Athletic Trainer Salary in Mishawaka, IN: $59,172 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Mishawaka, IN earns a median $59,172/year (≈ $28.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Mishawaka's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $64,811 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.8% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The transition to requiring a master’s degree for athletic trainers, effective in 2022, has significantly reshaped the entry-level compensation in Mishawaka, Indiana. In 2026, the median annual salary for athletic trainers is projected to be $59,172, which places it below the national median of $65,415. The salary range in Mishawaka extends from $46,967 at the 10th percentile to $86,228 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse spectrum of pay based on experience and setting. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price levels. With a small employment pool of just nine athletic trainers locally, professionals in this field may find various opportunities but may need to seek out competitive settings to optimize their earnings.
About the Mishawaka Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,967 | $22.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,761 | $25.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,172 | $28.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,227 | $34.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,228 | $41.45 |
Median Salary Position
9.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mishawaka
In Mishawaka, IN, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,261 (2026 est.). At $59,172, the local median is 9.54% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mishawaka: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mishawaka Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Mishawaka median: $59,172/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mishawaka Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $66,337 | -10.80% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -9.54% less |
Athletic Trainers in Mishawaka, IN earn a median of $59,172 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.54% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 10.80% below the Indiana state average of $66,337.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mishawaka has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mishawaka, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $59,172 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,811 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,818
2025 BLS Actual
$56,554
2026 Current Est.
$59,172
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Mishawaka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,818 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,102 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,799 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,702 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,402 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,182 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,554 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,172 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,912 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mishawaka metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $43,818 (2019) to $56,554 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,912 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,094 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mishawaka 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) | $46,967 – $52,761 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,761 – $59,172 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,172 – $72,227 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,227 – $86,228 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Mishawaka
Understanding the local job market dynamics is key for those looking to maximize athletic trainer pay in Mishawaka, IN. The cost of living index in Mishawaka sits at 91.3, suggesting that while the salaries may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power is relatively stable. Secondary schools typically offer lower compensation compared to colleges and universities, with NCAA institutions often being the prime employers. In contrast, industrial and occupational health settings can command salaries that range significantly higher due to the nature of the work and greater funding available. Factors contributing to this pay disparity include the differences in contract structures, such as seasonal versus year-round positions, roles (head AT vs assistant), stipends for extra events, and additional certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT. Those aspiring to enter this workforce should focus on seeking positions in industrial health or pursuing advanced credentials to enhance their marketability and earning potential in Mishawaka.
More salary data for Mishawaka, IN:
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 $56,554 for athletic trainersin the Mishawaka 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 Mishawaka 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