Athletic Trainer Salary in Reading, PA: $62,715 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Reading, PA earns a median $62,715/year (≈ $30.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Reading's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $64,615 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Pennsylvania state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Reading, Pennsylvania, the anticipated compensation for athletic trainers in 2026 is projected at $62,715 annually, which is slightly below the national median of $65,415. This salary reflects a diverse range of income levels, with entry-level positions earning around $47,523 while seasoned professionals can make up to $114,633. Derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, these figures highlight the trade-offs athletic trainers face. Many find themselves weighing school-year contracts against year-round roles in industrial settings, where the potential for higher pay exists. As the landscape continues to evolve, Reading's job market offers promising opportunities for those willing to adapt.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,523 | $22.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,811 | $29.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,715 | $30.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,477 | $38.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,633 | $55.11 |
Median Salary Position
4.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Reading
In Reading, PA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,110 (2026 est.). At $62,715, the local median is 4.13% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Reading: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Reading Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Reading median: $62,715/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Reading Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $62,217 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | -4.13% less |
Athletic Trainers in Reading, PA earn a median of $62,715 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.13% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.80% above the Pennsylvania state average of $62,217.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Reading has a cost of living 2.94% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Reading, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.06 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $62,715 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,615 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.03% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,670
2025 BLS Actual
$59,940
2026 Current Est.
$62,715
2019–2027 Growth
+40.6%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Reading (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,670 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,802 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,950 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,640 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,380 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,010 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,940 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,715 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,619 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Reading metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 28.4% from $46,670 (2019) to $59,940 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,619 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,949 (40.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Reading 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) | $47,523 – $60,811 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,811 – $62,715 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,715 – $79,477 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,477 – $114,633 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Reading
Athletic trainers in Reading, with approximately 30 currently employed, benefit from a cost-of-living index of 97.06. This lower index suggests a more favorable purchasing power for athletic trainer salaries compared to national averages. Secondary schools, colleges, and professional sports teams typically offer the highest pay within this region, while industrial health settings like Toyota and FedEx can also be lucrative. The disparity in salaries arises from several factors, including the type of work setting, differences between head and assistant athletic trainers, and the nature of contracts. For those looking to increase their earnings, pursuing advanced certifications like the CSCS or OCS-AT can enhance their professional standing, while seeking roles in higher-paying environments such as industrial or professional sports can further maximize athletic trainer pay in Reading, PA.
More salary data for Reading, 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 $59,940 for athletic trainersin the Reading 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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