Athletic Trainer Salary in Chesapeake, VA: $64,681 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Chesapeake, VA earns a median $64,681/year (≈ $31.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Chesapeake's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $62,675 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chesapeake, Virginia, the demand for skilled athletic trainers is reflected in a projected median salary of $64,681 for 2026. This figure positions Chesapeake slightly below the national median of $65,415, indicating a localized impact from the recent master's degree requirement for entry-level positions established in 2022. The salary range for athletic trainers in this area is noteworthy, stretching from $45,614 at the lower end to $98,588 at the higher end, with potential career advancement depending on experience and work environment. These estimates are rooted in state-level data and adjusted for the region's cost of living, which is slightly above the national average, suggesting that athletic trainers in Chesapeake are navigating a competitive salary market that reflects both their educational qualifications and local employer needs.
About the Chesapeake Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,614 | $21.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,549 | $27.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,681 | $31.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,882 | $38.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,588 | $47.40 |
Median Salary Position
1.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, VA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,974 (2026 est.). At $64,681, the local median is 1.12% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chesapeake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chesapeake Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Chesapeake median: $64,681/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chesapeake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $67,517 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -1.12% less |
Athletic Trainers in Chesapeake, VA earn a median of $64,681 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.12% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.20% below the Virginia state average of $67,517.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chesapeake has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chesapeake, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,681 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,675 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,897
2025 BLS Actual
$61,819
2026 Current Est.
$64,681
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Chesapeake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,897 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,301 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,877 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,236 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,280 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,757 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,819 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,681 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,676 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chesapeake metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $47,897 (2019) to $61,819 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,676 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,779 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chesapeake 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) | $45,614 – $57,549 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,549 – $64,681 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,681 – $80,882 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,882 – $98,588 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Chesapeake
The athletic trainer job market in Chesapeake currently employs 63 professionals, reflecting a stable local demand. However, the cost-of-living index of 103.2 indicates that living in this area requires careful financial planning for many trainers. Salaries can vary significantly based on the employer type; for instance, trainers in professional sports settings, such as the city's minor league teams, tend to earn more than those working in secondary schools or outpatient clinics. The income spread also attributes to the nature of contracts—year-round positions typically offer greater compensation compared to those aligned with academic calendars. Opportunities for maximizing pay include pursuing certifications in specialty areas, taking on head athletic trainer roles, and negotiating stipends for working evenings or weekends. Understanding these dynamics can better position aspiring and current athletic trainers for effective career advancement in Chesapeake, VA.
More salary data for Chesapeake, 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 $61,819 for athletic trainersin the Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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