Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Brick, NJ: $57,508 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Brick, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,508 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brick's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,920 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($75,890) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates looking to break into the athletic training profession in Brick, New Jersey, the entry-level salaries present both opportunities and challenges. With a starting athletic trainer salary projected at $57,508 in 2026, new grads may find themselves earning less than the overall median annual salary of $75,890 for the area. However, there is potential for upward mobility; with experience, entry-level trainers could expect to reach the 25th percentile at $65,852 within a few years. This growth trajectory highlights that although starting pay may feel modest, the field offers realistic prospects for advancement as one gains experience and develops their professional skills. Given the current job market in Brick, this is an encouraging time for emerging athletic trainers, as the local demand continues to support growth in the field.
About the Brick Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brick
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 Brick
Entry-level athletic trainers in Brick, NJ typically start between $57,508 and $65,852 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,058 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $75,890 — 16.01% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in New Jersey of $75,000 represents just 130.42% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($57,508/year) in Brick. 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 Brick
- 1Research the Brick market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $57,508 to $65,852, 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 NJ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brick, 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 Brick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Brick's above-average cost of living (index: 115.2) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Athletic Trainer Compensation Range
The athletic trainer wage spread in Brick is $50,058 ( 87.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,508, experienced hygienists can earn up to $107,566.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,707
2025 BLS Actual
$54,963
2026 Current Est.
$57,508
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Brick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,707 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,623 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,163 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,255 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,259 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,686 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,963 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,508 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,170 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Brick, NJ grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,707 in 2019 to $54,963 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,170. New graduates entering the Brick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brick 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 Brick
Employers in Brick, NJ, present a varied landscape for new athletic trainers, particularly as the profession continues to evolve with the requirement of a master’s degree under the 2022 transition. High schools often outsource athletic training services to hospital sports medicine programs, which frequently hire new graduates. For those seeking more lucrative roles, industrial settings, such as factories and distribution centers, typically offer 30-50% higher pay than traditional school-based positions, providing an attractive alternative for early-career professionals. Maintaining certifications such as the BOC credential and pursuing continuous education through specialty certifications can significantly enhance starting pay potential. In the first three years, new grad athletic trainer pay in NJ may grow steadily as individuals reposition themselves within the job market, adapting to the high demand for qualified trainers while strategizing their career development effectively through networking with organizations like NATA.
More salary data for Brick, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Brick in 2026?
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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 Brick. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brick 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