Athletic Trainer Salary in Billings, MT: $53,081 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Billings, MT earns a median $53,081/year (≈ $25.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Billings's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $55,178 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% above the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for athletic trainers in Billings, Montana, is estimated to be $53,081, which reflects a significant shift in compensation following the 2022 transition to a master's degree requirement for new entrants in the field. The salary range extends from $39,954 at the 10th percentile to $75,026 at the 90th percentile, indicating a varied earning potential based on factors such as experience, education, and workplace settings. These projections are derived from reliable data based on 2025 BLS estimates, adjusted for regional cost variations. When looking at the broader job landscape, the competitive pay level for athletic trainers in Billings highlights the market's response to evolving educational standards and the growing demand for qualified professionals.
About the Billings Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,954 | $19.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,838 | $22.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,081 | $25.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,301 | $30.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,026 | $36.07 |
Median Salary Position
18.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billings
In Billings, MT, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,072 (2026 est.). At $53,081, the local median is 18.86% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Billings: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Billings Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Billings median: $53,081/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Billings Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $51,485 | +3.10% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | -18.86% less |
Athletic Trainers in Billings, MT earn a median of $53,081 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.86% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.10% above the Montana state average of $51,485.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Billings has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Billings, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $53,081 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $55,178 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,307
2025 BLS Actual
$50,732
2026 Current Est.
$53,081
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Billings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,307 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,459 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,291 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,689 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,007 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,581 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,732 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,081 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,539 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Billings metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $39,307 (2019) to $50,732 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,539 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,232 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings 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) | $39,954 – $45,838 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,838 – $53,081 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,081 – $63,301 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,301 – $75,026 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Billings
With 26 athletic trainers currently employed in the Billings area, the local job market displays steady opportunities, particularly for those willing to adapt to different work environments. The cost of living index in Billings is 96.2, slightly below the national average, suggesting that take-home purchasing power will reflect the area's more affordable lifestyle. Among employers, secondary schools, colleges, and outpatient clinics represent the largest sectors for athletic trainers, but positions in industrial settings often provide higher compensation—sometimes 30-50% more than traditional athletic training roles due to the less conventional work hours and unique skill sets required. Factors such as employment contracts, specific job responsibilities, and additional certifications drive the pay differential. For those seeking to maximize their athletic trainer pay in Billings, pursuing additional qualifications and considering shifts into more lucrative industrial environments or year-round contracts can greatly enhance financial prospects.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in Billings?
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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 $50,732 for athletic trainersin the Billings 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 Billings 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