Athletic Trainer Salary in Lynchburg, VA: $66,927 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Lynchburg, VA earns a median $66,927/year (≈ $32.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Lynchburg's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $64,852 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Lynchburg, Virginia, the projected median annual salary for athletic trainers in 2026 reaches $66,927, which marks a slight advantage over the national median of $65,415. This figure reflects a range from $49,293 at the 10th percentile to $96,992 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse spectrum of compensation within local athletic training roles. As athletic trainers often choose between positions in schools with school-year contracts or industrial settings that offer year-round opportunities, the potential for higher earnings in industrial environments becomes clear, particularly as these roles frequently provide more comprehensive benefits and higher base salaries. With local salary estimates derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost factors, the athletic trainer job market in Lynchburg continues to demonstrate resilience and opportunity for growth.
About the Lynchburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,293 | $23.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,818 | $29.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,927 | $32.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,371 | $39.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,992 | $46.63 |
Median Salary Position
2.31% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lynchburg
In Lynchburg, VA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,699 (2026 est.). At $66,927, the local median is 2.31% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lynchburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lynchburg Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Lynchburg median: $66,927/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lynchburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $67,534 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +2.31% more |
Athletic Trainers in Lynchburg, VA earn a median of $66,927 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.31% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.90% below the Virginia state average of $67,534.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lynchburg has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lynchburg, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,927 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,852 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,560
2025 BLS Actual
$63,965
2026 Current Est.
$66,927
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lynchburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,560 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,012 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,539 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,084 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,269 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,965 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,927 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,025 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lynchburg metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $49,560 (2019) to $63,965 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,025 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,465 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lynchburg 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) | $49,293 – $60,818 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,818 – $66,927 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,927 – $81,371 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,371 – $96,992 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Lynchburg
The local job market for athletic trainers in Lynchburg currently employs 12 professionals, suggesting a tightly knit community where opportunities may evolve with demand. The cost of living index stands at 103.2, indicating that while Lynchburg's living expenses are slightly above the national average, athletic trainers can expect their salaries to reflect this economic landscape. Among potential employers, settings such as industrial or occupational health are known to pay the highest, with companies like Toyota and FedEx often offering competitive wages. Conversely, secondary schools and colleges may present lower pay due to budget constraints. Factors influencing salary disparities include variations in work settings, the distinction between head trainers and assistants, and additional stipends for events outside standard hours. For athletic trainers seeking to maximize their pay in Lynchburg, pursuing necessary certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT and considering year-round positions in industrial health could provide significant advantages in a competitive market.
More salary data for Lynchburg, 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 $63,965 for athletic trainersin the Lynchburg 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 Lynchburg 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