Athletic Trainer Salary in University Place, WA: $68,897 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in University Place, WA earns a median $68,897/year (≈ $33.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in University Place's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $64,150 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in University Place, WA, can expect a median annual salary of $68,897, reflecting a competitive edge compared to the national median of $65,415. With a salary range spanning from $53,404 at the 10th percentile to $97,964 at the 90th percentile, these figures underscore the variation within the role, driven in part by employer setting and experience levels. This data is derived from 2025 BLS estimates, adjusted for local economic conditions, highlighting the unique labor market for athletic trainers in this region. The disparity in athletic trainer pay in University Place compared to national figures suggests a notable distinction in job focus, where opportunities in industrial and occupational settings often yield higher compensation than traditional sports roles found in educational institutions.
About the University Place Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,404 | $25.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,178 | $28.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,897 | $33.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,315 | $38.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,964 | $47.09 |
Median Salary Position
5.32% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University Place
In University Place, WA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,560 (2026 est.). At $68,897, the local median is 5.32% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University Place: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How University Place Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
University Place median: $68,897/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University Place Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $70,231 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +5.32% more |
Athletic Trainers in University Place, WA earn a median of $68,897 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.32% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $70,231.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University Place has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
University Place, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,897 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,150 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,019
2025 BLS Actual
$65,848
2026 Current Est.
$68,897
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,019 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,514 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,997 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,706 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,014 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,407 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,848 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,897 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,087 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University Place metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $51,019 (2019) to $65,848 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,087 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,068 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Place 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) | $53,404 – $60,178 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,178 – $68,897 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,897 – $79,315 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,315 – $97,964 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in University Place
In University Place, the local job market features just six employed athletic trainers, indicating a specialized but limited landscape. The cost-of-living index at 107.4 reflects above-average expenses, which can impact how far salaries stretch in day-to-day life. Among potential employers, secondary schools typically offer lower compensation compared to colleges and universities engaging in NCAA activities, with local industrial employers like Toyota and Boeing likely providing some of the highest pay rates. Variability in compensation stems from several factors, including the type of setting, whether the position is full-time or involves year-round contracts, and whether the trainer serves as the head athletic trainer or in an assistant capacity. To maximize earnings in this niche job market, pursuing certification add-ons such as CSCS or OCS-AT, seeking roles that involve evening or weekend oversight, and advocating for competitive stipends can significantly influence salary trajectories for those positioned as athletic trainers in University Place.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
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 $65,848 for athletic trainersin the University Place 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 University Place 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