Athletic Trainer Salary in South Brunswick, NJ: $73,831 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in South Brunswick, NJ earns a median $73,831/year (≈ $35.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in South Brunswick's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $64,089 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in South Brunswick, NJ, can expect a median annual salary of $73,831, reflecting a significant shift in the industry following the 2022 transition to a master's degree requirement for entry-level positions. This salary range offers a considerable span from $57,112 at the 10th percentile to $105,026 at the 90th percentile, suggesting a healthy market for professionals with varied experience and expertise. Adjusting for regional cost factors, these estimates—derived from 2025 BLS data—highlight South Brunswick's competitive compensation compared to the national median, which sits at $65,415. The local employment scene indicates a focused demand, driven by a blend of secondary school athletics and potential industrial health roles.
About the South Brunswick Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,112 | $27.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,401 | $30.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,831 | $35.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,801 | $40.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,026 | $50.49 |
Median Salary Position
12.87% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Brunswick
In South Brunswick, NJ, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,914 (2026 est.). At $73,831, the local median is 12.87% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Brunswick: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Brunswick Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
South Brunswick median: $73,831/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Brunswick Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $75,338 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +12.87% more |
Athletic Trainers in South Brunswick, NJ earn a median of $73,831 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.87% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $75,338.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Brunswick has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Brunswick, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $73,831 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,089 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,672
2025 BLS Actual
$70,564
2026 Current Est.
$73,831
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in South Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,672 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,275 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,650 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,767 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,383 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,492 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,564 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,831 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,249 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Brunswick metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $54,672 (2019) to $70,564 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,249 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,577 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South 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) | $57,112 – $64,401 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,401 – $73,831 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,831 – $84,801 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,801 – $105,026 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in South Brunswick
The local job market for athletic trainers in South Brunswick is relatively small, with only seven trainers currently employed in the area. However, the cost-of-living index at 115.2 suggests that while the salaries are competitive, they do not stretch as far as in lower-cost areas. Among local employers, secondary schools typically pay less compared to colleges, universities, and industrial settings like factories or large organizations. Variations in salaries often stem from the differing scopes of responsibilities, with professional sports roles commanding the highest pay, followed by those in industrial settings who may earn significantly more than their counterparts in educational institutions. For athletic trainers looking to maximize their compensation in this market, pursuing additional certifications, seeking out year-round contracts, and considering roles at colleges or industrial companies could enhance their salary potential beyond standard academic settings.
More salary data for South Brunswick, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in South 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 $70,564 for athletic trainersin the South 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 South 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