Athletic Trainer Salary in Radford, VA: $64,567 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Radford, VA earns a median $64,567/year (≈ $31.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Radford's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $62,565 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The transition to a master's degree requirement for athletic trainers in 2022 has significantly impacted the compensation landscape in Radford, Virginia. In 2026, the projected median annual salary for athletic trainers is $64,567, slightly below the national median of $65,415. This anticipates a salary range that spans from $52,076 at the 10th percentile to $83,841 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted regional price parities, highlighting how local economic factors can influence salaries. As Radford's job market integrates this educational shift, the demand for qualified athletic trainers will likely continue to bolster salaries and create opportunities.
About the Radford Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,076 | $25.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,345 | $29.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,567 | $31.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,563 | $35.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,841 | $40.30 |
Median Salary Position
1.3% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Radford
In Radford, VA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,765 (2026 est.). At $64,567, the local median is 1.3% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Radford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Radford Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Radford median: $64,567/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Radford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $67,539 | -4.40% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -1.30% less |
Athletic Trainers in Radford, VA earn a median of $64,567 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.30% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.40% below the Virginia state average of $67,539.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Radford has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Radford, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,567 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,565 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,812
2025 BLS Actual
$61,710
2026 Current Est.
$64,567
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Radford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,812 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,214 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,793 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,142 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,179 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,274 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,710 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,567 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,557 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Radford metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $47,812 (2019) to $61,710 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,557 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,745 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Radford 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) | $52,076 – $60,345 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,345 – $64,567 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,567 – $73,563 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,563 – $83,841 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Radford
Within the Radford job market, six athletic trainers are currently employed, contributing to a niche yet vital workforce. The cost-of-living index stands at 103.2, indicating that residents face slightly above-average living expenses, which can affect net income and overall purchasing power. Notably, athletic trainers in this area can find varying levels of compensation based on their work settings, with positions in colleges and universities often offering higher pay than those in secondary schools. Industries like occupational health, particularly roles with companies such as Toyota or FedEx, typically offer even better compensation packages. Factors that contribute to the pay scale in this field include differences in funding for school-year versus year-round contracts, advanced certifications, and the complexities of head versus assistant athletic trainer roles. To maximize earning potential, aspiring athletic trainers in Radford should consider pursuing certifications that enhance their qualifications and seek opportunities in higher-paying settings, particularly in industrial sectors where demand for specialized services is growing.
More salary data for Radford, 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 $61,710 for athletic trainersin the Radford 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 Radford 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