Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Rawlins, WY: $40,313 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Rawlins, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $40,313 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rawlins's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,080 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($50,972) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the workforce as athletic trainers in Rawlins, Wyoming, the starting salaries reflect the local economic dynamics and professional expectations in 2026. New graduates can expect an entry-level pay of approximately $40,313, which sits noticeably below the median annual salary of $50,972 for this occupation in the city. While this initial number may be discouraging, there is a pathway for growth over the first few years. With experience, one can potentially ascend through salary brackets, approaching the $45,055 mark at the 25th percentile as they gain hands-on experience and build a reputation in the field. Overall, Rawlins presents a reasonable job market for fresh graduates, considering the projected annual growth rate of 4.63% in athletic training positions, suggesting a healthy demand for new talent.
About the Rawlins Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rawlins
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 Rawlins
Entry-level athletic trainers in Rawlins, WY typically start between $40,313 and $45,055 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,784 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $50,972 — 22.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Wyoming of $45,000 represents just 111.63% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($40,313/year) in Rawlins. 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 Rawlins
- 1Research the Rawlins market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $40,313 to $45,055, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Rawlins, 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 Rawlins for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rawlins'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 Rawlins is $29,784 ( 73.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $40,313, experienced hygienists can earn up to $70,097.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$25,030
2025 BLS Actual
$38,529
2026 Current Est.
$40,313
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Rawlins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,030 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,374 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,556 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,724 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,531 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,868 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,529 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,313 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,179 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Rawlins, WY grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,030 in 2019 to $38,529 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,179. New graduates entering the Rawlins job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rawlins 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 Rawlins
Employment opportunities for new graduate athletic trainers in Rawlins often originate in high school settings, where services may be provided through partnerships with local hospitals or sports medicine programs. Additionally, industrial or occupational health settings are an increasingly viable option for new graduates, often paying significantly more than traditional school roles. To enhance starting salaries, candidates should pursue the necessary credentials, including obtaining their Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam for the ATC credential, and securing state licensure. Optional certifications can also offer advantages in the job market. Given the master's degree transition initiated in 2022, aspiring athletic trainers must align their early career strategies with these evolving standards and consider seeking positions in industrial settings, which may yield compensation 30-50% higher than typical school environments. Realistic salary growth over the first three years for professionals in this sector could bring their pay closer to the city median, paving the way to increased opportunities and income potential in Rawlins.
More salary data for Rawlins, WY:
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 Rawlins. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rawlins 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