Athletic Trainer Salary in Meridian, MS: $44,932 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Meridian, MS earns a median $44,932/year (≈ $21.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Meridian's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $52,429 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Meridian, Mississippi, the 2026 median annual salary for athletic trainers is projected to be $44,932. This reflects a competitive compensation framework where the salary range spans from $35,991 at the 10th percentile to $60,953 at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost considerations, indicate a local job market where trainers employed in educational institutions may earn less compared to those in year-round industrial settings. The disparity in salaries often aligns with the nature of the roles—athletic trainers in schools generally operate under school-year contracts, while those in industries, known for their higher wage potential, often benefit from additional work opportunities throughout the year.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,991 | $17.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,139 | $19.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,932 | $21.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,560 | $25.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,953 | $29.31 |
Median Salary Position
31.31% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Meridian
In Meridian, MS, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,962 (2026 est.). At $44,932, the local median is 31.31% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Meridian: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Meridian Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Meridian median: $44,932/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Meridian Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $47,397 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -31.31% less |
Athletic Trainers in Meridian, MS earn a median of $44,932 per year (2026 est.), which is 31.31% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 5.20% below the Mississippi state average of $47,397.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Meridian has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Meridian, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $44,932 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,429 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,273
2025 BLS Actual
$42,944
2026 Current Est.
$44,932
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,273 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,248 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,259 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,982 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,791 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,997 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,944 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,932 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,013 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Meridian metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $33,273 (2019) to $42,944 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,013 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,740 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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) | $35,991 – $40,139 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,139 – $44,932 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,932 – $52,560 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,560 – $60,953 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Meridian
Analyzing the local job market, there are currently seven athletic trainers employed in Meridian. The cost-of-living index stands at 85.7, suggesting that the purchasing power for athletic trainers relative to national averages is slightly lower, making take-home pay more impactful. Among the possible employers, industrial health sectors—such as those related to Toyota or Boeing—tend to offer the highest compensation, especially when contrasted with positions in local high schools. The salary variance can be attributed to factors like the type of employment setting, the difference between head and assistant athletic trainer roles, and the necessity for evening or weekend event stipends. For those beginning their careers, attaining additional certifications like the CSCS can also enhance earning potential, while networking in the local insurance and healthcare industries may open doors to lucrative opportunities in Meridian, MS.
More salary data for Meridian, MS:
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 $42,944 for athletic trainersin the Meridian 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 Meridian 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