Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Overland Park, KS: $89,936 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Overland Park, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $89,936/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Overland Park's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $98,939 in average-cost America. The 49% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Overland Park, Kansas, senior athletic trainers have the opportunity to earn remarkable salaries that reflect their expertise and experience. The top-tier salaries project to $89,936 by 2026, while those in the 75th percentile can expect around $72,240. This significant gap between the median annual salary of $60,434 and the higher ranges indicates that experienced professionals are well-compensated for their advanced skills and responsibilities. Achieving these upper echelons of pay typically necessitates specialization in high-demand areas such as professional sports or college athletics, along with extensive experience in the field that surpasses seven years. Athletic trainers equipped with advanced credentials and who demonstrate leadership capabilities are positioned to command these lucrative salaries in the job market.
About the Overland Park Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Overland Park
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Overland Park earn between $72,240 and $89,936 per year (2026 est.). This $45,836 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Overland Park median of $60,434 sits 7.61% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Overland Park | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $60,434 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,240 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $89,936 | $92,870 |
In Overland Park, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 48.82% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Overland Park
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $60,434 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Overland Park employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Overland Park command premium compensation, often reaching the $72,240–$89,936 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Overland Park metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced athletic trainers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured athletic trainers in Overland Park with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Athletic Trainers in Kansas 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 Overland Park
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedOverland Park ranks #2 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $89,936).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Overland Park ($89,936) is 8.49% above the Kansas average P90 ($82,898).
2019 BLS Actual
$71,149
2025 BLS Actual
$85,956
2026 Current Est.
$89,936
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Overland Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,149 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,415 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,773 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,536 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,093 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,323 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,956 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,936 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,100 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Overland Park saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $71,149 in 2019 to $85,956 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 $94,100 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Overland Park 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.
Maximizing Your Athletic Trainer Earnings in Overland Park
When examining the salary potential for experienced athletic trainers in Overland Park, various factors influence compensation levels significantly. Specializations in fields like professional sports or college Division I athletics tend to offer the highest salaries, reflecting the competitive nature of these environments. In contrast, athletic trainers operating in high schools or outpatient clinics may find pay to be more modest. Furthermore, senior athletic trainers often see differences based on employer type, with those affiliated with professional teams or large corporations like Toyota or Boeing typically earning more than their peers in educational settings. Advancement opportunities are plentiful for seasoned trainers; roles such as head athletic trainer, associate athletic director for sports medicine, or even positions in academia can offer avenues for higher salaries. Obtaining additional certifications beyond the required credentials, such as specialist endorsements in strength and conditioning, can further boost earning potential in this evolving industry landscape.
More salary data for Overland Park, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Overland Park in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Overland Park?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Overland Park?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Overland Park?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Overland Park?
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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
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 $85,956 for athletic trainers in the Overland Park 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 Overland Park 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