Athletic Trainer Salary in Columbia, TN: $58,522 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Columbia, TN earns a median $58,522/year (≈ $28.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $63,749 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbia, TN, the 2026 median athletic trainer salary is projected to be $58,522, which is notably lower than the national average of $65,415, reflecting the unique local job market. Salary ranges vary significantly, with the lower 10 percent earning around $44,752 and the top 90 percent making near $82,493. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parity, and they highlight the pay gap that often exists between athletic trainers in traditional sports roles versus those working in industrial settings. As athletic training evolves, Columbia's market showcases these differences, illustrating both opportunities and challenges for professionals entering the field.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,752 | $21.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,665 | $24.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,522 | $28.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,392 | $33.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,493 | $39.67 |
Median Salary Position
10.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, TN, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,741 (2026 est.). At $58,522, the local median is 10.54% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbia Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Columbia median: $58,522/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $60,022 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -10.54% less |
Athletic Trainers in Columbia, TN earn a median of $58,522 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.54% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.50% below the Tennessee state average of $60,022.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbia, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $58,522 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,749 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,336
2025 BLS Actual
$55,932
2026 Current Est.
$58,522
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,336 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,606 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,318 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,167 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,826 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,521 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,932 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,522 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,231 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $43,336 (2019) to $55,932 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,231 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,895 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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) | $44,752 – $50,665 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,665 – $58,522 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,522 – $70,392 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,392 – $82,493 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Columbia
In this city, the demand for athletic trainers remains steady, with about 10 individuals currently employed in this profession. The cost of living in Columbia stands at 91.8 on the index, which suggests that although salaries may be lower than national figures, the purchasing power remains viable for residents. Among potential employers, industrial settings such as Toyota and Boeing offer the highest pay, often significantly exceeding the compensation available in high school positions. Factors contributing to pay disparities include the type of employment setting, with professional sports commanding higher salaries compared to educational institutions. Those interested in maximizing their earnings should consider pursuing certifications such as CSCS or OCS-AT, negotiating stipends for additional events, and seeking year-round contracts, particularly in settings that emphasize year-round engagement over school-year contracts.
More salary data for Columbia, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Columbia, TN in 2026?
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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 $55,932 for athletic trainersin the Columbia 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 Columbia 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