Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $61,902 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Hattiesburg, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $61,902/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Hattiesburg's price premium (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $72,231 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
Senior athletic trainers in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, have substantial earning potential, especially for those who have cultivated their skills and expertise over years in the field. With a projected top-tier salary of $61,902 in 2026, experienced professionals are poised to earn significantly more than the median annual salary of $45,223. This is indicative of a considerable experience premium that rewards commitment and advanced competencies in athletic training. To navigate towards these elevated pay scales, individuals often pursue specializations or leadership roles that demonstrate extensive knowledge, a strategy that can also include enhancing qualifications through advanced degrees and certifications.
About the Hattiesburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hattiesburg
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Hattiesburg earn between $53,238 and $61,902 per year (2026 est.). This $25,207 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hattiesburg median of $45,223 sits 30.87% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Hattiesburg | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $45,223 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $53,238 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $61,902 | $92,870 |
In Hattiesburg, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 36.88% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Hattiesburg
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $45,223 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hattiesburg employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Hattiesburg command premium compensation, often reaching the $53,238–$61,902 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg 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 Mississippi 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 Hattiesburg
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHattiesburg ranks #11 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $61,902).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Hattiesburg ($61,902) is 3.32% below the Mississippi average P90 ($64,026).
2019 BLS Actual
$48,971
2025 BLS Actual
$59,163
2026 Current Est.
$61,902
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,971 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,778 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,991 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,370 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,816 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,163 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,902 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,768 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Hattiesburg saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $48,971 in 2019 to $59,163 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 $64,768 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg
In Hattiesburg, various specializations can significantly impact senior athletic trainer pay in MS. Professionals who work within college Division I athletic programs or professional sports teams may command the highest salaries, while those in secondary schools or outpatient clinics typically earn less. Compensation variance across different employer types reflects the diverse settings within which athletic trainers operate—ranging from high schools to major league teams and industrial health environments such as Toyota and Boeing, which tend to offer 30-50% higher salaries than traditional school roles. Advanced credentials, including a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program and certification from BOC as an ATC, are crucial for those aspiring to leadership positions such as head athletic trainer or NATA leadership roles. Additional factors influencing earnings include the type of contract—year-round versus school-year—and responsibilities tied to evening or weekend events, all of which can contribute to a more lucrative senior athletic trainer salary in Hattiesburg.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Hattiesburg in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Hattiesburg?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Hattiesburg?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Hattiesburg?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Hattiesburg?
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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 $59,163 for athletic trainers in the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg 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