Athletic Trainer Salary

Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Wilsonville, OR: $52,598 (2026)

Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Wilsonville, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,598 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wilsonville's local price level (BEA RPP 102.63% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,265 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,381) within a few years of clinical practice.

$52,598
Starting Salary
$25.29/hr
Starting Hourly
$52,598
Entry Level
$64,381
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Athletic Trainer Entry Level Salary in Wilsonville, OR — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Wilsonville, OR athletic trainer entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For those just beginning their careers, the entry-level athletic trainer salary in Wilsonville, Oregon, is positioned at approximately $52,598 in 2026. While this figure sits below the city’s median annual salary of $64,381, it reflects a structured path for new graduates to rise in their earning potential. Over the first few years, athletic trainers may expect to see their salaries gradually increase as they gain experience and progress to the 25th percentile at $56,993, ultimately moving towards the median figure. This growth trajectory, spurred by a projected annual growth rate of 4.63%, suggests that Wilsonville is a promising market for new grads eager to jumpstart their careers in athletic training.

About the Wilsonville Market

Salary estimated from Oregon average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Wilsonville

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$52,598/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$56,993/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$64,381/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$76,143/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilsonville

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for athletic trainers in Wilsonville. The median salary is $64,381, compared to the national median of $65,415.$47.3K$58.9K$70.4K$81.9K$93.4K$52.6K10th Pctl$57.0K25th Pctl$64.4KMedian$76.1K75th Pctl$88.9K90th PctlUS Median$65.4K

Entry-level athletic trainers in Wilsonville, OR typically start between $52,598 and $56,993 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,347 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,3811.58% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of athletic trainer pay in the Wilsonville metro area.

Return on Investment

$65,000
Avg OR Program Cost
$52,598
Starting Salary
123.58%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
1.2 yr
Payback Estimate

The average athletic training program cost in Oregon of $65,000 represents just 123.58% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($52,598/year) in Wilsonville. 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 Wilsonville

  • 1Research the Wilsonville market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $52,598 to $56,993, 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 Wilsonville, 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 Wilsonville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Wilsonville'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 Wilsonville is $36,347 ( 69.10%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,598, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,945.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$32,658

2025 BLS Actual

$50,270

2026 Current Est.

$52,598

2019–2027 Growth

+68.5%

Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Wilsonville (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for athletic trainers in Wilsonville. Baseline $32,658 in 2025, projected to $55,033 by 2027.$28.2K$36.0K$43.8K$51.7K$59.5K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$32.7K$34.4K$38.6K$41.4K$45.1K$48.8K$50.3K$52.6K$55.0K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$32,658Actual
2020$34,411Actual
2021$38,563Actual
2022$41,391Actual
2023$45,053Actual
2024$48,754Actual
2025$50,270Actual
2026(current)$52,598Estimated
2027$55,033Projected

Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Wilsonville, OR grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,658 in 2019 to $50,270 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,033. New graduates entering the Wilsonville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilsonville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Wilsonville

Opportunities for entry-level positions in Wilsonville primarily reside within high school athletic training services, which are often outsourced to local hospital sports medicine programs. These roles frequently hire new graduates willing to work in educational settings. While collegiate positions generally require graduate assistantships or internships, industrial settings—such as factories or distribution centers—can offer salaries that are 30-50% higher than those found in traditional school settings. Aspiring athletic trainers should focus on obtaining credentials from a CAATE-accredited master's program, passing the BOC national exam for the ATC credential, and securing state licensure. Additionally, pursuing specialty certifications such as CSCS can provide an edge in a competitive job market, ultimately leading to enhanced starting pay and upward mobility in the first few years after graduation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Wilsonville in 2026?

Entry-level athletic trainers in Wilsonville start at approximately $52,598/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.63% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $25.29/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do athletic trainer salaries grow in Wilsonville?

Most athletic trainers in Wilsonville progress from the entry-level salary of $52,598 to the area median of $64,381 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $88,945 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is athletic training school worth it in Wilsonville?

With a starting salary of $52,598/year in Wilsonville and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new athletic trainers recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new athletic trainers make right out of school in Wilsonville?

New athletic training graduates in Wilsonville typically start near the 10th percentile at $52,598/year, or approximately $25.29/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a athletic trainer in Oregon?

To become a licensed athletic trainer in Oregon, you typically need master's degree in athletic training from a caate-accredited program (transitioning from bachelor's to master's-level entry by 2023), passing the boc certification exam (atc credential), and state licensure or registration., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Oregon, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some athletic trainers pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Oregon

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gomez, MS, ATCData verified by David Kim, BS, ATC

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 Wilsonville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Wilsonville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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