Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Sunrise, FL: $48,177 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Sunrise, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,177 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sunrise's local price level (BEA RPP 100.8 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,795 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,711) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates venturing into athletic training in Sunrise, Florida, starting salaries can vary significantly from the median annual figure of $61,711. Typically, an entry-level athletic trainer may expect to earn around $48,177, which places them at the 10th percentile of earners. This entry-level pay reflects the early career stage of most new professionals, who can anticipate a gradual climb in earnings. Within the first three to five years, there is potential for salary growth, moving from the starting point toward $54,608 by the 25th percentile and eventually reaching the median salary. Given the current projections, Sunrise presents a viable job market for aspiring athletic trainers, providing new graduates with competitive salary expectations that align with broader state and national trends.
About the Sunrise Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sunrise
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 Sunrise
Entry-level athletic trainers in Sunrise, FL typically start between $48,177 and $54,608 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,807 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,711 — 5.66% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Florida of $48,000 represents just 99.63% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($48,177/year) in Sunrise. 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 Sunrise
- 1Research the Sunrise market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $48,177 to $54,608, 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 FL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Sunrise, 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 Sunrise for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sunrise'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 Sunrise is $38,807 ( 80.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,177, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,984.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,913
2025 BLS Actual
$46,045
2026 Current Est.
$48,177
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Sunrise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,913 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,519 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,322 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,912 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,267 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,866 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,045 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,177 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,407 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Sunrise, FL grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,913 in 2019 to $46,045 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,407. New graduates entering the Sunrise job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sunrise 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 Sunrise
In the Sunrise area, several employers actively hire entry-level athletic trainers, with high schools and sports medicine programs typically being the most common entry points. New grads should take note that many high school athletic training services are often outsourced to hospitals, creating additional opportunities in the community. Industrial settings, such as factories and distribution centers, tend to offer higher starting pay—generally 30-50% more than traditional school-based roles—making them attractive options. To enhance earning potential, candidates should pursue robust credentials, including a master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, the BOC national exam certification, and state license or registration. Additionally, completing CPR and first aid training, along with optional specialty certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT, can be advantageous. Graduates should also align their career strategies with the evolving demands of the industry, focusing on internships or pertinent experience during the first years while noting realistic salary growth from entry-level positions as they gain qualifications and industry visibility.
More salary data for Sunrise, FL:
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 Sunrise. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sunrise 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