Athletic Trainer Salary in Chester, PA: $60,097 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Chester, PA earns a median $60,097/year (≈ $28.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Chester's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $61,701 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Chester, Pennsylvania, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $60,097, reflecting the recent master's degree requirement established in 2022, which has influenced entry-level compensation in the field. The earnings range illustrates the variability in pay, with the lowest 10% making around $50,073 and the highest 10% earning up to $80,173. These figures represent local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, providing insight into the earning potential for athletic trainers in Chester, PA, and showcasing the growing demand in this sector, particularly amid the continued evolution of athletic training education.
About the Chester Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,073 | $24.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,069 | $26.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,097 | $28.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,338 | $33.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,173 | $38.55 |
Median Salary Position
8.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chester
In Chester, PA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,100 (2026 est.). At $60,097, the local median is 8.13% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chester Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Chester median: $60,097/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $62,213 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -8.13% less |
Athletic Trainers in Chester, PA earn a median of $60,097 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.13% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $62,213.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chester has a cost of living 2.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chester, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $60,097 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,701 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,503
2025 BLS Actual
$57,438
2026 Current Est.
$60,097
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Chester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,503 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,807 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,484 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,464 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,221 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,589 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,438 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,097 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,880 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chester metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $44,503 (2019) to $57,438 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,880 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,377 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chester 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) | $50,073 – $55,069 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,069 – $60,097 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,097 – $69,338 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,338 – $80,173 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Chester
Chester's job market currently employs five athletic trainers, demonstrating a niche presence that can impact overall competition and salary negotiation power. With a cost-of-living index at 97.4, take-home earnings can stretch further, though salaries in school settings tend to lag behind those in industrial or professional sports environments. Athletic trainers working with collegiate athletic programs or professional teams generally command higher salaries than their counterparts in high schools. Factors such as overtime for evening events, distinctions between head athletic trainers and assistants, and additional credentials can further influence pay scales in the area. To maximize compensation, aspiring athletic trainers in Chester should consider pursuing specialized certifications and exploring opportunities beyond traditional school environments, such as industrial or occupational health settings, which typically offer more lucrative pay.
More salary data for Chester, PA:
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 $57,438 for athletic trainersin the Chester 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 Chester 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