Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Burien, WA: $55,505 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Burien, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,505 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burien's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,681 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,928) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of athletic training in Burien, Washington, can expect a starting athletic trainer salary in the neighborhood of $55,505, a figure that reflects the lower end of the market for entry-level positions. This starting salary is notably below Burien's median annual salary of $69,928. However, the trajectory for growth is promising; within the first three to five years, many new ATs can realistically aim for earnings that may reach $62,351, the 25th percentile for the profession. With a growth rate of 4.63% annually projected for the next five years, Burien presents a favorable environment for emerging athletic trainers, as the market is gradually expanding.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burien
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 Burien
Entry-level athletic trainers in Burien, WA typically start between $55,505 and $62,351 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,396 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,928 — 6.9% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Washington of $65,000 represents just 117.11% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($55,505/year) in Burien. 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 Burien
- 1Research the Burien market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $55,505 to $62,351, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burien, 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 Burien for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burien'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 Burien is $46,396 ( 83.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,505, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,901.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,463
2025 BLS Actual
$53,049
2026 Current Est.
$55,505
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,463 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,313 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,695 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,679 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,544 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,111 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,049 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,505 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,075 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Burien, WA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,463 in 2019 to $53,049 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,075. New graduates entering the Burien job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burien 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 Burien
For those looking to secure their first role as an athletic trainer in Burien, it's beneficial to target specific employers that prioritize hiring new graduates. High school athletic training services, often sourced through hospital sports medicine programs, represent a primary entry point for fresh talent. Additionally, industrial settings increasingly seek athletic trainers, with many positions available that offer compensation significantly higher than traditional school roles—between 30-50% more on average. To boost starting pay and enhance job prospects, focusing on required credentials such as a Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, national certification from the BOC, and obtaining state licensure is essential. Gaining these qualifications early creates advantages in a competitive job market, and those who invest in continuing education and optional specialty certifications could see accelerated salary growth in their first few years in the profession.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Burien 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 Burien. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burien 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