Athletic Trainer Salary in Santa Fe, NM: $62,349 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Santa Fe, NM earns a median $62,349/year (≈ $29.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Santa Fe's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $66,048 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Santa Fe, NM, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $62,349. This figure reflects an ongoing trend where local salaries are slightly below the national median of $65,415. The salary range for athletic trainers in the area varies widely, with entry-level positions earning around $47,765 at the 10th percentile, while those in more advanced roles could see earnings of up to $88,702 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, provide insight into the compensation dynamics in Santa Fe. Given that the job market incorporates various employment settings, from high schools to industrial environments, the opportunities for athletic trainers can differ significantly based on contract types and employers.
About the Santa Fe Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,765 | $22.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,300 | $26.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,349 | $29.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,811 | $35.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,702 | $42.65 |
Median Salary Position
4.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Fe
In Santa Fe, NM, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,937 (2026 est.). At $62,349, the local median is 4.69% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Fe: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Santa Fe Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Santa Fe median: $62,349/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Fe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $61,732 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | -4.69% less |
Athletic Trainers in Santa Fe, NM earn a median of $62,349 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.69% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.00% above the New Mexico state average of $61,732.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Fe 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.
Santa Fe, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $62,349 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,048 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,170
2025 BLS Actual
$59,590
2026 Current Est.
$62,349
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Santa Fe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,170 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,523 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,151 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,317 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,215 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,282 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,590 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,349 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,236 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Fe metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $46,170 (2019) to $59,590 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,236 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,066 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Fe 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) | $47,765 – $54,300 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,300 – $62,349 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,349 – $74,811 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,811 – $88,702 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Santa Fe
The local job market sees about 20 athletic trainers currently employed in Santa Fe, a relatively modest number that highlights the competitive nature of this profession. With a cost-of-living index of 94.4, professionals in the area enjoy a purchasing power that is higher than the figures might suggest. Among the top-paying employers in Santa Fe are colleges and universities, which typically offer the most lucrative compensation compared to secondary schools or outpatient clinics. The spread between lower and higher salaries can be influenced by factors such as employment setting, contract duration, and specific roles like head athletic trainer versus assistant positions. To maximize earnings, trainers should consider pursuing additional certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT, strategically seek year-round positions in industrial settings, and remain flexible with evening or weekend event stipends, all of which can enhance their overall athletic trainer pay in Santa Fe, NM.
More salary data for Santa Fe, 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 $59,590 for athletic trainersin the Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe 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