Athletic Trainer Salary in McLean, VA: $66,088 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in McLean, VA earns a median $66,088/year (≈ $31.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in McLean's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $64,039 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in McLean, Virginia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $66,088, slightly above the national median of $65,415. This salary reflects a competitive job market where trainers can expect compensation ranging from $50,966 at the lower end (P10) to $89,632 at the higher end (P90). These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions. With a small but solid local industry presence—currently, 11 athletic trainers working in the area—McLean's environment offers unique opportunities that can influence salary expectations significantly.
About the McLean Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,966 | $24.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,583 | $27.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,088 | $31.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,294 | $37.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,632 | $43.10 |
Median Salary Position
1.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in McLean
In McLean, VA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,666 (2026 est.). At $66,088, the local median is 1.03% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in McLean: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How McLean Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
McLean median: $66,088/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | McLean Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $67,506 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +1.03% more |
Athletic Trainers in McLean, VA earn a median of $66,088 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.03% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $67,506.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
McLean has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
McLean, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,088 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,039 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,939
2025 BLS Actual
$63,164
2026 Current Est.
$66,088
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in McLean (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,939 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,374 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,919 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,395 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,527 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,576 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,164 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,088 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,148 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the McLean metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $48,939 (2019) to $63,164 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,148 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,209 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McLean 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) | $50,966 – $57,583 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,583 – $66,088 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,088 – $77,294 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,294 – $89,632 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in McLean
The cost of living in McLean, pegged at a 103.2 index, suggests that while salaries might seem appealing, the higher living expenses need to be considered in take-home pay calculations. Employers in the area vary widely in their compensation rates. Those working in industrial settings such as Toyota and Boeing may command higher salaries due to the year-round nature of their contracts, unlike school athletic trainers who typically engage on a seasonal basis. The pay scale is also affected by the nature of the role, with head athletic trainers generally earning more than assistants, and added stipends for events outside regular hours further enhancing earnings. For those entering the profession or looking to maximize their athletic trainer pay in McLean, pursuing relevant certifications, such as those by BOC and NATA, alongside considering roles in industrial health, can be effective strategies for achieving a higher salary.
More salary data for McLean, 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 $63,164 for athletic trainersin the McLean 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 McLean 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