Athletic Trainer Salary

Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Springdale, AR: $93,699 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Springdale, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $93,699/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Springdale's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $107,824 in average-cost America. The 41% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$93,699
Top 10% Earn
$45.04/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$79,164
75th Percentile
$93,699
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Athletic Trainer Senior Salary in Springdale, AR — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Springdale, AR athletic trainer senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Athletic trainers with extensive experience in Springdale, AR, have the potential to earn significantly higher salaries as they move into senior positions. In 2026, top earners in this field can expect annual compensation reaching as high as $93,699, while those in the 75th percentile can expect $79,164. This represents a notable gap between the median annual salary of $66,257 and the highest tier of compensation available in this market. The experienced athletic trainer salary in Springdale reflects not only the individual's expertise but also the demand for skilled professionals who can handle advanced responsibilities and deliver specialized care. Achieving top-tier pay in this area requires a combination of years of experience, advanced education, and often specialized certifications that distinguish high-performing trainers from their peers.

About the Springdale Market

Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Springdale

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for athletic trainers in Springdale. The median salary is $66,257, compared to the national median of $65,415.$45.3K$58.6K$71.8K$85.1K$98.4K$50.3K10th Pctl$57.4K25th Pctl$66.3KMedian$79.2K75th Pctl$93.7K90th PctlUS Median$65.4K

Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Springdale earn between $79,164 and $93,699 per year (2026 est.). This $43,390 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Springdale median of $66,257 sits 1.29% above the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of athletic trainer pay in the Springdale metro area.

Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison

LevelSpringdaleNational
Median (P50)$66,257$65,415
75th Percentile$79,164$78,085
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$93,699$92,870

In Springdale, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 41.42% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Springdale

1

Advanced Certifications in Arkansas

AR athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $66,257 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Springdale employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Springdale command premium compensation, often reaching the $79,164–$93,699 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Springdale metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced athletic trainers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured athletic trainers in Springdale with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Athletic Trainers in Arkansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.

Athletic Trainer Career & Wage Growth Path in Springdale

Clinical Athletic Trainer

0-5 years
$50,309 – $66,257

Senior/Lead Athletic Trainer

5-10 years
$66,257 – $79,164

Athletic Trainer Department Manager

10+ years
$79,164+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Springdale ranks #2 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $93,699).

Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Springdale ($93,699) is 17.93% above the Arkansas average P90 ($79,455).

2019 BLS Actual

$74,126

2025 BLS Actual

$89,553

2026 Current Est.

$93,699

2019–2027 Growth

+32.3%

Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Springdale (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for athletic trainers in Springdale. Baseline $74,126 in 2025, projected to $98,038 by 2027.$50.4K$64.3K$78.2K$92.1K$106.0K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$74.1K$76.5K$76.9K$78.7K$81.4K$58.3K$89.6K$93.7K$98.0K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$74,126Actual
2020$76,487Actual
2021$76,861Actual
2022$78,697Actual
2023$81,360Actual
2024$58,312Actual
2025$89,553Actual
2026(current)$93,699Estimated
2027$98,038Projected

Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Springdale saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $74,126 in 2019 to $89,553 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.63% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $98,038 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springdale metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Maximizing Your Athletic Trainer Earnings in Springdale

In Springdale, the senior athletic trainer pay varies widely based on the type of practice setting and specialization. For those working in professional sports, the compensation is typically the highest, with significant increases found in environments like college Division I athletics and specialized medical fields, such as performing arts medicine or industrial ergonomic health. Compensation structures differ further, with those employed by professional teams or colleges like NCAA institutions often enjoying higher salaries than their counterparts in high schools or outpatient clinics. To position themselves for advancement, experienced trainers can pursue leadership roles such as head athletic trainer in educational institutions or athletic department administrators. Obtaining advanced credentials, including the Master’s degree mandated since the 2022 transition and additional certifications like the CSCS or OCS-AT, can further elevate their professional standing and pay. Ultimately, senior athletic trainers benefit from a compensation framework that rewards both their expertise and the diverse settings in which they operate, making the role both financially rewarding and professionally fulfilling in Springdale.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Springdale in 2026?

Top-earning athletic trainers in Springdale (90th percentile) make $93,699/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.63% annual growth). This is $27,442 more than the area median of $66,257 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior athletic trainers typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Springdale?

Higher athletic trainer pay in Springdale is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Springdale?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for athletic trainers in Springdale include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $66,257, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Springdale?

The 90th percentile in Springdale is $93,699. Reaching six figures in this market may require combining clinical work at multiple practices with additional income from education, consulting, product sales, or relocating to a higher-paying metro area. Advanced certifications and specializations can help close the gap.

How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Springdale?

In Springdale, the gap between entry level ($50,309) and top earners ($93,699) is $43,390, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Arkansas

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gomez, MS, ATCData verified by David Kim, BS, ATC

Methodology & Data Source

Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $89,553 for athletic trainers in the Springdale metro area. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Springdale is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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