Athletic Trainer Salary in SeaTac, WA: $68,842 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in SeaTac, WA earns a median $68,842/year (≈ $33.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in SeaTac's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $64,099 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In SeaTac, WA, athletic trainers are projected to earn a median annual salary of $68,842 in 2026, reflecting a positive outlook for this profession in a region where the cost of living is somewhat elevated, with an index of 107.4. The expected salary range for athletic trainers varies significantly, from $52,980 at the lower end to a robust $97,950 for those in high-paying roles, indicating diverse opportunities across various employment settings. Factors impacting these salaries include whether trainers work on school-year contracts or find positions in year-round industrial settings, which generally offer higher compensation. Given the presence of multiple employers in SeaTac, including educational institutions and healthcare facilities, those seeking athletic trainer roles can benefit from understanding these dynamics as they pursue career opportunities.
About the SeaTac Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,980 | $25.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,063 | $28.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,842 | $33.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,084 | $38.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,950 | $47.09 |
Median Salary Position
5.24% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in SeaTac
In SeaTac, WA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,970 (2026 est.). At $68,842, the local median is 5.24% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in SeaTac: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How SeaTac Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
SeaTac median: $68,842/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | SeaTac Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $70,247 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +5.24% more |
Athletic Trainers in SeaTac, WA earn a median of $68,842 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.24% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 2.00% below the Washington state average of $70,247.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
SeaTac has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
SeaTac, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,842 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,099 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,978
2025 BLS Actual
$65,796
2026 Current Est.
$68,842
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in SeaTac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,978 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,473 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,957 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,661 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,965 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,354 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,796 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,842 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,030 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the SeaTac metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $50,978 (2019) to $65,796 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,030 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,052 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the SeaTac 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) | $52,980 – $60,063 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,063 – $68,842 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,842 – $79,084 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,084 – $97,950 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in SeaTac
The local job market currently employs just six athletic trainers, indicating a tighter labor pool that could affect job availability and salary negotiation. Athletes and teams in professional sports (NFL, NBA, etc.) typically command the highest pay rates, particularly compared to positions in high school or collegiate settings. In contrast, industrial settings like those associated with Boeing or FedEx may provide compensation 30-50% above traditional athletic training roles, reflecting the demand for specialized care in those environments. The discrepancy between salaries can often be attributed to the nature of the role, with head trainers typically earning more than assistants, as well as factors like certification add-ons that can enhance earning potential. For aspiring athletic trainers, seeking further certifications, gaining experience in varied settings, and considering year-round positions can be effective strategies to maximize athletic trainer pay in SeaTac, WA.
More salary data for SeaTac, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in SeaTac, WA in 2026?
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in SeaTac?
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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 $65,796 for athletic trainersin the SeaTac 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 SeaTac 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