Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Burien, WA: $101,901 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Burien, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $101,901/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Burien's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $94,880 in average-cost America. The 46% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burien, Washington, experienced athletic trainers can expect to earn a competitive salary, particularly at the senior level. With a 2026 median annual salary projected at $69,928, the top earners in this market, representing the 90th percentile, stand out with an impressive $101,901. This substantial figure not only reflects the value placed on seasoned professionals but also highlights the experience premium that exists in the field—where the gap between median and top-tier pay signals competitive opportunities for those who develop specialized skills and take on leadership roles. Achieving such high pay typically requires over seven years of experience and a solid track record in advanced settings, enabling professionals to command salaries that surpass the national median of $65,415 by nearly 6.90%.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burien
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Burien earn between $85,356 and $101,901 per year (2026 est.). This $46,396 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burien median of $69,928 sits 6.9% above the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Burien | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $69,928 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,356 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $101,901 | $92,870 |
In Burien, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 45.72% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Burien
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $69,928 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burien employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Burien command premium compensation, often reaching the $85,356–$101,901 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burien 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 Burien 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 Washington 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 Burien
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurien ranks #8 of 49 Washington cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $101,901).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Burien ($101,901) is 2.68% above the Washington average P90 ($99,245).
2019 BLS Actual
$80,615
2025 BLS Actual
$97,392
2026 Current Est.
$101,901
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,615 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,183 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,589 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,586 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,482 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,065 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,392 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,901 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,619 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Burien saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $80,615 in 2019 to $97,392 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 $106,619 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burien 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 Burien
Diverse specializations significantly influence compensation for athletic trainers in Burien, particularly for those who work in professional sports, Division I colleges, or specialized fields like performing arts medicine or military settings. Each employer type offers different pay scales, with professional teams often providing the highest remuneration, followed closely by college athletics and industrial health environments. At the senior level, advancement opportunities abound, ranging from becoming a head athletic trainer in educational institutions to taking on roles in leadership within sports organizations or academic programs. Advanced qualifications, necessary to remain competitive following the 2022 master's transition, include obtaining a Master's degree from CAATE-accredited programs and passing the BOC national exam (ATC). This, combined with optional specialty certifications like the CSCS or OCS-AT, can enhance earning potential. Additional benefits such as higher pay for evening and weekend events, specific contract types, and the prestige of leadership roles contribute to a desirable compensation package for senior athletic trainers in WA.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Burien in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Burien?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Burien?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Burien?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Burien?
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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 $97,392 for athletic trainers in the Burien 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 Burien 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