Athletic Trainer Salary in Evanston, IL: $63,162 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Evanston, IL earns a median $63,162/year (≈ $30.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Evanston's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $65,048 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average athletic trainer salary in Evanston, IL, is projected to reach $63,162, reflecting the significant impact of the master's-required transition that took effect in 2022. This new educational standard has reframed entry-level compensation for practitioners in the field, creating a competitive salary landscape. Athletic trainers in Evanston can expect to see a salary range from $46,827 at the 10th percentile to $91,758 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating a broad spectrum of earning potential based on experience, responsibilities, and work settings. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for local cost of living, which means prospective athletic trainers should have a solid understanding of the local job market dynamics and salary expectations.
About the Evanston Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,827 | $22.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,837 | $25.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,162 | $30.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,122 | $37.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,758 | $44.11 |
Median Salary Position
3.44% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Evanston
In Evanston, IL, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,931 (2026 est.). At $63,162, the local median is 3.44% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Evanston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Evanston Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Evanston median: $63,162/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Evanston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $63,543 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -3.44% less |
Athletic Trainers in Evanston, IL earn a median of $63,162 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.44% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $63,543.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Evanston 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.
Evanston, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $63,162 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,048 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,772
2025 BLS Actual
$60,367
2026 Current Est.
$63,162
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,772 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,143 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,753 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,986 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,935 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,002 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,367 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,162 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,086 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Evanston metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $46,772 (2019) to $60,367 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,086 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,314 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evanston 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) | $46,827 – $53,837 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,837 – $63,162 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,162 – $77,122 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,122 – $91,758 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Evanston
For those aspiring to enter the athletic training profession in Evanston, the job market currently employs 16 athletic trainers, highlighting a specialized niche that offers various avenues for growth. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, salaries in Evanston may have slightly less purchasing power compared to higher-cost regions, making it essential to understand employer dynamics. Opportunities at high schools, colleges, professional sports teams, and industrial/occupational health settings can yield different pay scales, with professional teams typically offering the highest salaries. Conversely, school-based roles often see lower pay due to contract differences and the nature of their employment terms. Additional certifications, such as the CSCS or OCS-AT, along with a proactive role in extracurricular events, can further enhance earning potential in this competitive market. Thus, focusing on securing a position that aligns with professional aspirations, while also considering geographic and institutional factors, will be key for maximizing athletic trainer pay in Evanston, IL.
More salary data for Evanston, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in Evanston?
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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 $60,367 for athletic trainersin the Evanston 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 Evanston 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