Athletic Trainer Salary in Oak Ridge, TN: $58,917 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Oak Ridge, TN earns a median $58,917/year (≈ $28.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Oak Ridge's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $64,180 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The current athletic trainer salary in Oak Ridge, TN, reflects the unique employment landscape shaped by the area's industrial setting. With a projected median salary of $58,917 in 2026, athletic trainers here earn slightly less than the national average of $65,415, highlighting the pay gap often seen between industrial and traditional sports settings. The salary range for these professionals spans from $45,467 at the 10th percentile to $83,975 at the 90th percentile, indicating variability based on factors such as experience and job responsibilities. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments suggest that the local market values the essential services provided by athletic trainers, particularly in a city where the concentration of roles may fall below the national average.
About the Oak Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,467 | $21.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,496 | $24.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,917 | $28.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,041 | $33.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,975 | $40.38 |
Median Salary Position
9.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Ridge
In Oak Ridge, TN, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,508 (2026 est.). At $58,917, the local median is 9.93% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oak Ridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oak Ridge Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Oak Ridge median: $58,917/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oak Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $60,058 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -9.93% less |
Athletic Trainers in Oak Ridge, TN earn a median of $58,917 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.93% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $60,058.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oak Ridge 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.
Oak Ridge, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $58,917 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,180 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,629
2025 BLS Actual
$56,310
2026 Current Est.
$58,917
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Oak Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,629 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,907 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,611 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,492 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,176 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,835 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,310 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,917 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,645 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oak Ridge metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $43,629 (2019) to $56,310 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,645 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,016 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Ridge 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) | $45,467 – $51,496 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,496 – $58,917 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,917 – $69,041 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,041 – $83,975 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Oak Ridge
With only six athletic trainers employed in the Oak Ridge area, the local job market presents both challenges and opportunities. The cost of living index sits at 91.8, below the national average, which can improve overall purchasing power for those in the field. Employers like Toyota and Boeing may offer some of the highest salaries, as their industrial health environments typically compensate athletic trainers more generously compared to traditional settings such as high schools or outpatient clinics. The disparity in pay often hinges on the work environment and the specific demands of the position. To maximize potential earnings, athletic trainers in Oak Ridge should consider pursuing additional certifications, seeking year-round contracts, and exploring positions that include stipends for weekend events. Emphasizing versatility—such as specializing in industrial settings—can also yield superior compensation in a market that increasingly values comprehensive care.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, 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 $56,310 for athletic trainersin the Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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