Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Pullman, WA: $55,421 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Pullman, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,421 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pullman's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,602 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,425) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates embarking on a career as an athletic trainer in Pullman, Washington, can expect starting salaries around $55,421 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the pay spectrum for entry-level positions, which can extend up to $95,598 for more experienced trainers. When compared to the median annual salary of $67,425 for athletic trainers in Pullman, there is a noticeable gap that new grads should be mindful of. However, the growth trajectory within the first few years of employment is promising: as they gain experience, salaries could rise to about $61,225 at the 25th percentile and even approach the median as they progress through their early careers. The Pullman job market currently presents reasonable opportunities for new graduates, especially as the demand for skilled athletic trainers continues to rise.
About the Pullman Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pullman
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 Pullman
Entry-level athletic trainers in Pullman, WA typically start between $55,421 and $61,225 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,177 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,425 — 3.07% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Washington of $65,000 represents just 117.28% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($55,421/year) in Pullman. 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 Pullman
- 1Research the Pullman market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $55,421 to $61,225, 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 Pullman, 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 Pullman for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pullman'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 Pullman is $40,177 ( 72.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,421, experienced hygienists can earn up to $95,598.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,411
2025 BLS Actual
$52,969
2026 Current Est.
$55,421
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Pullman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,411 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,258 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,634 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,613 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,472 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,038 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,969 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,421 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,987 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Pullman, WA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,411 in 2019 to $52,969 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,987. New graduates entering the Pullman job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pullman 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 Pullman
In Pullman, several primary employers hire new athletic trainers, often within high school sports medicine programs or through institutional partnerships that may outsource hiring to local hospitals. However, aspiring trainers should seek internships or graduate assistant positions to enhance their credentials, as collegiate roles often prioritize prior experience. With the transition to a master's degree in athletic training mandated since 2022, candidates must also pass the BOC national exam and secure a state license, adding significant value to their qualifications. Additionally, those considering industrial settings may find more lucrative opportunities; these roles frequently offer pay that is 30-50% higher than traditional school-based positions. For early-career professionals in their first three years, realistic salary advancements will align with both continued education and sector choice, supporting an upward trend in earnings that mirrors the overall growth rate of 4.63%.
More salary data for Pullman, 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 Pullman. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pullman 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