Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Franklin, MA: $92,533 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Franklin, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $92,533/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Franklin's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $85,284 in average-cost America. The 37% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Franklin, Massachusetts, the potential for experienced athletic trainers to earn top-tier salaries is robust, with the 2026 figures indicating a median annual salary of $67,669. For those at the top end of the spectrum, such as those in the 90th percentile, earnings can reach as high as $92,533. This exceptional pay is noticeably higher than the national top earner median, highlighting Franklin's competitive market for seasoned professionals. Achieving these higher salary brackets often requires a blend of extensive experience—typically over seven years—along with advanced degrees and specialized certifications that enhance a trainer's value in a variety of settings.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Franklin earn between $79,655 and $92,533 per year (2026 est.). This $37,634 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Franklin median of $67,669 sits 3.45% above the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Franklin | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $67,669 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,655 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $92,533 | $92,870 |
In Franklin, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 36.74% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Franklin
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $67,669 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Franklin employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Franklin command premium compensation, often reaching the $79,655–$92,533 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Franklin 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 Franklin 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 Massachusetts 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 Franklin
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFranklin ranks #53 of 58 Massachusetts cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $92,533).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Franklin ($92,533) is 11.46% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($104,511).
2019 BLS Actual
$73,203
2025 BLS Actual
$88,438
2026 Current Est.
$92,533
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,203 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,535 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,904 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,717 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,347 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,562 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,438 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,533 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,817 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Franklin saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $73,203 in 2019 to $88,438 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 $96,817 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 Franklin
Compensation for senior athletic trainers in Franklin can vary significantly based on their area of specialization and the type of employer. Athletic trainers working in professional sports earn the highest pay, often surpassing those in educational institutions or outpatient clinics. Specialties such as performing arts medicine and industrial ergonomic training also command premium salaries. At a senior level, leadership positions like head athletic trainer for a college or university, or roles within professional sports teams, can provide pathways to enhanced pay. Furthermore, advanced credentials such as a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program and specialty certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT serve to boost earning potential. Beyond salary, factors such as contractual agreements, event stipends, and the nature of the employment setting—whether industrial or academic—play a critical role in overall compensation.
More salary data for Franklin, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Franklin in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Franklin?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Franklin?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Franklin?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Franklin?
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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 $88,438 for athletic trainers in the Franklin 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 Franklin 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