Athletic Trainer Salary in Johnson City, TN: $60,485 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Johnson City, TN earns a median $60,485/year (≈ $29.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Johnson City's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $65,888 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the forecasted athletic trainer salary in Johnson City stands at $60,485, which reflects a contrast with the national median salary of $65,415 and highlights a local pay gap that many professionals may find significant. Compensation for athletic trainers in this region ranges from a lower threshold of $45,849 at the P10 level to a peak of $85,750 at the P90 level. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost-of-living conditions. This represents a crucial moment for athletic trainers in Johnson City as they navigate the balance between traditional sports roles—typically found in high schools and colleges—and the more lucrative opportunities available in industrial and occupational health settings, such as those offered by companies like Toyota and Boeing.
About the Johnson City Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,849 | $22.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,496 | $25.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,485 | $29.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,395 | $34.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,750 | $41.22 |
Median Salary Position
7.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Johnson City
In Johnson City, TN, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,901 (2026 est.). At $60,485, the local median is 7.54% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Johnson City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Johnson City Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Johnson City median: $60,485/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Johnson City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $60,064 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | -7.54% less |
Athletic Trainers in Johnson City, TN earn a median of $60,485 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.54% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.70% above the Tennessee state average of $60,064.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Johnson City 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.
Johnson City, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $60,485 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,888 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,789
2025 BLS Actual
$57,808
2026 Current Est.
$60,485
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Johnson City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,789 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,102 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,771 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,782 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,564 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,081 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,808 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,485 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,285 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Johnson City metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $44,789 (2019) to $57,808 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,285 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,496 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnson City 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) | $45,849 – $52,496 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,496 – $60,485 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,485 – $72,395 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,395 – $85,750 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Johnson City
With only 16 athletic trainers currently employed in the Johnson City area, the local job market shows a blend of opportunities that may influence salary prospects. The relatively low cost of living, indicated by a cost-of-living index of 91.8, enhances the purchasing power of athletic trainer pay in Johnson City, TN, allowing professionals to stretch their earnings further despite the regional salary averages. Among the primary employers, colleges and universities in the area may offer competitive salaries, but industrial positions are often the highest-paying due to the technical demands and year-round commitments associated with those roles. Those interested in maximizing their earnings should consider gaining additional certifications such as the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or pursuing head athletic trainer positions where stipends for evening and weekend events further increase total compensation. Understanding the local employment dynamics and actively seeking industrial opportunities can greatly enhance how much athletic trainers make in Johnson City.
More salary data for Johnson City, TN:
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 $57,808 for athletic trainersin the Johnson City 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 Johnson City 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