Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Orem, UT: $52,862 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Orem, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,862 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Orem's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,886 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,289) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of athletic training in Orem, UT, the starting pay can be quite varied. In 2026, new graduates can expect an entry-level athletic trainer salary around $52,862, which is significantly lower than the overall city median salary of $66,289. This presents a notable gap for those just beginning their careers. However, there is potential for growth in this field; within the first few years, a new athletic trainer could reasonably transition to a salary closer to $59,291, especially with experience and continued professional development. With a projected growth rate of 4.63% annually, the market in Orem may be promising for those determined to advance in this rewarding profession.
About the Orem Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Orem
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 Orem
Entry-level athletic trainers in Orem, UT typically start between $52,862 and $59,291 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,044 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,289 — 1.34% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Utah of $48,000 represents just 90.80% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($52,862/year) in Orem. 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 Orem
- 1Research the Orem market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $52,862 to $59,291, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Orem, 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 Orem for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Orem'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 Orem is $44,044 ( 83.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,862, experienced hygienists can earn up to $96,906.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,822
2025 BLS Actual
$50,523
2026 Current Est.
$52,862
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Orem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,822 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,584 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,757 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,599 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,280 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,978 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,523 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,862 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,310 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Orem, UT grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,822 in 2019 to $50,523 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,310. New graduates entering the Orem job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Orem 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 Orem
Employers in Orem seeking fresh talent in athletic training predominantly include high school athletic programs, often outsourced to hospital sports medicine departments. New grads typically find their first roles in educational settings, while positions in industrial environments may offer attractive salary packages, as they tend to pay significantly more than school-based roles. Ensuring you meet the required credentials—such as a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam for the ATC credential, and obtaining a state license—will enhance your marketability. Also, consider specialty certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT for further appeal. In your first three years, maintaining a strategy that emphasizes gaining diverse experiences within the field will be crucial for upward salary movement in both educational and industrial settings in Orem.
More salary data for Orem, UT:
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 Orem. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Orem 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