Athletic Trainer Salary in Henderson, KY: $57,127 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Henderson, KY earns a median $57,127/year (≈ $27.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Henderson's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $63,972 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Henderson, Kentucky, are expected to earn a median annual salary of $57,127. This figure is notably below the national average of $65,415, demonstrating the local market's unique characteristics and constraints. The salary range for athletic trainers in the area varies widely, starting from $43,776 at the 10th percentile and reaching up to $81,060 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and consider regional price variations. The disparity in compensation reflects the impact of the master’s-required transition in 2022, placing additional qualifications on new entrants in the profession. This context highlights the evolving demands within the field, particularly in a smaller market like Henderson.
About the Henderson Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,776 | $21.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,913 | $24.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,127 | $27.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,490 | $31.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,060 | $38.97 |
Median Salary Position
12.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Henderson
In Henderson, KY, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,284 (2026 est.). At $57,127, the local median is 12.67% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Henderson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Henderson Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Henderson median: $57,127/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Henderson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $58,412 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -12.67% less |
Athletic Trainers in Henderson, KY earn a median of $57,127 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.67% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.20% below the Kentucky state average of $58,412.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Henderson 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.
Henderson, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $57,127 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,972 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,303
2025 BLS Actual
$54,599
2026 Current Est.
$57,127
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Henderson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,303 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,543 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,285 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,019 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,591 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,412 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,599 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,127 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,772 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Henderson metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $42,303 (2019) to $54,599 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,772 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,469 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Henderson 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) | $43,776 – $51,913 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,913 – $57,127 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,127 – $65,490 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,490 – $81,060 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Henderson
With only four athletic trainers currently employed in Henderson, the job market is quite limited, which may affect both competition and opportunities for advancement. The cost-of-living index stands at 89.3, indicating that local purchasing power is somewhat favorable when compared to the national average. While many athletic trainers work in secondary schools, those employed in industrial or occupational health settings, such as at Toyota or FedEx, may see significantly higher compensation than their counterparts in educational institutions. Factors driving salary differences include the type of employer, the nature of the contracts (year-round versus school-year), and additional roles, such as athletic trainers responsible for evening events. To enhance earning potential in the region, aspiring athletic trainers should seek credentials beyond the standard BOC certification, like the CSCS or OCS-AT, and consider positions that combine multiple aspects of athletic training across various settings.
More salary data for Henderson, 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 $54,599 for athletic trainersin the Henderson 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 Henderson 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