Athletic Trainer Salary in Lake Ridge, VA: $64,690 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Lake Ridge, VA earns a median $64,690/year (≈ $31.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Lake Ridge's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $62,684 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Lake Ridge, Virginia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $64,690, which is slightly below the national median of $65,415. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $51,065 and reaching up to $89,080 for those at the top of their field. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost of living factors, highlight the trade-off many athletic trainers face between school-year contracts and year-round positions in industrial settings. This dynamic pay structure can greatly influence career decisions for aspiring athletic trainers in Lake Ridge, especially as they consider long-term job stability and earning potential.
About the Lake Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,065 | $24.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,183 | $27.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,690 | $31.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,526 | $36.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,080 | $42.83 |
Median Salary Position
1.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Ridge
In Lake Ridge, VA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,015 (2026 est.). At $64,690, the local median is 1.11% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake Ridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lake Ridge Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Lake Ridge median: $64,690/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $67,526 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -1.11% less |
Athletic Trainers in Lake Ridge, VA earn a median of $64,690 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.11% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.20% below the Virginia state average of $67,526.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Ridge has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Ridge, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,690 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,684 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,903
2025 BLS Actual
$61,827
2026 Current Est.
$64,690
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lake Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,903 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,307 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,883 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,243 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,288 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,379 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,827 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,690 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,685 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Ridge metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $47,903 (2019) to $61,827 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,685 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,782 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake 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) | $51,065 – $57,183 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,183 – $64,690 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,690 – $76,526 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,526 – $89,080 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Lake Ridge
The job market for athletic trainers in Lake Ridge shows a modest employment level with only 10 professionals currently in the field. Given the area's cost of living index of 103.2, which is above the national average, this directly impacts take-home earnings and purchasing power for local trainers. Athletic trainers employed by colleges and universities tend to enjoy higher salaries than those in secondary school settings, while those in industrial or occupational health may see pay increases of 30-50%. Factors influencing salary discrepancies include the nature of the employment setting—professional sports often commanding the highest compensation—alongside variables such as role seniority, added responsibilities, and specialized certifications. To maximize earnings, athletic trainers in Lake Ridge should consider pursuing additional certifications and seeking year-round positions in higher-paying environments, thereby enhancing their career trajectory and financial stability.
More salary data for Lake Ridge, 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 $61,827 for athletic trainersin the Lake 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 Lake 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