Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Ellensburg, WA: $54,046 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Ellensburg, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,046 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ellensburg's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,322 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,020) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates pursuing an entry-level athletic trainer position in Ellensburg, WA can expect a starting salary around $54,046. This figure represents the lower 10th percentile for the profession, indicating that while initial compensation is modest compared to the median salary of $67,020 in the area, there is a clear pathway for growth. Over the first few years of practice, entry-level athletic trainers can anticipate salary increases as they gain experience, potentially reaching the 25th percentile compensation of $59,783 within a few years. Given the city's projected growth of 4.63% annually for athletic trainers, Ellensburg presents a favorable market for new grads looking to establish their careers in a supportive environment.
About the Ellensburg Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ellensburg
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 Ellensburg
Entry-level athletic trainers in Ellensburg, WA typically start between $54,046 and $59,783 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,945 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,020 — 2.45% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Washington of $65,000 represents just 120.27% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($54,046/year) in Ellensburg. 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 Ellensburg
- 1Research the Ellensburg market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $54,046 to $59,783, 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 Ellensburg, 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 Ellensburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ellensburg'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 Ellensburg is $34,945 ( 64.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,046, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,991.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,557
2025 BLS Actual
$51,654
2026 Current Est.
$54,046
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,557 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,358 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,625 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,293 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,661 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,654 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,046 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,548 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Ellensburg, WA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,557 in 2019 to $51,654 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,548. New graduates entering the Ellensburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg
Employed athletic trainers in Ellensburg typically find positions in high school sports programs, which often outsource their athletic training services to local hospital sports medicine departments. These roles are ideal for recent graduates, and while they may not offer the highest starting pay, they provide essential experience. To enhance earning potential, aspiring athletic trainers should focus on obtaining a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam for the ATC credential, and securing state licensure. Additional certifications, such as those from the NATA, can further validate skills and may lead to better opportunities in varied settings, including industrial occupational health, where salaries can be significantly higher—up to 30-50% more than traditional school roles. Realistically, newcomers to the profession can expect to see gradual salary increases during their first few years as they build their credentials and professional reputation.
More salary data for Ellensburg, WA:
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 Ellensburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ellensburg 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