Athletic Trainer Salary in Emporia, KS: $54,895 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Emporia, KS earns a median $54,895/year (≈ $26.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Emporia's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $60,391 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.7% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Emporia, Kansas, the athletic trainer salary is projected to be $54,895 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $65,415. The salary range for this profession spans from $45,882 at the 10th percentile to $74,543 at the 90th percentile, indicating a significant disparity influenced by factors such as job setting and experience levels. Local salary estimates, based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, reflect the distinct industrial and traditional sports divisions prevalent in this area. This regional market knowledge is vital for prospective athletic trainers as they navigate the various environments in which they may work, from high schools to industrial settings.
About the Emporia Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,882 | $22.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,142 | $24.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,895 | $26.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,725 | $31.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,543 | $35.84 |
Median Salary Position
16.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Emporia
In Emporia, KS, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,661 (2026 est.). At $54,895, the local median is 16.08% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Emporia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Emporia Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Emporia median: $54,895/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Emporia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $59,475 | -7.70% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -16.08% less |
Athletic Trainers in Emporia, KS earn a median of $54,895 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.08% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 7.70% below the Kansas state average of $59,475.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Emporia has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Emporia, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $54,895 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,391 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,650
2025 BLS Actual
$52,466
2026 Current Est.
$54,895
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Emporia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,650 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,842 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,633 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,182 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,614 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,637 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,466 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,895 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,437 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Emporia metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $40,650 (2019) to $52,466 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,437 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,787 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Emporia 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) | $45,882 – $50,142 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,142 – $54,895 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,895 – $64,725 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,725 – $74,543 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Emporia
In analyzing the job market for athletic trainers in Emporia, there are currently about five individuals employed in this field. Given the cost-of-living index of 90.9, local salaries tend to provide a decent purchasing power despite the relatively lower compensation compared to national figures. Among employers in Emporia, industrial settings such as Toyota and Boeing typically offer better compensation than traditional roles in secondary schools or outpatient clinics. The variation between low and high pay can largely be attributed to the differences in workplace settings, contract types, and additional responsibilities, such as head trainer roles versus assistant roles, as well as stipends for events outside regular hours. To maximize earnings in this regional market, athletic trainers may consider pursuing further certifications or seeking year-round contratos, particularly in industrial sectors, which can enhance their financial prospects significantly while navigating the evolving landscape of athletic training as mandated by educational transitions.
More salary data for Emporia, KS:
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 $52,466 for athletic trainersin the Emporia 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 Emporia 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