Athletic Trainer Salary in Elizabethtown, KY: $57,086 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Elizabethtown, KY earns a median $57,086/year (≈ $27.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Elizabethtown's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $63,926 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainer salaries in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, present a unique economic picture, particularly when comparing industrial versus traditional sports roles. With a median annual salary of $57,086, athletic trainers here earn notably less than their national counterparts, given that the national median stands at $65,415. The local salary range spans from $43,858 at the 10th percentile to $80,781 at the 90th percentile, reflecting diverse opportunities and experience levels within the field. This data, derived from 2025 BLS state-level figures and adjusted for regional costs, highlights a distinct pay gap shaped by the hiring landscape in Elizabethtown, where emphasis may be placed more on industrial settings rather than the school-focused athletic training roles often seen elsewhere.
About the Elizabethtown Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,858 | $21.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,617 | $23.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,086 | $27.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,438 | $31.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,781 | $38.84 |
Median Salary Position
12.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elizabethtown
In Elizabethtown, KY, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,923 (2026 est.). At $57,086, the local median is 12.73% below the national median of $65,415.
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At 40 hours/week in Elizabethtown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elizabethtown Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Elizabethtown median: $57,086/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elizabethtown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $58,430 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -12.73% less |
Athletic Trainers in Elizabethtown, KY earn a median of $57,086 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.73% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.30% below the Kentucky state average of $58,430.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elizabethtown has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elizabethtown, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $57,086 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,926 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,273
2025 BLS Actual
$54,560
2026 Current Est.
$57,086
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Elizabethtown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,273 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,512 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,255 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,985 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,554 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,380 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,560 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,086 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,729 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elizabethtown metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $42,273 (2019) to $54,560 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,729 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,456 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elizabethtown 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) | $43,858 – $49,617 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,617 – $57,086 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,086 – $65,438 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,438 – $80,781 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Elizabethtown
Five athletic trainers currently hold positions in Elizabethtown, contributing to a very specialized job market in the area. The cost of living index here is lower at 89.3, suggesting that while salaries may lag behind national figures, purchasing power remains relatively stable for residents. Employers such as Toyota and FedEx, engaged in occupational health, tend to offer the highest salaries compared to secondary schools and colleges, where athletic trainer pay often varies significantly due to contract types and the nature of employment. Those in leadership roles, such as head athletic trainers, often command higher wages, compounded by additional stipends for event coverage or advanced certifications. To enhance earning potential, athletic trainers in Elizabethtown should consider seeking employment in industries that prioritize wellness and injury prevention, maximize relevant certifications, and stay informed about local job openings that offer competitive compensation.
More salary data for Elizabethtown, KY:
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 $54,560 for athletic trainersin the Elizabethtown 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 Elizabethtown 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