Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Klamath Falls, OR: $51,393 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Klamath Falls, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,393 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Klamath Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,091 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,830) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Klamath Falls, Oregon, new graduates entering the field of athletic training can expect entry-level salaries to start around $51,393 in 2026. This figure represents the 10th percentile, highlighting the earnings gap for fresh professionals when compared to the overall median annual salary of $61,830 for the region. For early-career athletic trainers, there is a potential upward trajectory where salaries can rise to $56,317 at the 25th percentile and reach toward the median as experience accumulates. With an overall projected growth rate of 4.63% annually over the next five years, Klamath Falls presents a viable market for those starting their careers in athletic training, especially as new graduates look to position themselves for success in this evolving field.
About the Klamath Falls Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Klamath Falls
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 Klamath Falls
Entry-level athletic trainers in Klamath Falls, OR typically start between $51,393 and $56,317 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,315 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,830 — 5.48% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Oregon of $65,000 represents just 126.48% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($51,393/year) in Klamath Falls. 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 Klamath Falls
- 1Research the Klamath Falls market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $51,393 to $56,317, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Klamath Falls, 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 Klamath Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Klamath Falls's moderate 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 Klamath Falls is $32,315 ( 62.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,393, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,708.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,910
2025 BLS Actual
$49,119
2026 Current Est.
$51,393
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Klamath Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,910 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,623 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,680 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,443 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,022 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,622 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,119 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,393 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,773 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Klamath Falls, OR grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,910 in 2019 to $49,119 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,773. New graduates entering the Klamath Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Klamath Falls 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 Klamath Falls
Job opportunities in Klamath Falls for new athletic trainers predominantly arise from high school athletic programs and industrial settings, with many positions being outsourced to local hospital sports medicine departments. These entry-level roles often have competitive pay and provide essential experience, although collegiate athletic positions typically require prior assistant roles or graduate internships to qualify. To enhance starting pay in Oregon, credentials such as a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, successful completion of the BOC national exam for certification (ATC), and a state license are necessary. Additionally, obtaining optional specializations, like the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), can further improve salary potential. New graduates should also consider employment in industrial or occupational settings, which may offer significantly higher compensation—30-50% more than traditional school athletic training roles. Realistic expectations for salary growth in the first few years indicate that athletic trainers can gradually move toward more lucrative positions as they gain valuable experience and credentials.
More salary data for Klamath Falls, OR:
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 Klamath Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Klamath Falls 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