Athletic Trainer Salary in Blacksburg, VA: $66,953 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Blacksburg, VA earns a median $66,953/year (≈ $32.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Blacksburg's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $64,877 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Blacksburg, VA, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $66,953, which is slightly higher than the national median of $65,415. The salary range for athletic trainers in this locale spans from $53,090 at the low end (P10) to $92,560 at the high end (P90). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect local economic conditions, including the relatively high cost of living index in the area, which stands at 103.2. The compensation for athletic trainers in Blacksburg illustrates a notable disparity between roles in traditional school settings and the more lucrative positions available in industrial or occupational health settings, contributing to a competitive job market.
About the Blacksburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,090 | $25.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,413 | $28.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,953 | $32.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,374 | $38.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,560 | $44.50 |
Median Salary Position
2.35% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Blacksburg
In Blacksburg, VA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,470 (2026 est.). At $66,953, the local median is 2.35% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Blacksburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Blacksburg Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Blacksburg median: $66,953/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Blacksburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $67,493 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +2.35% more |
Athletic Trainers in Blacksburg, VA earn a median of $66,953 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.35% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.80% below the Virginia state average of $67,493.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Blacksburg has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Blacksburg, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,953 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,877 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,720
2025 BLS Actual
$63,990
2026 Current Est.
$66,953
2019–2027 Growth
+80.9%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Blacksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,730 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,558 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,106 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,292 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,316 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,990 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,953 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,053 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Blacksburg metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 65.3% from $38,720 (2019) to $63,990 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,053 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,333 (80.92%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Blacksburg 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) | $53,090 – $59,413 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,413 – $66,953 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,953 – $79,374 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,374 – $92,560 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Blacksburg
The job market for athletic trainers in Blacksburg currently includes seven professionals, indicating limited opportunities yet a sustained demand for qualified candidates. While the cost of living reflects a modest increase over the national average, it still plays a significant role in determining the take-home purchasing power of trainers in the area. Employers such as colleges and universities, particularly within NCAA frameworks, tend to offer higher salaries compared to high schools. Furthermore, industrial settings that demand athletic trainers, like those found in companies such as Toyota and FedEx, often provide compensation that can exceed traditional educational institutions. This salary spread is influenced by various factors, including whether the role is for year-round professional employment or seasonal school contracts, distinctions between head athletic trainers and their assistants, as well as additional stipends for events outside typical working hours. For those looking to maximize their pay in Blacksburg, pursuing advanced certifications and being open to roles in industrial environments may be wise strategies.
More salary data for Blacksburg, 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 $63,990 for athletic trainersin the Blacksburg 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 Blacksburg 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