Athletic Trainer Salary in Bellevue, NE: $57,960 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Bellevue, NE earns a median $57,960/year (≈ $27.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Bellevue's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $63,344 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With the transition to a master's degree requirement for athletic trainers initiated in 2022, the salary landscape in Bellevue, NE, has undergone notable adjustments. In 2026, the projected median salary for athletic trainers stands at $57,960, reflecting a competitive market that is increasingly aligning with educational advancements in the field. The salary range for athletic trainers in Bellevue varies significantly, with estimates stretching from $44,929 at the 10th percentile to $83,412 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, suggest that while local compensation remains below the national median of $65,415, the job market offers opportunities for growth and stability, particularly as more professionals pursue higher education.
About the Bellevue Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,929 | $21.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,050 | $24.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,960 | $27.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,119 | $33.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,412 | $40.10 |
Median Salary Position
11.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bellevue
In Bellevue, NE, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,483 (2026 est.). At $57,960, the local median is 11.4% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bellevue: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bellevue Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Bellevue median: $57,960/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bellevue Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $59,876 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -11.40% less |
Athletic Trainers in Bellevue, NE earn a median of $57,960 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.40% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.20% below the Nebraska state average of $59,876.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bellevue has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bellevue, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $57,960 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,344 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,920
2025 BLS Actual
$55,395
2026 Current Est.
$57,960
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Bellevue (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,920 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,178 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,902 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,704 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,328 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,074 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,395 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,960 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,643 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bellevue metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $42,920 (2019) to $55,395 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,643 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,723 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellevue 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) | $44,929 – $51,050 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,050 – $57,960 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,960 – $70,119 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,119 – $83,412 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Bellevue
The local job market in Bellevue employs approximately 15 athletic trainers, indicating a modest yet stable demand for these professionals. However, the cost of living index in the area is pegged at 91.5, which is below the national average, potentially enhancing the purchasing power of local salaries. Among various employers, secondary schools and collegiate athletic programs typically offer lower compensation compared to industrial health settings like Toyota and Boeing, which may pay significantly more due to differences in job responsibilities and contract types. Factors contributing to the disparity in pay include the setting—where professional sports roles tend to command higher salaries—and whether positions involve year-round contracts or stipends for after-hours events. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing additional certifications such as CSCS or OCS-AT, alongside seeking positions in occupational health, could be impactful strategies in the Bellevue market.
More salary data for Bellevue, NE:
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 $55,395 for athletic trainersin the Bellevue 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 Bellevue 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