Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Evans, CO: $53,228 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Evans, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,228 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Evans's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,693 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,611) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of athletic training in Evans, Colorado, the starting salary can be quite telling of both the opportunities and challenges ahead. With an estimated entry-level pay of $53,228 in 2026, new trainers will find themselves slightly below the city’s median annual salary of $63,611. This gap illustrates a common trajectory for early-career professionals; while starting positions may seem modest, many can anticipate upward movement as they gain experience, with projections suggesting potential earnings around $58,349 within the first few years. The market for athletic trainers in Evans appears favorable for emerging professionals, especially considering a projected 4.63% annual growth rate in the field. New grads should remain optimistic as they pursue their first positions while reflecting on realistic expectations during this transition period.
About the Evans Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Evans
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 Evans
Entry-level athletic trainers in Evans, CO typically start between $53,228 and $58,349 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,676 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,611 — 2.76% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Colorado of $60,000 represents just 112.72% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($53,228/year) in Evans. 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 Evans
- 1Research the Evans market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $53,228 to $58,349, 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 CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Evans, 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 Evans for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Evans's moderate 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 Evans is $33,676 ( 63.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,228, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,904.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,049
2025 BLS Actual
$50,873
2026 Current Est.
$53,228
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Evans (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,049 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,823 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,026 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,887 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,594 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,149 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,873 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,228 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,693 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Evans, CO grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,049 in 2019 to $50,873 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,693. New graduates entering the Evans job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evans 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 Evans
In Evans, various employers actively recruit new athletic trainers, with high school athletic training services and outpatient facilities being the most common starting points. These positions are often supported by larger hospital sports medicine programs that frequently hire recent graduates. In contrast, collegiate roles may require some level of graduate assistant positions or internship experience before being offered. To enhance starting pay in Colorado, candidates should focus on obtaining their Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, which became mandatory as of 2022, and acquiring the BOC national exam credential (ATC). Additionally, pursuing state licensure and optional certifications can significantly increase early career prospects. Given the industry context, those who seek opportunities in industrial settings may experience starting athletic trainer pay in CO that is 30-50% greater than what is typically offered in traditional school roles. Hence, realistic salary expectations over the first few years in this specific market should reflect a gradual increase aligned with experience and specialization, leading to fulfilling and financially rewarding careers.
More salary data for Evans, CO:
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 Evans. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Evans 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