Athletic Trainer Salary in Memphis, TN: $60,685 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Memphis, TN earns a median $60,685/year (≈ $29.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Memphis's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.2), that paycheck buys what $65,834 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Memphis, TN, the projected median annual salary for athletic trainers in 2026 is set at $60,685, reflecting a slight variance compared to the national median of $65,415. The salary range for athletic trainers in the region extends from a modest $20,361 at the 10th percentile to $79,006 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the diversity of compensation within the field. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected for the upcoming year, highlights the trade-off many professionals face between working in educational settings, which often offer school-year contracts, versus year-round positions in industrial and occupational health sectors that tend to provide higher earnings. Given the growing emphasis on specialized skill sets required in various settings, those entering the job market in Memphis should be prepared for a wide range of potential earnings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20,361 | $9.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,369 | $20.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,685 | $29.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,953 | $32.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,006 | $37.98 |
Median Salary Position
7.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Memphis
In Memphis, TN, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,645 (2026 est.). At $60,685, the local median is 7.23% below the national median of $65,415.
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How Memphis Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Memphis median: $60,685/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Memphis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $60,025 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | -7.23% less |
Athletic Trainers in Memphis, TN earn a median of $60,685 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.23% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.10% above the Tennessee state average of $60,025.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Memphis has a cost of living 7.82% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Memphis, TN has a cost-of-living index of 92.179 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $60,685 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,834 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.48% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,470
2025 BLS Actual
$58,000
2026 Current Est.
$60,685
2019–2027 Growth
+42.8%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,470 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,880 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,670 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,480 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,950 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,685 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,495 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Memphis metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 30.4% from $44,470 (2019) to $58,000 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,495 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,025 (42.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis 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) | $20,361 – $43,369 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,369 – $60,685 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,685 – $66,953 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,953 – $79,006 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Memphis
With approximately 100 athletic trainers currently employed in Memphis, the local job market reflects a competitive yet stable environment for professionals in the field. The cost of living index in Memphis is 92.179, indicating affordability which can enhance overall purchasing power despite salaries being slightly below the national average. Among employers, professional sports teams and industrial settings often offer the highest pay, while secondary schools and outpatient clinics typically provide lower compensation levels. The variability in athletic trainer pay in Memphis largely stems from factors such as the difference between professional and school settings, the nature of contracts (year-round versus school-year), and additional responsibilities tied to roles like head athletic trainer versus assistant trainer. To maximize earnings, aspiring athletic trainers should seek certifications such as CSCS and be open to roles in industrial settings where compensation can be significantly greater. Engaging with local networks and understanding market demands will further enhance one's job prospects in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Memphis, 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 $58,000 for athletic trainersin the Memphis 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, 7-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