Athletic Trainer Salary in Salem, VA: $65,454 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Salem, VA earns a median $65,454/year (≈ $31.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Salem's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $63,424 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Salem, Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $65,454 in 2026, which is slightly above the national median of $65,415. Salaries for athletic trainers locally can vary significantly, ranging from $49,431 at the lower end to $87,584 for those at the top of their field. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost considerations. In a city like Salem, which has a blend of public schools and industrial employers, trainers often face a trade-off between working in academic environments or with professional teams, impacting their earnings potential and work stability throughout the year.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,431 | $23.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,259 | $28.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,454 | $31.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,828 | $36.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,584 | $42.10 |
Median Salary Position
0.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, VA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,153 (2026 est.). At $65,454, the local median is 0.06% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salem Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Salem median: $65,454/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $67,479 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +0.06% more |
Athletic Trainers in Salem, VA earn a median of $65,454 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.06% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $67,479.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,454 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,424 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,469
2025 BLS Actual
$62,558
2026 Current Est.
$65,454
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,469 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,890 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,449 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,873 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,965 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,034 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,558 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,454 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,485 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $48,469 (2019) to $62,558 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,485 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,016 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $49,431 – $60,259 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,259 – $65,454 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,454 – $75,828 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,828 – $87,584 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Salem
With just six athletic trainers currently employed in Salem, the job market offers limited but competitive opportunities. The cost of living in this area is slightly above average, with a cost-of-living index of 103.2, which could influence take-home pay and overall purchasing power. Employers offering the most competitive pay tend to be in industrial and occupational health settings, such as Toyota and FedEx, rather than traditional school roles. Factors driving the salary range include the difference between school-year and year-round contracts, certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT, and whether a trainer holds a head position or assists in a support role. For those looking to maximize their athletic trainer pay in Salem, strategies might include pursuing added certifications, gaining experience in industrial settings, or being willing to accept evening and weekend stipends for additional events.
More salary data for Salem, 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 $62,558 for athletic trainersin the Salem 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 Salem 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