Athletic Trainer Salary in Kernersville, NC: $58,035 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Kernersville, NC earns a median $58,035/year (≈ $27.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Kernersville's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $62,003 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Kernersville, North Carolina, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $58,035, a figure that reflects the shift towards requiring a master’s degree for entry into the profession which took effect in 2022. This change has reshaped compensation, with local salaries ranging from $45,988 at the 10th percentile to $80,268 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and take into account regional cost adjustments. Although this salary is below the national median of $65,415, it illustrates the demand for qualified athletic trainers in Kernersville.
About the Kernersville Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,988 | $22.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,432 | $24.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,035 | $27.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,693 | $33.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,268 | $38.59 |
Median Salary Position
11.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kernersville
In Kernersville, NC, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,280 (2026 est.). At $58,035, the local median is 11.28% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kernersville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kernersville Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Kernersville median: $58,035/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kernersville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $58,562 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -11.28% less |
Athletic Trainers in Kernersville, NC earn a median of $58,035 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.28% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.90% below the North Carolina state average of $58,562.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kernersville has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kernersville, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $58,035 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,003 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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
$42,975
2025 BLS Actual
$55,467
2026 Current Est.
$58,035
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Kernersville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,975 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,235 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,958 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,766 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,395 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,081 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,467 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,035 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,722 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kernersville metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $42,975 (2019) to $55,467 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,722 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,747 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kernersville 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) | $45,988 – $51,432 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,432 – $58,035 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,035 – $68,693 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,693 – $80,268 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Kernersville
Currently, there are only six athletic trainers employed in the area, indicating a competitive local market for these professionals. Kernersville's cost of living index stands at 93.6, which suggests that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the relatively affordable living costs can enhance purchasing power. Among local employers, positions in industrial and occupational health settings, such as those with Toyota or FedEx, often provide the highest salaries, significantly outweighing the typical pay in high schools or colleges. Factors contributing to variations in pay include contract types, roles—head athletic trainer versus assistant—as well as stipends for additional duties like evening or weekend events. To maximize income potential, individuals seeking careers in Kernersville should consider obtaining additional certifications, pursuing opportunities in industrial settings, and being open to varied employment types.
More salary data for Kernersville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Kernersville, NC in 2026?
Is Kernersville, NC a good place to work as a athletic trainer?
Can athletic trainers make $100K in Kernersville?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Kernersville?
How much does a athletic trainer make per hour in Kernersville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 $55,467 for athletic trainersin the Kernersville 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 Kernersville 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