Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Derry, NH: $95,528 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Derry, NH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $95,528/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Derry's price premium (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $89,029 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the range for senior athletic trainer pay in Derry, NH, showcases substantial earning potential, with the top-tier professionals (P90) achieving an impressive salary of $95,528. Those in the P75 bracket earn around $81,173, reflecting a significant experience premium compared to the median annual salary of $67,368 for the region. This notable compensation gap highlights the financial rewards for seasoned athletic trainers who have developed specialized skills and extensive experience over their careers. Achieving such lucrative salaries often requires advanced credentials, a master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, and a history of impactful roles within high-stake environments such as professional sports or higher education. The Derry market offers competitive compensation where experienced athletic trainers can elevate their careers through adept networking and noteworthy contributions to sports medicine.
About the Derry Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Derry
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Derry earn between $81,173 and $95,528 per year (2026 est.). This $40,144 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Derry median of $67,368 sits 2.99% above the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Derry | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $67,368 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,173 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $95,528 | $92,870 |
In Derry, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 41.80% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Derry
Advanced Certifications in New Hampshire
NH athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $67,368 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Derry employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Derry command premium compensation, often reaching the $81,173–$95,528 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Derry 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 Derry 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 New Hampshire 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 Derry
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDerry ranks #1 of 16 New Hampshire cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $95,528).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Derry ($95,528) is 5.8% above the New Hampshire average P90 ($90,292).
2019 BLS Actual
$75,573
2025 BLS Actual
$91,301
2026 Current Est.
$95,528
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Derry (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,573 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,980 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,361 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,233 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,949 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,318 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,301 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,528 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,951 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Derry saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $75,573 in 2019 to $91,301 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 $99,951 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derry 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 Derry
Senior athletic trainers in Derry, NH, can discover unique opportunities for premium salaries through specialization and strategic career moves. Fields like professional sports, Division I collegiate athletics, performing arts medicine, and military training programs tend to offer the highest wages, often outpacing traditional school-based roles drastically. For instance, positions within professional teams (NFL, NBA, MLB) or industrial health sectors with leading companies such as Toyota or Boeing typically yield elevated compensation packages compared to secondary schools or colleges. Moreover, taking on leadership roles, such as head athletic trainer for a college or sports organization, or pursuing advanced certifications like CSCS and OCS-AT can further enhance earning potential. Additional compensation elements, including year-round contracts and stipends for overseeing critical events, create a comprehensive remuneration profile that not only reflects base salary but also acknowledges the diverse settings in which these professionals operate, making the experience of an athletic trainer in NH increasingly rewarding.
More salary data for Derry, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Derry in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Derry?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Derry?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Derry?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Derry?
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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 $91,301 for athletic trainers in the Derry 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 Derry 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