Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Brookhaven, GA: $46,752 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Brookhaven, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,752 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brookhaven's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,217 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,392) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates considering a career as an athletic trainer in Brookhaven, GA, the entry-level landscape presents both opportunities and challenges. The starting athletic trainer salary in Brookhaven is projected to be $46,752 in 2026, which establishes a notable gap when compared to the median annual salary of $62,392 for the region. While fresh graduates may begin at this lower end of the pay spectrum, there is potential for salary growth as they gain experience; the expected trajectory moves from $53,601 at the 25th percentile to the city median over the subsequent 3-5 years. Despite a competitive local market, Brookhaven offers reasonable prospects for those entering the profession, especially as the field continues to see a growth rate of 4.63% annually, making it an attractive destination for new athletic trainers.
About the Brookhaven Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brookhaven
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 Brookhaven
Entry-level athletic trainers in Brookhaven, GA typically start between $46,752 and $53,601 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,546 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,392 — 4.62% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Georgia of $48,000 represents just 102.67% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($46,752/year) in Brookhaven. 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 Brookhaven
- 1Research the Brookhaven market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $46,752 to $53,601, 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 Brookhaven, 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 Brookhaven for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brookhaven'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 Brookhaven is $44,546 ( 95.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,752, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,298.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,028
2025 BLS Actual
$44,683
2026 Current Est.
$46,752
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Brookhaven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,028 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,586 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,277 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,791 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,046 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,792 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,683 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,752 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,916 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Brookhaven, GA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,028 in 2019 to $44,683 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,916. New graduates entering the Brookhaven job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookhaven 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 Brookhaven
Employers in Brookhaven that typically hire new grad athletic trainers tend to be in high school sports medicine programs, which are often outsourced by hospitals, as well as industrial settings, including factories and distribution centers, where salaries can be significantly higher than the more traditional school roles. Graduates equipped with a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program and the BOC national exam certification (ATC credential) will stand out in this competitive job market. Obtaining state licensure and additional certifications such as CSCS or OCS-AT can further elevate starting athletic trainer pay in Georgia. To maximize their earning potential, new graduates should consider pursuing positions in industrial settings, where compensation can be 30-50% greater compared to roles within educational institutions. Those starting in Brookhaven can anticipate steady pay increases, given the ongoing emphasis on advanced qualifications following the transition to a master’s degree requirement in 2022, positioning them for a successful career in athletic training.
More salary data for Brookhaven, 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 Brookhaven. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brookhaven 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