Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Benton, AR: $42,837 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Benton, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,837 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Benton's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,295 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($55,689) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, Arkansas, new graduates entering the field of athletic training can expect an entry-level salary around $42,837 in 2026. While this figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $55,689, it reflects a reasonable expectation for those just starting their careers. Entry-level athletic trainers can anticipate gradual salary growth over their first few years in the profession, ultimately reaching the 25th percentile at about $48,571. Benton presents a viable market for freshly graduated athletic trainers, especially as the field evolves and positions become available in schools and industrial settings. With a growth rate of 4.63% projected annually, there are opportunities for early-career professionals willing to start at this entry point and work towards building their experience and skills.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Benton
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
Entry-level athletic trainers in Benton, AR typically start between $42,837 and $48,571 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,941 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $55,689 — 14.87% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Arkansas of $32,000 represents just 74.70% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($42,837/year) in Benton. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAATE-accredited Master of Science in Athletic Training programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institutions; the BOC certification exam is required after graduation for practice.
AT, ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Benton
- 1Research the Benton market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $42,837 to $48,571, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the athletic training field — employers in AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Benton, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Benton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Benton's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Athletic Trainer Compensation Range
The athletic trainer wage spread in Benton is $32,941 ( 76.90%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,837, experienced hygienists can earn up to $75,778.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$26,597
2025 BLS Actual
$40,941
2026 Current Est.
$42,837
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,597 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,025 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,407 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,710 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,692 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,698 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,941 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,837 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,820 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Benton, AR grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,597 in 2019 to $40,941 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,820. New graduates entering the Benton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton 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.
Starting Your athletic training Career in Benton
New graduates looking for athletic trainer roles in Benton typically find positions within high schools, often contracted through local hospital sports medicine programs. These settings generally prioritize hiring fresh talent eager to gain practical experience. Industrial athletic trainer positions, such as those in factories or distribution centers, can offer significantly higher starting pay, potentially increasing compensation by 30% to 50% compared to traditional educational roles. Earning credentials such as a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program and passing the BOC national exam to obtain the ATC credential are critical in boosting initial pay. Moreover, engaging in continuing education and gaining additional certifications can enhance job prospects and salary potential. With realistic growth in earnings during their first few years, new graduates in Benton can set themselves on a solid career path in athletic training.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new athletic training graduates. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Benton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton 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