Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Billings, MT: $75,026 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Billings, MT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $75,026/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Billings's price premium (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $77,990 in average-cost America. The 41% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced athletic trainers in Billings, Montana, can expect to see considerable salary potential, with top earners reaching as high as $75,026 annually. The disparity between the median annual salary of $53,081 and the top-tier compensation highlights the experience premium in this field. To climb to these highest pay brackets, professionals must demonstrate leadership in sports medicine, possibly working in more lucrative settings like professional sports teams or specialized clinics. This gap illustrates not only the financial rewards awaiting seasoned athletic trainers but also emphasizes the need for continual professional development and specialization to tap into the full earning potential offered in the Billings market.
About the Billings Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billings
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Billings earn between $63,301 and $75,026 per year (2026 est.). This $35,072 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Billings median of $53,081 sits 18.86% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Billings | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $53,081 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,301 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $75,026 | $92,870 |
In Billings, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 41.34% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Billings
Advanced Certifications in Montana
MT athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $53,081 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Billings employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Billings command premium compensation, often reaching the $63,301–$75,026 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Billings 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 Billings 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 Montana 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 Billings
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBillings ranks #1 of 7 Montana cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $75,026).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Billings ($75,026) is 3.06% above the Montana average P90 ($72,796).
2019 BLS Actual
$59,354
2025 BLS Actual
$71,706
2026 Current Est.
$75,026
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Billings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,354 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,244 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,543 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,013 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,146 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,651 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,706 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,026 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,500 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Billings saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $59,354 in 2019 to $71,706 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 $78,500 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings 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 Billings
Beyond base salary, senior athletic trainers can often find opportunities for increased pay through various specializations, with roles in professional sports likely commanding the highest remuneration. Employers such as colleges, universities, and high schools offer differing salary avenues, typically paying less than industrial or occupational settings, which can yield 30-50% higher salaries. Advancement in this field can lead to significant roles such as head athletic trainer at leading institutions or even faculty positions in accredited athletic training programs. Additionally, obtaining advanced credentials such as the ATC designation and specialty certifications further enhances earning prospects. Non-salary compensation elements, including contracts that extend beyond the school year or stipends for event coverage, can also impact the full compensation package for senior athletic trainers in MT, making strategic career planning essential for seizing these lucrative opportunities.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Billings in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Billings?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Billings?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Billings?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Billings?
Related Pages
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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 $71,706 for athletic trainers in the Billings 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 Billings 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