Athletic Trainer Salary in Bellingham, WA: $70,195 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Bellingham, WA earns a median $70,195/year (≈ $33.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Bellingham's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $65,358 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Bellingham, Washington, can expect a median annual salary of $70,195, representing a competitive edge over the national median of $65,415. The salary range for these professionals spans from $52,293 at the 10th percentile to $102,829 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the disparities in compensation that can arise between traditional sports roles and industrial or occupational health settings. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for regional price parity, reflecting Bellingham's distinct market conditions. Given the limited number of 13 athletic trainers currently employed in the area, opportunities may be tighter, potentially influencing salary negotiations and job availability.
About the Bellingham Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,293 | $25.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,237 | $28.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,195 | $33.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,330 | $40.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,829 | $49.44 |
Median Salary Position
7.31% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bellingham
In Bellingham, WA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,536 (2026 est.). At $70,195, the local median is 7.31% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bellingham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bellingham Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Bellingham median: $70,195/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bellingham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $70,265 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +7.31% more |
Athletic Trainers in Bellingham, WA earn a median of $70,195 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.31% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.10% below the Washington state average of $70,265.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bellingham has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bellingham, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,195 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,358 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,980
2025 BLS Actual
$67,089
2026 Current Est.
$70,195
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Bellingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,980 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,504 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,959 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,775 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,164 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,677 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,089 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,195 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,445 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bellingham metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $51,980 (2019) to $67,089 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,445 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,465 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellingham 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) | $52,293 – $60,237 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,237 – $70,195 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,195 – $83,330 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,330 – $102,829 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Bellingham
The job market for athletic trainers in Bellingham presents unique challenges and advantages. With a cost-of-living index at 107.4, professionals need to consider how their salaries will translate into effective purchasing power. Among local employers, secondary schools and colleges typically offer lower compensation, while industrial settings such as those within companies like Toyota and Boeing often pay significantly more, providing a clear incentive for trainers to seek roles in these environments. Factors that influence salary variation include the type of employment—whether working at a school versus an industrial or professional sports setting—as well as the nature of the contract, such as year-round versus school year-only positions. For athletic trainers looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing additional certifications and seeking positions that include stipends for evening or weekend events can boost overall compensation in this market.
More salary data for Bellingham, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Bellingham, WA in 2026?
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in Bellingham?
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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 $67,089 for athletic trainersin the Bellingham 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 Bellingham 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