Athletic Trainer Salary in Monroe, NC: $56,317 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Monroe, NC earns a median $56,317/year (≈ $27.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Monroe's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $60,168 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Monroe, North Carolina, athletic trainers can expect to earn a median annual salary of $56,317 in 2026. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $46,403 and experienced trainers commanding as much as $77,918. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjustments for regional price parities highlight the unique aspects of Monroe's job market, particularly the trade-off between working within school-year contracts versus year-round roles in industrial settings. As the demand for athletic trainers grows, especially in diverse settings, it's essential for aspiring professionals to consider where those opportunities are most lucrative.
About the Monroe Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,403 | $22.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,265 | $24.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,317 | $27.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,803 | $32.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,918 | $37.46 |
Median Salary Position
13.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Monroe
In Monroe, NC, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,515 (2026 est.). At $56,317, the local median is 13.91% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Monroe: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Monroe Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Monroe median: $56,317/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Monroe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $58,542 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -13.91% less |
Athletic Trainers in Monroe, NC earn a median of $56,317 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.91% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.80% below the North Carolina state average of $58,542.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Monroe 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.
Monroe, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $56,317 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,168 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,703
2025 BLS Actual
$53,825
2026 Current Est.
$56,317
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Monroe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,703 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,926 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,686 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,352 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,873 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,598 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,825 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,317 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,925 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Monroe metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $41,703 (2019) to $53,825 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,925 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,222 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Monroe 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) | $46,403 – $51,265 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,265 – $56,317 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,317 – $66,803 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,803 – $77,918 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Monroe
Currently, only six athletic trainers are employed in the Monroe area, indicating a relatively tight job market. The cost of living index in Monroe stands at 93.6, suggesting that take-home purchasing power may be more favorable compared to many national averages. Among the various employers, roles with professional sports teams tend to offer the highest salaries, followed closely by those in industrial or occupational health environments like Toyota or FedEx. The disparity in pay within the field often stems from factors such as the nature of the employment setting—professional sports positions generally provide higher compensation than those in secondary schools—and the distinction between head athletic trainers and assistants. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing additional certifications or gaining experience in industrial settings can yield substantial benefits in the long run within the competitive landscape of athletic trainer pay in Monroe, NC.
More salary data for Monroe, NC:
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 $53,825 for athletic trainersin the Monroe 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 Monroe 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