Athletic Trainer Salary in Gaithersburg, MD: $72,020 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Gaithersburg, MD earns a median $72,020/year (≈ $34.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Gaithersburg's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $65,892 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Gaithersburg, Maryland, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $72,020 in 2026. This figure surpasses the national average for the profession by over 10%, indicating a strong local demand for athletic training services. The salary range for athletic trainers in the area is quite broad, spanning from $54,897 at the lower tenth percentile to $99,303 at the upper ninety percentile. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations, highlighting the competitive landscape for athletic trainers in Gaithersburg. With the transition to a master's degree requirement for entry-level positions completed in 2022, the evolving credentialing landscape continues to shape not only professional expectations but also compensation trends within the city’s job market.
About the Gaithersburg Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,897 | $26.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,515 | $30.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,020 | $34.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,320 | $41.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,303 | $47.74 |
Median Salary Position
10.10% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gaithersburg
In Gaithersburg, MD, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,406 (2026 est.). At $72,020, the local median is 10.1% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gaithersburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gaithersburg Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Gaithersburg median: $72,020/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gaithersburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $71,519 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +10.10% more |
Athletic Trainers in Gaithersburg, MD earn a median of $72,020 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.10% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.70% above the Maryland state average of $71,519.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gaithersburg has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gaithersburg, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,020 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,892 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,331
2025 BLS Actual
$68,833
2026 Current Est.
$72,020
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Gaithersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,331 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,895 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,309 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,277 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,780 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,261 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,833 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,020 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,354 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gaithersburg metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $53,331 (2019) to $68,833 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,354 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,023 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gaithersburg 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) | $54,897 – $62,515 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,515 – $72,020 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,020 – $86,320 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,320 – $99,303 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Gaithersburg
Examining the local job market reveals that there are currently 14 athletic trainers employed in Gaithersburg, reflecting a niche yet essential segment of the healthcare field. With a cost of living index of 109.3—indicating that living expenses are notably above the national average—it's critical for professionals in the area to consider how take-home salaries align with their purchasing power. Employers that typically offer higher compensation tend to include colleges and universities, as well as professional sports teams, where the intensity of the role often justifies increased pay. The differences in salaries are driven by factors such as employment setting, contract duration, and responsibilities, where professional sports positions often command the highest wages due to their demanding nature. To maximize earnings, athletic trainers should focus on gaining certifications, seeking positions in higher-paying industries, and negotiating stipends for additional duties or evening events. Understanding Gaithersburg’s unique job market dynamics can lead to strategic career advancements for skilled athletic trainers.
More salary data for Gaithersburg, MD:
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 $68,833 for athletic trainersin the Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 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