Athletic Trainer Salary in Parkersburg, WV: $54,858 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Parkersburg, WV earns a median $54,858/year (≈ $26.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Parkersburg's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.5), that paycheck buys what $63,420 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the West Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Parkersburg, West Virginia, the projected athletic trainer salary in 2026 is $54,858, which is noticeably below the national median of $65,415, reflecting a gap that many professionals in the area encounter. The salaries for athletic trainers here range from $45,772 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $76,911 at the upper end (90th percentile), indicating a diverse earning potential based on specific roles, employers, and experience levels. These figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, highlight a unique aspect of the local job market, where the industrial athletic trainer roles often command higher salaries compared to those in traditional sports settings.
About the Parkersburg Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,772 | $22.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,487 | $24.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,858 | $26.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,564 | $31.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,911 | $36.98 |
Median Salary Position
16.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Parkersburg
In Parkersburg, WV, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,139 (2026 est.). At $54,858, the local median is 16.14% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Parkersburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Parkersburg Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Parkersburg median: $54,858/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Parkersburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Average | $56,612 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -16.14% less |
Athletic Trainers in Parkersburg, WV earn a median of $54,858 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.14% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.10% below the West Virginia state average of $56,612.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Parkersburg has a cost of living 13.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Parkersburg, WV has a cost-of-living index of 86.5 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $54,858 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,420 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,622
2025 BLS Actual
$52,430
2026 Current Est.
$54,858
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Parkersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,622 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,813 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,606 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,151 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,581 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,253 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,430 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,858 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,397 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Parkersburg metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $40,622 (2019) to $52,430 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,397 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,775 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Parkersburg 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) | $45,772 – $50,487 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,487 – $54,858 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,858 – $65,564 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,564 – $76,911 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Parkersburg
Analyzing the job market further, Parkersburg currently employs just five athletic trainers, pointing to limited opportunities that could influence salary dynamics. The cost-of-living index stands at 86.5, suggesting that residents can enjoy a comparatively affordable lifestyle, which may impact how far that salary can stretch. Among local employers, industrial and occupational health settings, such as those associated with Toyota and FedEx, typically offer the highest pay. This is contrasted with secondary schools and colleges where salaries are generally lower. Factors affecting the salary spectrum include work settings, part-time versus full-time roles, head athletic trainer versus assistant positions, and additional stipends for on-call duties during evenings or weekends. For those looking to maximize their earning potential in Parkersburg, pursuing certifications like the CSCS or OCS-AT, and seeking positions within industrial health environments may be the most effective strategies.
More salary data for Parkersburg, WV:
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 $52,430 for athletic trainersin the Parkersburg 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 Parkersburg 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