Athletic Trainer Salary in Chelmsford, MA: $67,465 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Chelmsford, MA earns a median $67,465/year (≈ $32.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Chelmsford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $62,180 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Chelmsford, MA, can anticipate a median annual salary of $67,465 in 2026, a figure slightly above the national median of $65,415. The projected salary range for these professionals varies significantly, from $54,120 at the 10th percentile to $94,420 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect not just the local demand for athletic trainers but also highlight how the industrial realm, which encompasses settings like occupational health, can lead to higher pay than more traditional sports environments. Chelmsford's job market is currently seeing a small pool of just eight athletic trainers, indicating potential for growth as awareness of injury management in various sectors increases.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,120 | $26.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,486 | $29.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,465 | $32.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,532 | $38.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,420 | $45.40 |
Median Salary Position
3.13% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelmsford
In Chelmsford, MA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,300 (2026 est.). At $67,465, the local median is 3.13% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelmsford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelmsford Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Chelmsford median: $67,465/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelmsford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $70,942 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +3.13% more |
Athletic Trainers in Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $67,465 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.13% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $70,942.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelmsford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelmsford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,465 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,180 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,959
2025 BLS Actual
$64,480
2026 Current Est.
$67,465
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,959 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,423 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,938 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,528 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,746 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,132 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,480 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,465 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,589 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelmsford metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $49,959 (2019) to $64,480 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,589 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,630 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelmsford 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) | $54,120 – $60,486 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,486 – $67,465 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,465 – $80,532 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,532 – $94,420 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Chelmsford
When considering the financial realities for athletic trainers in Chelmsford, the cost of living is an essential factor, standing at a higher index of 108.5. This means that while salaries may be attractive, purchasing power is impacted when compared to national averages. Among local employers, those involved with secondary schools typically offer lower salaries, whereas colleges and outpatient clinics may provide more competitive compensation. As for maximizing earnings, athletic trainers can seek year-round contracts or pursue advanced certifications such as CSCS or OCS-AT to enhance their credentials and leverage better pay. The spread between low and high salaries often relates to employment settings: those working in professional sports or supervised industrial settings often enjoy more lucrative contracts due to the demanding nature of their roles.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
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 $64,480 for athletic trainersin the Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford 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