Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Pueblo, CO: $52,678 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Pueblo, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,678 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pueblo's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,170 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,064) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the athletic training field in Pueblo, Colorado, can anticipate starting salaries that typically fall around $52,678, which is considerably below the city’s median annual salary for athletic trainers of $69,064. This gap reflects the initial phase of a career where entry-level professionals generally have less experience and leverage fewer credentials than their more seasoned counterparts. Although salaries for entry-level positions might seem lower, there is a reasonable trajectory for salary growth; as athletic trainers gain experience, they can expect to progress to the 25th percentile earnings of $60,166 and further up towards the median within the first few years. With a positive annual growth rate of 4.63%, Pueblo represents an encouraging market for new graduates entering the field in 2026.
About the Pueblo Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pueblo
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 Pueblo
Entry-level athletic trainers in Pueblo, CO typically start between $52,678 and $60,166 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,410 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,064 — 5.58% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Colorado of $60,000 represents just 113.90% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($52,678/year) in Pueblo. 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 Pueblo
- 1Research the Pueblo market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $52,678 to $60,166, 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 Pueblo, 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 Pueblo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pueblo'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 Pueblo is $48,410 ( 91.90%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,678, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,088.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,708
2025 BLS Actual
$50,347
2026 Current Est.
$52,678
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Pueblo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,708 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,463 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,622 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,454 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,122 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,660 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,347 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,678 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,117 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Pueblo, CO grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,708 in 2019 to $50,347 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,117. New graduates entering the Pueblo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pueblo 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 Pueblo
Job opportunities for early-career athletic trainers in Pueblo primarily come from local high schools and sporting programs, which often hire entry-level professionals to provide athletic care under outsourced arrangements with hospital sports medicine departments. Industrial settings have also emerged as viable employers, frequently offering roles that can yield higher entry-level pay, reflecting the increased demand for occupational health expertise. New graduates should focus on meeting credentialing requirements set by the NATA and BOC, including obtaining a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program and passing the national certification exam. This foundational education, along with state licensure and additional certifications like the CSCS, can significantly enhance earning potential. During the first three years in the field, newcomers can realistically expect their salaries to reflect their experience level and expanding skill set, ultimately aligning more closely with the regional median as they gain traction in their professional roles.
More salary data for Pueblo, 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 Pueblo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pueblo 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