Athletic Trainer Salary in New Brunswick, NJ: $75,645 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in New Brunswick, NJ earns a median $75,645/year (≈ $36.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in New Brunswick's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $65,664 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in New Brunswick, NJ, will see a median annual salary of $75,645, reflecting a significant advantage over the national median of $65,415. This financial boost is indicative of the city's demand for skilled professionals, shaped largely by the 2022 transition to a master's degree requirement for entry-level athletic trainers. The salary range stretches from $57,235 at the 10th percentile to $106,529 for the top 90th percentile, showcasing substantial income potential across various roles within the profession. These figures are based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for local cost of living, presenting a promising outlook for those entering the field in New Brunswick.
About the New Brunswick Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,235 | $27.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,342 | $31.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,645 | $36.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,345 | $43.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,529 | $51.22 |
Median Salary Position
15.64% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Brunswick
In New Brunswick, NJ, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,294 (2026 est.). At $75,645, the local median is 15.64% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in New Brunswick: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How New Brunswick Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
New Brunswick median: $75,645/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Brunswick Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $75,344 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +15.64% more |
Athletic Trainers in New Brunswick, NJ earn a median of $75,645 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.64% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.40% above the New Jersey state average of $75,344.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Brunswick has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
New Brunswick, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $75,645 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,664 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,016
2025 BLS Actual
$72,298
2026 Current Est.
$75,645
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in New Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,016 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,658 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,993 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,990 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,322 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,298 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,645 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,148 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Brunswick metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $56,016 (2019) to $72,298 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,148 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,132 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Brunswick 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) | $57,235 – $65,342 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,342 – $75,645 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,645 – $90,345 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,345 – $106,529 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in New Brunswick
Currently, New Brunswick employs eight athletic trainers, showcasing a modest job market while offering competitive salaries. The city’s cost of living index stands at 115.2, indicating that professionals in this area may need to consider their real purchasing power when assessing their athletic trainer pay in New Brunswick, NJ. Among local employers, collegiate sports teams and universities often provide the most lucrative positions, especially for those with additional certifications such as CSCS or OCS-AT. The variance in earnings is influenced by factors such as the role's setting—professional sports tend to offer higher compensation than high school athletic training—as well as contract type and responsibilities. For trainers aiming to enhance their pay, focusing on industrial settings or pursuing leadership roles can lead to significant financial rewards in this evolving job market.
More salary data for New Brunswick, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in New Brunswick, NJ in 2026?
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in New Brunswick?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in New Brunswick?
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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 $72,298 for athletic trainersin the New Brunswick 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 New Brunswick 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