Athletic Trainer Salary in Clemson, SC: $56,047 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Clemson, SC earns a median $56,047/year (≈ $26.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Clemson's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $61,254 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Clemson, South Carolina, can expect to earn a median salary of $56,047, which reflects a significant gap compared to the national median of $65,415. Local salaries range from $46,365 at the lower end (P10) to $75,980 for those at the high end of the spectrum (P90). These figures come from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, highlighting the need for athletic trainers in Clemson to carefully weigh their career choices. Given the city's focus on education and industry, those who align their expertise with the demands of various employment settings may find more lucrative opportunities.
About the Clemson Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,365 | $22.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,023 | $24.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,047 | $26.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,838 | $31.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,980 | $36.53 |
Median Salary Position
14.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clemson
In Clemson, SC, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,615 (2026 est.). At $56,047, the local median is 14.32% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clemson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clemson Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Clemson median: $56,047/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clemson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $60,855 | -7.90% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -14.32% less |
Athletic Trainers in Clemson, SC earn a median of $56,047 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.32% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 7.90% below the South Carolina state average of $60,855.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clemson has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clemson, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $56,047 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,254 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,503
2025 BLS Actual
$53,567
2026 Current Est.
$56,047
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Clemson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,503 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,720 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,486 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,634 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,815 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,567 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,047 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,642 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clemson metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $41,503 (2019) to $53,567 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,642 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,139 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clemson 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) | $46,365 – $51,023 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,023 – $56,047 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,047 – $65,838 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,838 – $75,980 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Clemson
Despite a modest local presence of just six athletic trainers, the job market in Clemson shows potential for growth, driven by a cost-of-living index of 91.5, which suggests that salaries may have more purchasing power than in higher-priced regions. Secondary schools typically offer the lowest salaries, while positions within collegiate athletics or industrial settings, such as those at nearby Toyota, can yield higher compensation. The differences in pay can often be attributed to the type of setting, job responsibilities, and available certifications. Those looking to maximize their athletic trainer pay in Clemson SC should focus on gaining experience in industrial health environments or pursuing advanced certifications, as these paths tend to offer better financial returns in this market.
More salary data for Clemson, SC:
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 $53,567 for athletic trainersin the Clemson 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 Clemson 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