Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Augusta, GA: $52,901 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Augusta, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,901 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Augusta's local price level (BEA RPP 91.9 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,562 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,183) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, individuals starting their careers as athletic trainers in Augusta, Georgia can expect an entry-level salary around $52,901. This figure sits below the city’s median annual pay of $60,183, indicating that new graduates might have some financial room for growth as they gain experience. As they progress through the early years of their careers, there is potential for increased earnings, with the first three to five years likely seeing salaries move from $52,901 toward the 25th percentile figure of $53,864, eventually aiming to reach the median level. For recent grads entering the field, Augusta presents a viable opportunity within a market projected to grow at an annual rate of 4.63%, making it a feasible environment for newcomers to establish their professional footing.
Career Earnings Timeline in Augusta
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 Augusta
Entry-level athletic trainers in Augusta, GA typically start between $52,901 and $53,864 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,465 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,183 — 8% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Georgia of $48,000 represents just 90.74% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($52,901/year) in Augusta. 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 Augusta
- 1Research the Augusta market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $52,901 to $53,864, 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 GA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Augusta, 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 Augusta for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Augusta'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 Augusta is $48,465 ( 91.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,901, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,366.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,200
2025 BLS Actual
$50,560
2026 Current Est.
$52,901
2019–2027 Growth
+96.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,200 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,370 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,640 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,700 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,620 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,560 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,901 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,350 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Augusta, GA grew 79.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,200 in 2019 to $50,560 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,350. New graduates entering the Augusta job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta 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 Augusta
When looking for entry-level positions in Augusta, high schools frequently require athletic trainers for their sports programs, often contracting services through local or regional hospital sports medicine teams. This trend opens up pathways for recent graduates. However, those aiming for industrial roles may find better pay, as these positions typically offer 30-50% more than traditional school settings; many industrial employers recruit through staffing firms catering to occupational health and safety. Ensuring proper credentials is essential in Georgia: a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, completion of the BOC national exam, and obtaining a state license cements your standing in the profession. New grads focusing on obtaining their ATC credential and considering advanced certifications, such as CSCS or OCS-AT, can enhance their employability and starting athletic trainer salary in Augusta. Realistic salary growth expectations in the first few years may align with the market, potentially reaching figures closer to the upper percentiles as experience and specialization are gained.
More salary data for Augusta, GA:
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 Augusta. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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