Athletic Trainer Salary in Natchitoches, LA: $61,133 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Natchitoches, LA earns a median $61,133/year (≈ $29.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Natchitoches's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $67,700 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for athletic trainers in Natchitoches, Louisiana, is projected at $61,133, which reflects a pay gap in comparison to the national median of $65,415. This discrepancy can largely be attributed to the regional employment landscape, where the salary range spans from $52,079 at the 10th percentile to $82,443 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjust for the local cost of living. Natchitoches presents a unique market for athletic trainers as it involves more industrial or occupational health settings, which often offer higher salaries than traditional sports roles, creating this notable compensation divide.
About the Natchitoches Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,079 | $25.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,748 | $27.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,133 | $29.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,286 | $33.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,443 | $39.63 |
Median Salary Position
6.55% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Natchitoches
In Natchitoches, LA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,364 (2026 est.). At $61,133, the local median is 6.55% below the national median of $65,415.
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At 40 hours/week in Natchitoches: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Natchitoches Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Natchitoches median: $61,133/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Natchitoches Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $65,453 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -6.55% less |
Athletic Trainers in Natchitoches, LA earn a median of $61,133 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.55% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 6.60% below the Louisiana state average of $65,453.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Natchitoches has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Natchitoches, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $61,133 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,700 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,270
2025 BLS Actual
$58,428
2026 Current Est.
$61,133
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Natchitoches (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,270 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,597 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,251 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,316 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,138 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,879 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,428 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,133 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,964 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Natchitoches metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $45,270 (2019) to $58,428 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,964 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,694 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Natchitoches 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) | $52,079 – $56,748 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,748 – $61,133 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,133 – $69,286 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,286 – $82,443 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Natchitoches
The local job market for athletic trainers shows a presence of just six professionals, highlighting a smaller employment pool, which may influence salary offers as supply and demand fluctuate. With a cost of living index of 90.3, Natchitoches offers an affordability advantage, yet it also suggests that pay scales must accommodate local economic conditions. Among employers, industrial settings—such as those with companies like Toyota and Boeing—generally offer higher compensation compared to traditional roles in high school or college athletics. Factors contributing to pay variation include the professional environment, contract type, and additional certifications, which can significantly impact earning potential. To maximize salary opportunities in Natchitoches, athletic trainers should consider positions in industrial health, pursue relevant certifications, and seek roles that offer stipends for evening or weekend commitments, optimizing their earning power in this market.
More salary data for Natchitoches, LA:
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 $58,428 for athletic trainersin the Natchitoches 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 Natchitoches 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