Athletic Trainer Salary in Manhattan, KS: $59,793 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Manhattan, KS earns a median $59,793/year (≈ $28.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Manhattan's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $65,779 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% above the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Manhattan, Kansas, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $59,793, which is approximately 8.59% lower than the national median of $65,415. The local salary range spans from $45,164 at the 10th percentile to $82,387 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a diverse earning potential based on experience and job setting. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations, reflecting both the demand for services and the competitive nature of the market. Athletic trainers often face a choice between educational contracts that align with the school year and year-round positions typically found in industrial settings. This variation can impact long-term earning potential and career satisfaction.
About the Manhattan Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,164 | $21.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,775 | $24.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,793 | $28.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,138 | $33.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,387 | $39.61 |
Median Salary Position
8.59% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manhattan
In Manhattan, KS, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,223 (2026 est.). At $59,793, the local median is 8.59% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manhattan: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manhattan Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Manhattan median: $59,793/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manhattan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $59,436 | +0.60% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | -8.59% less |
Athletic Trainers in Manhattan, KS earn a median of $59,793 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.59% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.60% above the Kansas state average of $59,436.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manhattan 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.
Manhattan, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $59,793 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,779 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,277
2025 BLS Actual
$57,147
2026 Current Est.
$59,793
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Manhattan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,277 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,575 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,259 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,213 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,951 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,531 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,147 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,793 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,561 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manhattan metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $44,277 (2019) to $57,147 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,561 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,284 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manhattan 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) | $45,164 – $51,775 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,775 – $59,793 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,793 – $70,138 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,138 – $82,387 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Manhattan
In Manhattan, there are currently 14 athletic trainers employed in the area, providing a tight-knit community that may lead to collaborative opportunities and shared resources. The cost of living index stands at 90.9, indicating that while salaries are below the national average, the lower living expenses can enhance purchasing power and overall quality of life. Employment opportunities in secondary schools tend to offer lower compensation than those in colleges, universities, or industrial sectors like Toyota and FedEx. This disparity arises from differences in contract length and responsibilities, such as stipends for overseeing evening or weekend events and additional certifications that can enhance pay. For those looking to maximize their athletic trainer pay in Manhattan, pursuing positions in industrial health, obtaining advanced certifications like those from BOC, and considering the transition from school to year-round roles can be effective strategies.
More salary data for Manhattan, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Manhattan, KS in 2026?
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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 $57,147 for athletic trainersin the Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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