Athletic Trainer Salary in Joplin, MO: $60,764 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Joplin, MO earns a median $60,764/year (≈ $29.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Joplin's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $67,817 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Joplin, Missouri, the projected athletic trainer salary for 2026 is $60,764, reflecting a distinct difference from the national median of $65,415, which positions local pay approximately 7.11% lower. Athletic trainers in the region can expect a salary range spanning from $47,220 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $87,594 at the upper spectrum (90th percentile), showcasing considerable variability in compensation based on experience, setting, and roles. The data is derived from 2025 BLS estimates, further adjusted for regional cost differentials, which are particularly relevant in an area with a cost of living index of 89.6, indicating that Joplin residents enjoy a more affordable lifestyle compared to the national average. This context is essential given the ongoing demand for athletic trainers across various settings, including secondary schools, colleges, and industrial environments, each contributing differently to total pay.
About the Joplin Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,220 | $22.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,607 | $25.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,764 | $29.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,598 | $35.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,594 | $42.11 |
Median Salary Position
7.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Joplin
In Joplin, MO, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,374 (2026 est.). At $60,764, the local median is 7.11% below the national median of $65,415.
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At 40 hours/week in Joplin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Joplin Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Joplin median: $60,764/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Joplin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $62,643 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -7.11% less |
Athletic Trainers in Joplin, MO earn a median of $60,764 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.11% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.00% below the Missouri state average of $62,643.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Joplin has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Joplin, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $60,764 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,817 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,530
2025 BLS Actual
$58,075
2026 Current Est.
$60,764
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Joplin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,140 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,977 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,012 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,811 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,172 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,075 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,764 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,577 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Joplin metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 22.2% from $47,530 (2019) to $58,075 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,577 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,047 (33.76%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Joplin 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) | $47,220 – $53,607 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,607 – $60,764 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,764 – $73,598 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,598 – $87,594 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Joplin
In terms of employment, Joplin's job market currently employs eight athletic trainers, suggesting a niche yet stable demand in the area. The cost of living index of 89.6 indicates that while salaries may lag behind national averages, purchasing power remains relatively strong, allowing for better living conditions. Occupational health settings such as Toyota and other industrial employers tend to offer salaries on the higher end of the pay scale, often rewarding experienced trainers more generously than roles in academic institutions or secondary schools. Factors influencing the gap between low and high salaries include the nature of the job (professional vs. industrial vs. educational), the type of contract, and additional stipends for after-hours events, which can complement base pay. To maximize potential earnings in Joplin, athletic trainers should consider pursuing certifications such as CSCS or OCS-AT, and seek positions in industrial firms that typically offer more competitive compensation packages compared to traditional educational environments.
More salary data for Joplin, MO:
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 $58,075 for athletic trainersin the Joplin 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 Joplin 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