Athletic Trainer Salary in Fort Collins, CO: $68,054 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Fort Collins, CO earns a median $68,054/year (≈ $32.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Fort Collins's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $64,813 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Fort Collins, Colorado, are projected to see a median annual salary of $68,054 in 2026, reflecting a competitive earning potential within the profession. This figure positions the local athletic trainer salary in Fort Collins above the national median of $65,415, showcasing a promising opportunity for those entering the field. The salary range in the area spans from $52,300 at the 10th percentile to as high as $97,766 at the 90th percentile, indicating a healthy disparity in earnings based on experience, setting, and specialization. Estimates for these salary figures derive from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional price parities, ensuring a realistic representation of what professionals can expect. With the transition to a master's degree requirement completed in 2022, the local job market for athletic trainers is poised for growth, providing a fertile landscape for new graduates and seasoned professionals alike.
About the Fort Collins Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,300 | $25.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,109 | $27.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,054 | $32.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,883 | $39.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,766 | $47.00 |
Median Salary Position
4.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Collins
In Fort Collins, CO, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,466 (2026 est.). At $68,054, the local median is 4.03% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fort Collins: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fort Collins Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Fort Collins median: $68,054/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Collins Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $68,673 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +4.03% more |
Athletic Trainers in Fort Collins, CO earn a median of $68,054 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.03% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.90% below the Colorado state average of $68,673.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fort Collins has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fort Collins, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,054 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,813 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,500
2025 BLS Actual
$65,043
2026 Current Est.
$68,054
2019–2027 Growth
+30.7%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Fort Collins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,500 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,780 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,374 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,013 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,268 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,043 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,054 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,205 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Collins metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 19.3% from $54,500 (2019) to $65,043 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,205 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,705 (30.65%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Collins 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) | $52,300 – $58,109 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,109 – $68,054 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,054 – $81,883 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,883 – $97,766 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Fort Collins
Throughout Fort Collins, the athletic trainer job market employs around 44 individuals, pointing to a specialized yet stable demand for trained professionals in the area. The cost-of-living index of 105 highlights that expenses are slightly above the national average, which can impact take-home pay. In terms of compensation, those working in NCAA colleges and universities or professional sports teams often receive the highest salaries, while athletic trainers in high school settings typically earn less. Variability in pay can depend on factors such as the competitive landscape among employers, contract differences for academic vs. year-round positions, and the rising demand for athletic trainers in industrial settings like those of major corporations, which often pay between 30-50% more than their counterparts in schools. To maximize earnings in this market, athletic trainers should seek additional certifications that enhance their qualifications, negotiate on stipends for extra duties, and explore opportunities in sectors that offer higher pay scales, thereby ensuring they receive the best athletic trainer pay Fort Collins CO has to offer.
More salary data for Fort Collins, 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 $65,043 for athletic trainersin the Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins 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