Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in North Little Rock, AR: $46,008 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the North Little Rock, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,008 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out North Little Rock's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,944 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,491) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of athletic training in North Little Rock, Arkansas, can expect to begin their careers with a starting athletic trainer salary of around $46,008 in 2026. This initial pay is notably below the city's median annual salary of $58,491, indicating a 21.3% gap. However, there's potential for salary growth within the first few years of employment, with many entry-level trainers advancing to earnings around $52,018 or even touching the median as they gain experience. Given the annual growth rate of 4.63%, new athletic trainers can find North Little Rock to be a viable market, with opportunities to increase their income steadily during the early stages of their careers.
About the North Little Rock Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in North Little Rock
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 North Little Rock
Entry-level athletic trainers in North Little Rock, AR typically start between $46,008 and $52,018 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,003 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,491 — 10.58% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Arkansas of $32,000 represents just 69.55% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($46,008/year) in North Little Rock. 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 North Little Rock
- 1Research the North Little Rock market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $46,008 to $52,018, 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 North Little Rock, 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 North Little Rock for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5North Little Rock'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 North Little Rock is $39,003 ( 84.77%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,008, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,011.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,566
2025 BLS Actual
$43,972
2026 Current Est.
$46,008
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in North Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,566 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,100 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,732 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,205 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,409 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,292 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,972 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,008 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,138 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in North Little Rock, AR grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,566 in 2019 to $43,972 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,138. New graduates entering the North Little Rock job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Little Rock 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 North Little Rock
In North Little Rock, many high schools and hospitals are key employers looking for new grad athletic trainers, often through outsourced sports medicine programs. While school settings may have lower starting salaries, industrial occupational roles present a considerable opportunity; they can pay 30-50% more than typical school positions. To enhance starting pay, entering the job market with a Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, alongside passing the BOC national exam for ATC certification, is essential. Obtaining the necessary state licenses and auxiliary certifications in areas such as strength and conditioning can further bolster one's marketability. Realistically, new athletic trainers can expect their salaries to rise as they secure positions, build their credentials, and navigate the dual pathways of traditional versus non-traditional athletic training environments in Arkansas.
More salary data for North Little Rock, 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 North Little Rock. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Little Rock 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