Athletic Trainer Salary in Smyrna, TN: $60,698 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Smyrna, TN earns a median $60,698/year (≈ $29.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Smyrna's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $66,120 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Smyrna, Tennessee, the shift to a master's degree requirement for athletic trainers as of 2022 has directly impacted compensation levels. The projected median annual salary for 2026 stands at $60,698, which reflects a slight decrease compared to the national median of $65,415, showing a variance of -7.21%. The salary range for athletic trainers locally is expansive, from $46,608 at the 10th percentile to as high as $84,119 at the 90th percentile. These salary estimates are formulated from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions. Job seekers should be aware of the competitive landscape within Smyrna's health and sports sectors, as local demand continues to evolve alongside educational requirements.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,608 | $22.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,944 | $25.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,698 | $29.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,006 | $35.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,119 | $40.44 |
Median Salary Position
7.21% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Smyrna
In Smyrna, TN, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,511 (2026 est.). At $60,698, the local median is 7.21% below the national median of $65,415.
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At 40 hours/week in Smyrna: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Smyrna Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Smyrna median: $60,698/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Smyrna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $60,038 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | -7.21% less |
Athletic Trainers in Smyrna, TN earn a median of $60,698 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.21% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.10% above the Tennessee state average of $60,038.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Smyrna 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.
Smyrna, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $60,698 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,120 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,947
2025 BLS Actual
$58,012
2026 Current Est.
$60,698
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,947 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,265 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,929 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,958 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,753 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,251 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,012 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,698 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,508 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Smyrna metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $44,947 (2019) to $58,012 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,508 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,561 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Smyrna 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) | $46,608 – $52,944 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,944 – $60,698 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,698 – $73,006 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,006 – $84,119 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Smyrna
The presence of 12 athletic trainers currently working in Smyrna suggests a small yet focused job market. The cost of living index in Smyrna is reported at 91.8, indicating a more affordable environment compared to the national average, which can enhance take-home pay for professionals in this field. Among local employers, high school athletic training positions typically offer lower salaries, while colleges and universities, along with industrial settings like those found at Toyota and FedEx, provide more competitive pay. The disparity in earnings can be attributed to factors such as the nature of employment contracts, the role's responsibilities, and any additional certifications like the CSCS or OCS-AT. Athletic trainers in Smyrna looking to maximize their pay should consider diversifying their experience across different sectors or pursuing advanced specializations that enhance their marketability.
More salary data for Smyrna, 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 $58,012 for athletic trainersin the Smyrna 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 Smyrna 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