Athletic Trainer Salary in Summit, NJ: $70,227 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Summit, NJ earns a median $70,227/year (≈ $33.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Summit's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $60,961 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.8% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Summit, NJ, the evolving landscape for athletic trainers has ushered in a significant shift in compensation since the transition to a master's-degree requirement in 2022. Projected for 2026, the median annual salary for these professionals stands at $70,227, which is approximately 7.36% above the national median of $65,415. The local salary range varies widely, from $59,807 at the 10th percentile to as high as $94,348 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price levels, reflecting the unique economic conditions in this affluent New Jersey suburb. Given the competitive nature of the job market, particularly with only five athletic trainers currently employed in Summit, candidates are encouraged to align their qualifications with the higher-paying sectors.
About the Summit Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,807 | $28.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,953 | $31.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,227 | $33.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,370 | $38.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,348 | $45.36 |
Median Salary Position
7.36% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Summit
In Summit, NJ, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,541 (2026 est.). At $70,227, the local median is 7.36% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Summit: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Summit Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Summit median: $70,227/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Summit Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $75,350 | -6.80% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +7.36% more |
Athletic Trainers in Summit, NJ earn a median of $70,227 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.36% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 6.80% below the New Jersey state average of $75,350.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Summit has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Summit, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,227 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,961 — a 13.19% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$52,003
2025 BLS Actual
$67,119
2026 Current Est.
$70,227
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Summit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,003 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,528 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,982 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,800 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,191 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,855 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,119 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,227 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,478 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Summit metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $52,003 (2019) to $67,119 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,478 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,475 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Summit 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) | $59,807 – $64,953 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,953 – $70,227 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,227 – $79,370 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,370 – $94,348 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Summit
A closer look at the local job market reveals challenges and opportunities for athletic trainers in Summit, where the elevated cost-of-living index of 115.2 complicates the financial landscape for residents. While opportunities exist in high schools and outpatient clinics, those seeking substantial compensation should consider roles in professional sports teams or industrial settings, where salaries can exceed those of traditional athletic training or educational institutions by 30-50%. The disparity in pay often correlates with the nature of the work environment, experience level, and specific responsibilities such as seasonal contracts and head athletic trainer roles versus assistants. As such, maximizing earnings in Summit may involve pursuing certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT, taking on additional duties, or engaging in evening and weekend athletic events, which often come with stipends. By being strategic about job opportunities and enhancing their skill set, athletic trainers can effectively navigate the economic realities of Summit, NJ.
More salary data for Summit, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Summit, NJ in 2026?
Is Summit, NJ a good place to work as a athletic trainer?
Can athletic trainers make $100K in Summit?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Summit?
How much does a athletic trainer make per hour in Summit?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 $67,119 for athletic trainersin the Summit 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 Summit 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