Athletic Trainer Salary in Suffolk, VA: $66,376 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Suffolk, VA earns a median $66,376/year (≈ $31.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Suffolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $64,318 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With the recent transition to a master's degree requirement for athletic trainers in 2022, the athletic trainer salary in Suffolk is projected to reach a median of $66,376 in 2026. This figure reflects a steady growth trend in the field, positioning local salaries slightly above the national average of $65,415. Athletic trainers in this Virginia city can expect to earn between $53,323 and $97,352, illustrating the varied pay scales based on experience and setting. These estimates are aggregated from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost considerations, revealing an evolving and competitive job market for athletic trainers in Suffolk, VA.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,323 | $25.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,661 | $28.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,376 | $31.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,618 | $37.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,352 | $46.80 |
Median Salary Position
1.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
In Suffolk, VA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,029 (2026 est.). At $66,376, the local median is 1.47% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Suffolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Suffolk Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Suffolk median: $66,376/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Suffolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $67,524 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +1.47% more |
Athletic Trainers in Suffolk, VA earn a median of $66,376 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.47% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $67,524.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Suffolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Suffolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,376 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,318 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,152
2025 BLS Actual
$63,439
2026 Current Est.
$66,376
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,152 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,593 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,132 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,631 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,782 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,823 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,439 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,376 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,449 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Suffolk metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $49,152 (2019) to $63,439 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,449 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,297 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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) | $53,323 – $59,661 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,661 – $66,376 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,376 – $77,618 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,618 – $97,352 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Suffolk
In Suffolk, there are currently 15 athletic trainers employed, providing insight into the local job market dynamics. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, which is slightly above the national average, the real purchasing power of these salaries can be a critical factor for residents. Among the notable employers are secondary schools and colleges, where compensation can differ vastly based on the contractual terms and responsibilities. Those working in industrial settings like Toyota or Boeing may enjoy significantly higher earnings, often due to the distinct needs and budget allowances for occupational health services. The salary variance is driven by factors such as the type of athletic training role, whether it’s full-time with benefits or a part-time position, as well as additional certifications which can command higher stipends. Aspiring trainers should consider pursuing these certifications and seek opportunities in high-paying sectors to optimize their earnings in Virginia’s athletic training field.
More salary data for Suffolk, 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 $63,439 for athletic trainersin the Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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