Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Brentwood, TN: $80,647 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Brentwood, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $80,647/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Brentwood's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $87,851 in average-cost America. The 39% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brentwood, Tennessee, the potential earnings for seasoned athletic trainers are quite attractive, with top earners—those at the 90th percentile—projected to make $80,647 annually by 2026. This figure not only highlights the significant salary potential for experienced professionals in the area but also reflects a noteworthy gap between the median annual salary of $57,925 and these upper-tier salaries. To reach such high compensation levels, athletic trainers typically need over seven years of experience, along with advanced credentials and specialized skills, which are increasingly integral in this evolving field. As the demand for skilled athletic trainers grows, professionals who invest in advanced training and seek roles in prestigious settings—such as professional sports or leading educational institutions—position themselves well for this lucrative pay tier.
About the Brentwood Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brentwood
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Brentwood earn between $68,886 and $80,647 per year (2026 est.). This $32,552 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Brentwood median of $57,925 sits 11.45% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Brentwood | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $57,925 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,886 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $80,647 | $92,870 |
In Brentwood, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 39.23% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Brentwood
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $57,925 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Brentwood employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Brentwood command premium compensation, often reaching the $68,886–$80,647 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Brentwood 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 Brentwood 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 Tennessee 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 Brentwood
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBrentwood ranks #18 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $80,647).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Brentwood ($80,647) is 1.34% above the Tennessee average P90 ($79,582).
2019 BLS Actual
$63,800
2025 BLS Actual
$77,078
2026 Current Est.
$80,647
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Brentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,800 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,832 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,154 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,734 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,027 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,042 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,078 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,647 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,381 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Brentwood saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $63,800 in 2019 to $77,078 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 $84,381 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brentwood 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 Brentwood
An analysis of senior athletic trainer pay in TN reveals that specialization plays a crucial role in determining salary levels. Athletic trainers engaging with professional sports teams, Division I colleges, or in specific health sectors such as performing arts medicine command higher compensation than those in typical high school roles. Employment settings significantly influence earnings; for instance, trainers working within industrial or occupational health environments, like those at Toyota or Boeing, often earn considerably more—up to 30% higher than school-based trainers due to the nature of the work involved. Additionally, advanced credentials, such as a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, BOC certification (ATC), and optional specialty certifications, enhance earning potential. Leadership opportunities exist as well, with many experienced trainers advancing to roles such as head athletic trainer at educational institutions or professional sports teams, further increasing their non-salary compensation through stipends and additional responsibilities associated with evening or weekend events. In summary, the dynamic market for experienced athletic trainers in Brentwood offers a wealth of financial and professional opportunities for those committed to advancing their careers.
More salary data for Brentwood, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Brentwood in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Brentwood?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Brentwood?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Brentwood?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Brentwood?
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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 $77,078 for athletic trainers in the Brentwood 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 Brentwood 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