Athletic Trainer Salary in Rio Rancho, NM: $63,560 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Rio Rancho, NM earns a median $63,560/year (≈ $30.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Rio Rancho's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $67,331 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% above the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected athletic trainer salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, stands at $63,560 annually. This figure, while reflecting a competitive position within the local market, is slightly lower than the national average for the same year, which is $65,415. The salary range for athletic trainers in the area varies from approximately $47,403 at the lower end (10th percentile) to nearly $92,129 at the upper end (90th percentile). These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost variances, indicating the potential earnings reflective of the unique job market in Rio Rancho. Individuals considering a career in athletic training here must weigh the benefits of working in the local educational system against the opportunities available in year-round industrial settings, which often offer higher compensation.
About the Rio Rancho Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,403 | $22.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,749 | $26.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,560 | $30.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,962 | $37.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,129 | $44.29 |
Median Salary Position
2.84% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rio Rancho
In Rio Rancho, NM, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,726 (2026 est.). At $63,560, the local median is 2.84% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rio Rancho: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rio Rancho Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Rio Rancho median: $63,560/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rio Rancho Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $61,768 | +2.90% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | -2.84% less |
Athletic Trainers in Rio Rancho, NM earn a median of $63,560 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.84% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.90% above the New Mexico state average of $61,768.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rio Rancho has a cost of living 5.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rio Rancho, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $63,560 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,331 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,066
2025 BLS Actual
$60,747
2026 Current Est.
$63,560
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Rio Rancho (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,066 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,446 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,047 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,313 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,287 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,355 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,747 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,560 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,502 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rio Rancho metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $47,066 (2019) to $60,747 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,502 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,436 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rio Rancho 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) | $47,403 – $54,749 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,749 – $63,560 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,560 – $76,962 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,962 – $92,129 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Rio Rancho
With 16 athletic trainers employed locally, the job market in Rio Rancho demonstrates a modest but steady demand for professionals in the field. The cost of living index, which sits at 94.4, suggests that earnings may stretch further in this area compared to national averages, making the net take-home pay more favorable. In terms of compensation, secondary schools and outpatient clinics generally offer competitive salaries, while industrial settings like Toyota and Boeing could command higher pay due to year-round requirements. Differences in pay often stem from factors such as work setting—professional sports typically yield higher compensation than educational institutions—and responsibilities associated with head positions versus assistant roles. To maximize athletic trainer pay in Rio Rancho, pursuing additional certifications, engaging in evening or weekend events, or negotiating stipends when taking on extra duties can significantly enhance overall income potential.
More salary data for Rio Rancho, NM:
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 $60,747 for athletic trainersin the Rio Rancho 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 Rio Rancho 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