Athletic Trainer Salary in Wilson, NC: $56,149 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Wilson, NC earns a median $56,149/year (≈ $26.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Wilson's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $59,988 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The athletic trainer pay in Wilson, NC, is projected to be a median of $56,149 in 2026, reflecting the financial dynamics of a community where job opportunities can favor either school-year contracts or year-round industrial positions. The estimated salary range spans from $46,050 at the bottom 10th percentile to $77,362 for those at the 90th percentile, indicating a varied landscape that reflects differing responsibilities and work settings. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight a market that, while slightly below the national median of $65,415, suggests specific niches for growth and advance. Job availability for athletic trainers, particularly on the school side, faces stiff competition yet remains stable in this Mid-Atlantic region.
About the Wilson Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,050 | $22.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,909 | $24.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,149 | $26.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,660 | $32.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,362 | $37.20 |
Median Salary Position
14.16% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilson
In Wilson, NC, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,312 (2026 est.). At $56,149, the local median is 14.16% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wilson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wilson Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Wilson median: $56,149/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wilson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $58,549 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -14.16% less |
Athletic Trainers in Wilson, NC earn a median of $56,149 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.16% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.10% below the North Carolina state average of $58,549.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wilson 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.
Wilson, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $56,149 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,988 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,578
2025 BLS Actual
$53,664
2026 Current Est.
$56,149
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Wilson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,578 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,797 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,561 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,214 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,724 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,453 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,664 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,149 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,748 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wilson metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $41,578 (2019) to $53,664 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,748 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,170 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilson 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) | $46,050 – $50,909 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,909 – $56,149 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,149 – $67,660 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,660 – $77,362 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Wilson
Analyzing the local job market reveals that only seven athletic trainers are presently employed in Wilson, impacting the dynamics of salary offers and career advancements. The cost of living index of 93.6 indicates that living expenses are lower than the national average, theoretically enhancing the purchasing power of local salaries despite the lower pay scale. Most competitive salaries in the region tend to come from university settings or industrial environments, where athletic trainers have transitioned into roles within companies like Toyota or FedEx, often leading to salaries that can exceed those available at high schools. Variances in compensation can often be linked to the type of employment—professional sports offer higher pay than educational roles, and factors like evening and weekend commitments can influence overall income. Athletic trainers looking to maximize their pay in Wilson should consider afternoon or evening shifts, pursuing advanced certifications, or negotiating roles that involve more responsibility, enhancing their earning potential in a competitive arena.
More salary data for Wilson, 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 $53,664 for athletic trainersin the Wilson 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 Wilson 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