Athletic Trainer Salary in Edison, NJ: $74,354 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Edison, NJ earns a median $74,354/year (≈ $35.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Edison's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $64,543 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, athletic trainers in Edison, New Jersey, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $74,354, which is notably higher than the national average of $65,415. The salary range for athletic trainers in this area varies significantly, starting at $56,667 for the lowest 10% and reaching up to $108,770 for the highest earners. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost disparities, indicating a competitive salary for those in the field. The local job market presents opportunities primarily in educational institutions versus industrial settings, compelling trainers to consider factors such as job security, salary benefits, and work-life balance when choosing a career path.
About the Edison Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,667 | $27.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,739 | $31.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,354 | $35.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,854 | $43.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,770 | $52.29 |
Median Salary Position
13.67% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Edison
In Edison, NJ, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,103 (2026 est.). At $74,354, the local median is 13.67% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Edison: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Edison Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Edison median: $74,354/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Edison Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $75,334 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +13.67% more |
Athletic Trainers in Edison, NJ earn a median of $74,354 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.67% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.30% below the New Jersey state average of $75,334.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Edison has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Edison, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $74,354 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,543 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,060
2025 BLS Actual
$71,064
2026 Current Est.
$74,354
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Edison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,674 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,037 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,198 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,847 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,020 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,064 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,354 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,797 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Edison metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $55,060 (2019) to $71,064 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,797 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,737 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edison 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) | $56,667 – $64,739 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,739 – $74,354 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,354 – $90,854 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,854 – $108,770 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Edison
With 20 athletic trainers currently employed in Edison, the local job market demonstrates a stable demand for professionals in this field. However, the cost of living index stands at 115.2, meaning that while salaries are attractive, they must be weighed against living expenses to assess true purchasing power. Among the various employers, secondary schools generally offer lower salaries, while NCAA colleges and professional sports organizations can provide significantly higher pay. The disparity in compensation is influenced by the work setting; athletic trainers in industrial health roles often command higher wages compared to their counterparts in educational environments, owing to year-round contracts versus school-year schedules. Additionally, head athletic trainers typically earn more than assistants, and those with advanced certifications can further enhance their earning potential. For aspiring athletic trainers in Edison, focusing on specialization and gaining experience across different settings can be an effective strategy to maximize their earnings.
More salary data for Edison, NJ:
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 $71,064 for athletic trainersin the Edison 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 Edison 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