Athletic Trainer Salary in Tukwila, WA: $64,938 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Tukwila, WA earns a median $64,938/year (≈ $31.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Tukwila's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $60,464 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tukwila, Washington, the expected earnings for athletic trainers reflect the growing demand for skilled professionals in diverse settings, particularly in industrial and occupational health compared to traditional sports environments. The projected median annual salary stands at $64,938, slightly trailing the national median of $65,415. Salaries for athletic trainers in Tukwila vary significantly; those at the lower end earn around $54,409, while top earners can make up to $86,255 annually. These figures are derived from state-level data adjusted for local cost of living conditions, underscoring a competitive pay structure reflective of the area's unique employment landscape.
About the Tukwila Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,409 | $26.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,945 | $27.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,938 | $31.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,182 | $36.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,255 | $41.46 |
Median Salary Position
0.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tukwila
In Tukwila, WA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,846 (2026 est.). At $64,938, the local median is 0.73% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tukwila: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tukwila Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Tukwila median: $64,938/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tukwila Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $70,279 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -0.73% less |
Athletic Trainers in Tukwila, WA earn a median of $64,938 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.73% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $70,279.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tukwila has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tukwila, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,938 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,464 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,087
2025 BLS Actual
$62,064
2026 Current Est.
$64,938
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Tukwila (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,087 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,496 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,067 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,447 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,507 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,534 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,064 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,938 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,944 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tukwila metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $48,087 (2019) to $62,064 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,944 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,857 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tukwila 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) | $54,409 – $57,945 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,945 – $64,938 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,938 – $75,182 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,182 – $86,255 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Tukwila
Analyzing the local job market, only four athletic trainers are currently employed in Tukwila, indicating a concentrated field where opportunities may be limited but potentially lucrative. Given the cost of living index of 107.4, professionals must be strategic about their earning potential to ensure their salaries maintain purchasing power. Employers that typically offer the highest compensation include NCAA colleges and professional sports teams, where positions are more lucrative than those in high school athletics or outpatient clinics. Factors contributing to the disparity in paycheck amounts range from the nature of the employment setting—where industrial roles offer up to 50% more than school positions—to the level of responsibility associated with head athletic trainer vs assistant roles. For those aiming to maximize their athletic trainer pay in Tukwila, pursuing certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT and seeking year-round contracts can significantly enhance their earnings.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Tukwila, WA in 2026?
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in Tukwila?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Tukwila?
How much does a athletic trainer make per hour in Tukwila?
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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 $62,064 for athletic trainersin the Tukwila 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 Tukwila 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