Athletic Trainer Salary in Starkville, MS: $46,092 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Starkville, MS earns a median $46,092/year (≈ $22.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Starkville's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $53,783 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the athletic trainer salary in Starkville, Mississippi, is projected to reach a median of $46,092, reflecting the notable impact of the transition to a master's requirement for entry-level positions that took place in 2022. Salaries for athletic trainers in this area range from $35,034 at the 10th percentile to $61,939 at the 90th percentile, offering a diverse spectrum of earning potential based on experience and work setting. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost factors, and illustrate the compensation landscape for athletic trainers amidst the evolving educational requirements of the field. As Starkville is home to a growing number of health-focused employers, the job market for athletic trainers is expected to remain competitive and resilient.
About the Starkville Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,034 | $16.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,591 | $20.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,092 | $22.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,558 | $25.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,939 | $29.78 |
Median Salary Position
29.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Starkville
In Starkville, MS, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,905 (2026 est.). At $46,092, the local median is 29.54% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Starkville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Starkville Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Starkville median: $46,092/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Starkville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $47,419 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -29.54% less |
Athletic Trainers in Starkville, MS earn a median of $46,092 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.54% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.80% below the Mississippi state average of $47,419.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Starkville 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.
Starkville, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $46,092 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,783 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,131
2025 BLS Actual
$44,052
2026 Current Est.
$46,092
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Starkville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,131 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,132 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,117 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,936 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,818 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,002 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,052 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,092 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,226 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Starkville metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $34,131 (2019) to $44,052 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,226 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,095 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Starkville 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) | $35,034 – $42,591 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,591 – $46,092 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,092 – $53,558 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,558 – $61,939 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Starkville
The local job market currently employs five athletic trainers, which underscores the niche nature of this profession in Starkville. With a cost-of-living index of 85.7, the economic environment suggests that even with a lower median salary compared to the national average, the dollar stretches further for residents. Athletic trainers in educational institutions, particularly at college levels, may find salaries closer to the upper end of the spectrum, while those in industrial settings, such as health services within factories, typically command higher salaries than their counterparts in secondary schools. This disparity in pay can be attributed to several factors, including job responsibilities, contract types, and additional qualifications. To maximize earning potential in Starkville, aspiring athletic trainers should consider seeking certifications like the CSCS or OCS-AT and pursuing roles in industries that offer year-round contracts, thus enhancing both experience and financial rewards.
More salary data for Starkville, 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 $44,052 for athletic trainersin the Starkville 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 Starkville 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