Athletic Trainer Salary in Sarasota, FL: $68,774 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Sarasota, FL earns a median $68,774/year (≈ $33.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Sarasota's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $68,228 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.3% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Sarasota, Florida, can expect a median annual salary of $68,774, a figure that surpasses the national median of $65,415 by approximately 5.13%. This competitive pay range spans from $51,851 at the 10th percentile to $94,641 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diversity of employment settings, particularly the growing demand for athletic trainers in industrial occupations compared to traditional sports environments. The local estimates are adjusted to take into account regional price levels, suggesting that while Sarasota has a higher cost of living (index of 100.8), the compensation remains more favorable than in many other areas. Given the anticipated growth rate of 4.63%, the job market for athletic trainers looks promising.
About the Sarasota Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,851 | $24.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,480 | $28.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,774 | $33.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,601 | $38.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,641 | $45.50 |
Median Salary Position
5.13% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sarasota
In Sarasota, FL, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,790 (2026 est.). At $68,774, the local median is 5.13% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sarasota: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sarasota Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Sarasota median: $68,774/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sarasota Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $63,504 | +8.30% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +5.13% more |
Athletic Trainers in Sarasota, FL earn a median of $68,774 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.13% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 8.30% above the Florida state average of $63,504.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sarasota has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sarasota, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,774 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,228 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,928
2025 BLS Actual
$65,731
2026 Current Est.
$68,774
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Sarasota (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,928 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,421 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,907 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,605 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,905 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,713 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,731 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,774 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,959 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sarasota metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $50,928 (2019) to $65,731 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,959 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,031 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sarasota 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) | $51,851 – $59,480 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,480 – $68,774 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,774 – $80,601 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,601 – $94,641 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Sarasota
The Sarasota job market currently employs ten athletic trainers, a figure that allows for a closer look at pay dynamics across various sectors. Employers in education, especially colleges and universities, generally offer higher salaries than secondary schools. However, facilities in industrial health, such as those operated by companies like Toyota and FedEx, often provide even more lucrative positions, attracting professionals with specialized certifications like CSCS. The disparity in athletic trainer pay in Sarasota can be attributed to factors such as the type of organization, contract duration, and additional responsibilities tied to evening or weekend events. Those seeking to maximize their earning potential should consider pursuing industrial settings or aiming for lead athletic trainer roles over assistant positions, as higher-level certifications and varied work environments can significantly enhance compensation in this vibrant Florida city.
More salary data for Sarasota, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Sarasota, FL in 2026?
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in Sarasota?
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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 $65,731 for athletic trainersin the Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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