Athletic Trainer Salary in Daphne, AL: $51,233 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Daphne, AL earns a median $51,233/year (≈ $24.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Daphne's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $58,286 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those pursuing an athletic trainer career in Daphne, Alabama, can expect a median annual salary of $51,233, which reflects a significant variance compared to the national figure of $65,415. The local salary range spans from $39,476 at the lower end to $72,697 for top earners. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors, which in Daphne, is notably below the national average with a cost-of-living index of 87.9. The competitive nature of athletic trainer pay in Daphne is largely influenced by the choice between school-year contracts typical in educational institutions and year-round roles found in industrial settings. With only six athletic trainers employed in the area, the job market has its unique dynamics, revealing both opportunities and challenges.
About the Daphne Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,476 | $18.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,574 | $21.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,233 | $24.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,733 | $28.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,697 | $34.95 |
Median Salary Position
21.68% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Daphne
In Daphne, AL, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,221 (2026 est.). At $51,233, the local median is 21.68% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Daphne: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Daphne Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Daphne median: $51,233/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Daphne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $52,386 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -21.68% less |
Athletic Trainers in Daphne, AL earn a median of $51,233 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.68% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.20% below the Alabama state average of $52,386.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Daphne has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Daphne, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $51,233 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $58,286 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,938
2025 BLS Actual
$48,966
2026 Current Est.
$51,233
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Daphne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,938 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,051 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,923 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,168 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,371 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,262 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,966 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,233 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,605 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Daphne metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $37,938 (2019) to $48,966 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,605 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,667 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Daphne 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $39,476 – $44,574 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,574 – $51,233 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,233 – $58,733 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,733 – $72,697 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Daphne
Daphne's job market for athletic trainers indicates a limited number of positions, which can impact salary structures within the community. While compensation for roles in secondary schools may be on the lower end of the spectrum, positions within industrial settings such as Toyota and Boeing tend to offer higher pay, reflecting the growing demand for athletic trainers in occupational health. Given the cost of living, which is relatively low, the take-home pay in Daphne may stretch further than in other areas, even with the local salaries falling short of national averages. Factors driving salary disparities include the setting, with athletic trainers in professional sports typically earning more than their counterparts in educational roles. Additionally, athletic trainers who hold certifications like CSCS may find themselves better positioned for higher-paying roles. As a strategic advice, pursuing year-round employment opportunities and evening or weekend stipends can enhance earning potential in Daphne.
More salary data for Daphne, AL:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $48,966 for athletic trainersin the Daphne metropolitan area. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Daphne 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