Athletic Trainer Salary in Lafayette, CO: $66,472 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Lafayette, CO earns a median $66,472/year (≈ $31.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Lafayette's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $63,307 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lafayette, Colorado, the athletic trainer salary in Lafayette is projected to reach a median annual figure of $66,472 in 2026, which represents a modest increase compared to the national median of $65,415 for the same year. The salary range for athletic trainers in this area varies widely, from a lower percentile of $50,069 to a high-end earning potential of $92,969. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026 while also factoring in regional price parities. The transition to a master's degree requirement for entry-level positions in 2022 has notably influenced compensation structures, reflecting an increased emphasis on advanced qualifications. As a result, job seekers in Lafayette may find opportunities that are more competitive than those available in areas that still utilize the previous bachelor's pathway.
About the Lafayette 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) | $61,034 | $29.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,472 | $31.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,813 | $36.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,969 | $44.70 |
Median Salary Position
1.62% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lafayette
In Lafayette, CO, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,900 (2026 est.). At $66,472, the local median is 1.62% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lafayette: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lafayette Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Lafayette median: $66,472/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lafayette Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $68,670 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +1.62% more |
Athletic Trainers in Lafayette, CO earn a median of $66,472 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.62% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 3.20% below the Colorado state average of $68,670.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lafayette has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lafayette, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,472 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,307 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,223
2025 BLS Actual
$63,531
2026 Current Est.
$66,472
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,223 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,666 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,203 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,711 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,867 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,938 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,531 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,472 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,550 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lafayette metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $49,223 (2019) to $63,531 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,550 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,327 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lafayette 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 – $61,034 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,034 – $66,472 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,472 – $76,813 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,813 – $92,969 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Lafayette
The local job market for athletic trainers is relatively small, with only seven professionals currently employed in Lafayette. The cost-of-living index stands at 105, suggesting that living expenses are slightly above the national average, which can affect take-home pay for athletic trainers. Employers that typically offer the highest salaries include colleges and universities, particularly those at the NCAA level, as well as some industrial settings where occupational athletic trainers may earn significantly more—often 30-50% over traditional school roles. Various factors contribute to the salary differences seen in this field, such as the contractual differences between year-round positions versus school-year-only roles, career advancement from assistant to head athletic trainer, and additional stipends for evening or weekend events. For those seeking to maximize their athletic trainer pay in Lafayette, obtaining relevant certifications from recognized bodies like the NATA and BOC, along with strategically targeting job opportunities in higher-paying sectors, will be most beneficial.
More salary data for Lafayette, 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 $63,531 for athletic trainersin the Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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