Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Lakewood, CO: $53,885 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Lakewood, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,885 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lakewood's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,319 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,737) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering the entry-level athletic trainer salary in Lakewood, Colorado, the projected figures for 2026 present a promising outlook. New graduates can expect starting pay around $53,885, which falls below the city's median annual salary of $68,737. However, there is an upward trajectory as new professionals typically rise through salary tiers, reaching approximately $60,985 within the first few years. With the projected growth rate of 4.63% annually, Lakewood seems like a favorable market for recent graduates. The competitive pay landscape allows newly minted athletic trainers to align their expectations while also striving for positions that offer both salary and professional growth potential in this evolving field.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lakewood
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 Lakewood
Entry-level athletic trainers in Lakewood, CO typically start between $53,885 and $60,985 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,242 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,737 — 5.08% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Colorado of $60,000 represents just 111.35% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($53,885/year) in Lakewood. 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 Lakewood
- 1Research the Lakewood market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $53,885 to $60,985, 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 Lakewood, 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 Lakewood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lakewood'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 Lakewood is $46,242 ( 85.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,885, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,127.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,457
2025 BLS Actual
$51,501
2026 Current Est.
$53,885
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,457 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,253 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,508 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,404 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,156 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,736 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,501 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,885 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,380 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Lakewood, CO grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,457 in 2019 to $51,501 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,380. New graduates entering the Lakewood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Employers seeking to hire entry-level athletic trainers in Lakewood primarily include high schools and hospital sports medicine programs that provide comprehensive AT services. New graduates often find opportunities in industrial settings, particularly through specialty staffing firms, which may offer significantly higher pay compared to traditional school roles. Pursuing credentials such as a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam for the ATC credential, and obtaining a state AT license are essential steps to increase earning potential in Colorado. Additionally, new grads should consider optional certifications such as CSCS or OCS-AT, which may provide an edge in securing well-compensated positions. Career strategies in the first few years should focus on gaining diverse experience, as transitioning into industrial or occupational settings can lead to salaries that are 30-50% higher than their counterparts in educational institutions. Realistically, salary growth during the first three years for an entry-level athletic trainer in this market can be expected to align incrementally, influenced by the demand for skilled professionals and ongoing professional development.
More salary data for Lakewood, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Lakewood in 2026?
How fast do athletic trainer salaries grow in Lakewood?
Is athletic training school worth it in Lakewood?
What do new athletic trainers make right out of school in Lakewood?
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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 Lakewood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lakewood 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