Athletic Trainer Salary in Ruston, LA: $62,909 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Ruston, LA earns a median $62,909/year (≈ $30.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Ruston's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $69,667 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Ruston, LA can expect to earn a median annual salary of $62,909, which reflects a slight decrease of 3.83% compared to the national median of $65,415. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $51,604 at the 10th percentile, and experienced trainers earning up to $84,497 at the 90th percentile. This salary estimate is derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations. Ruston's job market currently employs four athletic trainers, highlighting a niche yet essential role within the community, especially in educational settings.
About the Ruston Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,604 | $24.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,751 | $27.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,909 | $30.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,413 | $35.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,497 | $40.63 |
Median Salary Position
3.83% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ruston
In Ruston, LA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,893 (2026 est.). At $62,909, the local median is 3.83% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ruston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ruston Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Ruston median: $62,909/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ruston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $65,394 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -3.83% less |
Athletic Trainers in Ruston, LA earn a median of $62,909 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.83% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.80% below the Louisiana state average of $65,394.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ruston 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.
Ruston, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $62,909 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,667 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,584
2025 BLS Actual
$60,125
2026 Current Est.
$62,909
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Ruston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,584 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,565 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,778 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,711 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,154 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,125 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,909 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,821 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ruston metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $46,584 (2019) to $60,125 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,821 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,237 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ruston 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) | $51,604 – $56,751 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,751 – $62,909 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,909 – $73,413 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,413 – $84,497 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Ruston
The local job market presents unique dynamics for athletic trainers in Ruston, where the cost of living index is notably lower at 90.3 compared to the national average. While this bolsters take-home purchasing power, it also reflects the limited number of employers who can offer competitive compensation. Secondary schools, colleges, and outpatient clinics are key employers. The spread in salaries is influenced by factors such as the nature of employment contracts—school-year contracts typically yield lower pay compared to year-round positions in industrial settings, where athletic trainers often earn significantly more. To maximize earnings in this market, aspiring athletic trainers should consider pursuing certifications such as the CSCS or OCS-AT, seeking evening or weekend roles for additional stipends, and actively applying for positions in industrial environments, which are proving to be more financially lucrative than traditional educational roles.
More salary data for Ruston, 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 $60,125 for athletic trainersin the Ruston 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 Ruston 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