Athletic Trainer Salary in Bethesda, MD: $69,059 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Bethesda, MD earns a median $69,059/year (≈ $33.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Bethesda's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $63,183 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bethesda, Maryland, athletic trainers are projected to earn a median annual salary of $69,059 in 2026. This figure is notably higher than the national median of $65,415, marking a 5.57% increase which highlights Bethesda's competitive market for athletic training professionals. The salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $53,259 and reaching up to $99,044 for more experienced or specialized roles. These estimates are informed by state-level data and adjusted for local purchasing power, reflecting Bethesda's higher-than-average cost of living. For professionals weighing career options in this area, it's essential to consider the balance between the school-year contracts typical of high school and college settings versus the year-round positions available in industrial settings.
About the Bethesda Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,259 | $25.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,621 | $29.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,059 | $33.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,341 | $40.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,044 | $47.62 |
Median Salary Position
5.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bethesda
In Bethesda, MD, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,785 (2026 est.). At $69,059, the local median is 5.57% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bethesda: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bethesda Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Bethesda median: $69,059/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bethesda Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $71,490 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +5.57% more |
Athletic Trainers in Bethesda, MD earn a median of $69,059 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $71,490.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bethesda has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bethesda, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,059 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,183 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,139
2025 BLS Actual
$66,003
2026 Current Est.
$69,059
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Bethesda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,139 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,638 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,117 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,839 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,157 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,454 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,003 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,059 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,256 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bethesda metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $51,139 (2019) to $66,003 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,256 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,117 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bethesda 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) | $53,259 – $60,621 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,621 – $69,059 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,059 – $83,341 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,341 – $99,044 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Bethesda
The job market for athletic trainers in Bethesda appears stable, with 18 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the local cost-of-living index of 109.3 means that take-home pay may feel constrained compared to national averages,. While many athletic trainers find roles in high schools or colleges, those working for professional sports teams or in industrial health settings often enjoy higher salaries. Factors driving pay disparities include the type of employer, whether in sports or occupational health, and the differences between head athletic trainer and assistant roles. To maximize earning potential, professionals should pursue certifications like the CSCS or OCS-AT, seek full-time positions that offer year-round contracts, and look for opportunities to cover evening or weekend events, which can come with additional stipends. Understanding these dynamics will aid athletic trainers in negotiating their overall compensation within Bethesda’s evolving job market.
More salary data for Bethesda, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in Bethesda?
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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 $66,003 for athletic trainersin the Bethesda 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 Bethesda 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