensure, as these qualifications significantly enhance employability and starting pay in Kansas. Additionally, those who consider industrial or occupational settings – typically found in factories and distribution centers – might see starting athletic trainer salaries 30-50% higher than traditional school-based roles. As new athletic trainers navigate their first few years, a reasonable salary increment can be expected, positioning them advantageously for future roles in the field.
More salary data for Wichita, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Wichita in 2026?
How fast do athletic trainer salaries grow in Wichita?
Is athletic training school worth it in Wichita?
What do new athletic trainers make right out of school in Wichita?
How do I become a athletic trainer in Kansas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 Wichita. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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