Athletic Trainer Salary in Kalispell, MT: $49,154 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Kalispell, MT earns a median $49,154/year (≈ $23.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Kalispell's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $51,096 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kalispell, Montana, the compensation for athletic trainers offers a unique scenario, particularly when comparing school-year contracts to year-round industrial positions. The projected median annual salary for 2026 stands at $49,154, significantly lower than the national median of $65,415. Salaries in the area range widely, from $39,504 at the 10th percentile to $63,672 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the variance in employment settings and responsibilities. These figures are derived from estimated state-level data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, revealing how local market conditions impact earnings. For those entering the field or considering a career in athletic training, the job opportunities and financial outlook in Kalispell invite a closer examination of potential roles and work environments.
About the Kalispell Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,504 | $18.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,905 | $21.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,154 | $23.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,906 | $26.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,672 | $30.61 |
Median Salary Position
24.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kalispell
In Kalispell, MT, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,168 (2026 est.). At $49,154, the local median is 24.86% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kalispell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kalispell Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Kalispell median: $49,154/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kalispell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $51,470 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -24.86% less |
Athletic Trainers in Kalispell, MT earn a median of $49,154 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.86% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.50% below the Montana state average of $51,470.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kalispell 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.
Kalispell, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $49,154 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,096 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,399
2025 BLS Actual
$46,979
2026 Current Est.
$49,154
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Kalispell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,399 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,466 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,384 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,457 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,530 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,766 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,979 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,154 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,430 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kalispell metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $36,399 (2019) to $46,979 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,430 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,031 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kalispell 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) | $39,504 – $43,905 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,905 – $49,154 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,154 – $55,906 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,906 – $63,672 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Kalispell
With just four athletic trainers currently employed in Kalispell, the local job market is relatively small, yet it presents options across various sectors. The cost of living index in the area sits at 96.2, slightly below the national average, which may enhance the purchasing power of athletic trainers in the region. Among potential employers, secondary schools typically offer more modest salaries compared to higher-paying roles in colleges, universities, or industrial settings such as Toyota and Boeing. The wide salary range is influenced by factors such as the nature of the employment (professional sports generally pay the most), whether the position is full-time or part-time, and the trainer's specific duties, including possible stipends for events. For those seeking to maximize their athletic trainer pay in Kalispell, obtaining additional certifications or seeking roles in industrial health can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Kalispell, MT:
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 $46,979 for athletic trainersin the Kalispell 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 Kalispell 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