Athletic Trainer Salary in Centennial, CO: $68,189 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Centennial, CO earns a median $68,189/year (≈ $32.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Centennial's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $64,942 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Centennial, Colorado, can expect to see a median annual salary of $68,189 in 2026. This figure is higher than the national median of $65,415, reflecting the local demand for skilled athletic trainers in both educational and industrial settings. Salaries in this field range significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $50,069, while seasoned professionals, particularly in specialized settings, may earn up to $101,878. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, take into account the cost of living in Centennial, which is rated at 105 on the index, suggesting a competitive market for athletic trainers in the region. With a mix of school-year contracts and year-round industrial positions, job seekers in this area have diverse opportunities that can affect overall compensation.
About the Centennial Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,069 | $24.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,933 | $27.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,189 | $32.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,241 | $38.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,878 | $48.98 |
Median Salary Position
4.24% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Centennial
In Centennial, CO, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,809 (2026 est.). At $68,189, the local median is 4.24% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Centennial: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Centennial Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Centennial median: $68,189/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Centennial Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $68,670 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +4.24% more |
Athletic Trainers in Centennial, CO earn a median of $68,189 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.24% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.70% below the Colorado state average of $68,670.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Centennial has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Centennial, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,189 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,942 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,495
2025 BLS Actual
$65,172
2026 Current Est.
$68,189
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Centennial (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,495 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,975 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,474 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,124 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,387 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,072 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,172 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,189 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,347 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Centennial metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $50,495 (2019) to $65,172 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,347 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,852 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Centennial 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) | $50,069 – $57,933 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,933 – $68,189 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,189 – $80,241 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,241 – $101,878 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Centennial
In Centennial, the job market for athletic trainers shows promise, with 16 professionals currently employed and a projected annual growth rate of 4.63%. However, the cost of living slightly above the national average may impact disposable income. Among various employers, those in professional sports settings typically offer higher salaries compared to positions in secondary schools or outpatient clinics. The variation in pay can be driven by factors such as the specific setting—professional versus industrial versus educational—and the roles within those environments, such as head athletic trainer versus supporting staff. Opportunities for maximizing salary can include seeking advanced certifications, such as those from the Board of Certification (BOC) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCS), which are highly valued in both sports and occupational health avenues. Ultimately, understanding the local job dynamics and pursuing continued education can be essential strategies for athletic trainers looking to enhance their pay in Centennial, CO.
More salary data for Centennial, CO:
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 $65,172 for athletic trainersin the Centennial 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 Centennial 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