Athletic Trainer Salary in Carol Stream, IL: $61,585 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Carol Stream, IL earns a median $61,585/year (≈ $29.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Carol Stream's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $63,424 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an athletic trainer salary in Carol Stream, Illinois, is projected to reach a median of $61,585, which is slightly below the national median of $65,415. This figure reflects the unique dynamics of the local job market, where salaries range from $46,575 at the lower end to $86,353 for the highest earners. The salaries are influenced by various factors, including the distinction between traditional sports roles compared to industrial settings, where athletic trainers frequently earn more. As Carol Stream continues to develop its healthcare and sports industries, job opportunities for athletic trainers are likely to increase, creating a more competitive landscape.
About the Carol Stream Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,575 | $22.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,684 | $27.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,585 | $29.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,611 | $35.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,353 | $41.52 |
Median Salary Position
5.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carol Stream
In Carol Stream, IL, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,778 (2026 est.). At $61,585, the local median is 5.85% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carol Stream: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carol Stream Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Carol Stream median: $61,585/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carol Stream Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $63,490 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -5.85% less |
Athletic Trainers in Carol Stream, IL earn a median of $61,585 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.85% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $63,490.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carol Stream has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carol Stream, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $61,585 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,424 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,604
2025 BLS Actual
$58,860
2026 Current Est.
$61,585
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Carol Stream (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,604 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,941 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,585 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,688 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,539 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,604 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,585 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,437 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carol Stream metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $45,604 (2019) to $58,860 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,437 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,833 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carol Stream 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) | $46,575 – $56,684 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,684 – $61,585 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,585 – $73,611 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,611 – $86,353 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Carol Stream
With only 10 athletic trainers currently employed in the area, Carol Stream presents a localized job market that is evolving. The cost-of-living index stands at 97.1, meaning that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power remains relatively favorable. Those seeking to maximize athletic trainer pay in Carol Stream, IL, should consider opportunities in industrial or occupational health sectors, which traditionally offer better compensation compared to secondary schools or college settings. As a result, factors such as the work environment, type of employer, and role responsibilities significantly drive the variation in salaries. Developing specialized certifications or taking on head athletic trainer roles can also help enhance earnings potential in this market.
More salary data for Carol Stream, IL:
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 $58,860 for athletic trainersin the Carol Stream 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 Carol Stream 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