Athletic Trainer Salary in Alexandria, VA: $78,215 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Alexandria, VA earns a median $78,215/year (≈ $37.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Alexandria's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $75,790 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.9% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Alexandria, VA, athletic trainers can expect a median annual salary of $78,215 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median salary of $65,415 for similar roles across the country. The salary range for athletic trainers in this area spans from $61,327 at the 10th percentile to $113,844 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse settings in which these professionals operate. These figures are informed by BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, recognizing the unique economic context of Alexandria. The relatively higher pay here is driven by the blend of traditional sports roles in schools and colleges and the increasing presence of industrial and occupational health settings that demand athletic trainers, showing a noteworthy shift in the local job market.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,327 | $29.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,462 | $33.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,215 | $37.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,170 | $45.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,844 | $54.73 |
Median Salary Position
19.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alexandria
In Alexandria, VA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,517 (2026 est.). At $78,215, the local median is 19.57% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Alexandria: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alexandria Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Alexandria median: $78,215/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alexandria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $67,485 | +15.90% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +19.57% more |
Athletic Trainers in Alexandria, VA earn a median of $78,215 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.57% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 15.90% above the Virginia state average of $67,485.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alexandria has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alexandria, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,215 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,790 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,919
2025 BLS Actual
$74,754
2026 Current Est.
$78,215
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,919 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,617 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,895 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,375 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,266 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,877 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,754 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,215 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,836 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alexandria metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $57,919 (2019) to $74,754 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,836 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,917 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria 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) | $61,327 – $69,462 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,462 – $78,215 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,215 – $95,170 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,170 – $113,844 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Alexandria
The local job market in Alexandria employs 26 athletic trainers, providing a supportive community for those in the profession. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, professionals in this area must consider that housing and other living expenses are above the national average, which can impact take-home pay. Among the various employers in Alexandria, positions in professional sports teams and industrial health settings such as Toyota and FedEx typically offer the most lucrative opportunities. The pay scale varies substantially based on the job setting; athletic trainers in professional sports earn more than those in educational environments, reflecting the differences in contract structures and workload. To maximize earnings, aspiring athletic trainers should strategically seek roles in industrial or occupational health, obtain advanced certifications, and consider working in settings that allow for additional stipends or overtime, thereby enhancing their financial prospects in Alexandria's competitive market.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
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 $74,754 for athletic trainersin the Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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