Athletic Trainer Salary in Gilbert, AZ: $66,067 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Gilbert, AZ earns a median $66,067/year (≈ $31.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Gilbert's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $67,073 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gilbert, AZ, the projected median athletic trainer salary for 2026 stands at $66,067, slightly surpassing the national median of $65,415. This salary reflects a range from $50,719 at the lower end (P10) to $99,528 at the higher end (P90), indicating a diverse earning potential within the local job market. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost considerations, which show Gilbert's cost of living index at 98.5, suggesting a modestly lower cost of living compared to the national average. The athletic trainer salary in Gilbert displays a competitive edge, especially when considering the differences between school-year contracts in educational settings and year-round contracts found in industrial environments.
About the Gilbert Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,719 | $24.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,135 | $27.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,067 | $31.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,874 | $39.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,528 | $47.85 |
Median Salary Position
1.00% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gilbert
In Gilbert, AZ, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,809 (2026 est.). At $66,067, the local median is 1% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gilbert: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gilbert Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Gilbert median: $66,067/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gilbert Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $64,455 | +2.50% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +1.00% more |
Athletic Trainers in Gilbert, AZ earn a median of $66,067 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.00% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 2.50% above the Arizona state average of $64,455.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gilbert has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gilbert, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $66,067 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,073 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,923
2025 BLS Actual
$63,143
2026 Current Est.
$66,067
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Gilbert (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,923 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,357 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,902 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,377 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,507 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,578 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,143 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,067 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,125 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gilbert metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $48,923 (2019) to $63,143 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,125 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,202 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gilbert 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) | $50,719 – $58,135 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,135 – $66,067 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,067 – $81,874 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,874 – $99,528 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Gilbert
The demand for athletic trainers in Gilbert is buoyed by the presence of 49 professionals currently employed in the field, contributing to a robust local job market characterized by a projected annual growth rate of 4.63%. This demand is tempered by the local cost of living, which may impact purchasing power for those in entry-level positions. Among the various settings, those working in industrial or occupational health—such as roles at Toyota or FedEx—typically earn higher wages compared to their counterparts in secondary schools or collegiate athletics. The pay disparity is driven by various factors, including the nature of the work, the type of contract, and additional certifications that enhance employability. Athletic trainers looking to maximize their pay in Gilbert should consider pursuing roles in higher-paying sectors, enhancing their qualifications with certifications from NATA or BOC, and seeking opportunities that offer stipends for additional duties such as evening or weekend events. Such strategies can significantly influence overall compensation in this evolving market.
More salary data for Gilbert, AZ:
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 $63,143 for athletic trainersin the Gilbert 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 Gilbert 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