Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in South Burlington, VT: $92,453 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in South Burlington, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $92,453/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back South Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $89,327 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 South Burlington, VT, seasoned athletic trainers are positioned to earn a substantial salary, particularly with a P90 figure of $92,453 for 2026. This figure places top earners in South Burlington above many national peers, highlighting the region’s competitive landscape for skilled professionals in the field. The difference between the median annual salary of $67,524 and the highest compensation reflects an experience premium, emphasizing that years of service and expertise can significantly impact earning potential. Achieving this top-tier pay requires advanced skills, specialization, and often, a strong professional network, making continuous education and connections essential for career advancement in this dynamic environment.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Burlington
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in South Burlington earn between $79,886 and $92,453 per year (2026 est.). This $39,417 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The South Burlington median of $67,524 sits 3.22% above the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | South Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $67,524 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,886 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $92,453 | $92,870 |
In South Burlington, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 36.92% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in South Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Vermont
VT athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $67,524 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by South Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in South Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $79,886–$92,453 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the South Burlington 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 South Burlington 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 Vermont 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 South Burlington
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSouth Burlington ranks #1 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $92,453).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in South Burlington ($92,453) is 7.66% above the Vermont average P90 ($85,877).
2019 BLS Actual
$73,141
2025 BLS Actual
$88,362
2026 Current Est.
$92,453
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,141 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,470 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,838 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,650 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,278 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,113 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,362 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,453 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,734 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in South Burlington saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $73,141 in 2019 to $88,362 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 $96,734 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Burlington 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 South Burlington
The specialization of athletic trainers in South Burlington can greatly influence their salary trajectories. Areas like professional sports, college Division I programs, and military medicine are known to command higher wages compared to traditional roles in secondary schools or outpatient clinics. Employers vary considerably; professional teams offer significantly higher compensation compared to high school athletic training positions. As senior professionals, opportunities for advancement into leadership roles, such as head athletic trainer or positions within NCAA athletics, become more accessible. Credentialing also plays a vital role—possessing advanced degrees like a master's from CAATE-accredited programs and certifications such as the BOC’s ATC designation can enhance pay potential. Additionally, factors like contract type, work setting, and specific demands of the role, including evening or weekend events, can introduce variable compensation elements beyond base salaries.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in South Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in South Burlington?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in South Burlington?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in South Burlington?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in South Burlington?
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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 $88,362 for athletic trainers in the South Burlington 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 South Burlington 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