Athletic Trainer Salary

Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Peachtree City, GA: $47,871 (2026)

Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Peachtree City, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,871 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Peachtree City's local price level (BEA RPP 93.17% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,419 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,432) within a few years of clinical practice.

$47,871
Starting Salary
$23.02/hr
Starting Hourly
$47,871
Entry Level
$59,432
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Athletic Trainer Entry Level Salary in Peachtree City, GA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Peachtree City, GA athletic trainer entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, new graduates seeking their first positions as athletic trainers in Peachtree City, GA, can expect a starting salary around $47,871. This marks a notable starting point, yet it is below the city’s median annual salary for athletic trainers, which is projected at $59,432. The gap of approximately $11,561 reflects the level of experience that typically leads to higher wages. Still, there is potential for salary growth as new trainers can see their earnings increase over the next few years, with entry-level professionals moving toward the P25 salary of $53,428 and even up to the median over the course of three to five years. Given the city’s moderate job market in healthcare and athletic training services, Peachtree City remains a viable option for recent graduates looking to establish their careers.

About the Peachtree City Market

Salary estimated from Georgia average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Peachtree City

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$47,871/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$53,428/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$59,432/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$69,801/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Peachtree City

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for athletic trainers in Peachtree City. The median salary is $59,432, compared to the national median of $65,415.$43.1K$53.7K$64.2K$74.8K$85.4K$47.9K10th Pctl$53.4K25th Pctl$59.4KMedian$69.8K75th Pctl$81.3K90th PctlUS Median$65.4K

Entry-level athletic trainers in Peachtree City, GA typically start between $47,871 and $53,428 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,434 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,4329.15% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of athletic trainer pay in the Peachtree City metro area.

Return on Investment

$48,000
Avg GA Program Cost
$47,871
Starting Salary
100.27%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
1.0 yr
Payback Estimate

The average athletic training program cost in Georgia of $48,000 represents just 100.27% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($47,871/year) in Peachtree City. 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 Peachtree City

  • 1Research the Peachtree City market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $47,871 to $53,428, 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 Peachtree City, 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 Peachtree City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Peachtree City'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 Peachtree City is $33,434 ( 69.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,871, experienced hygienists can earn up to $81,305.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$29,723

2025 BLS Actual

$45,753

2026 Current Est.

$47,871

2019–2027 Growth

+68.5%

Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Peachtree City (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for athletic trainers in Peachtree City. Baseline $29,723 in 2025, projected to $50,088 by 2027.$25.6K$32.8K$39.9K$47.0K$54.2K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$29.7K$31.3K$35.1K$37.7K$41.0K$37.7K$45.8K$47.9K$50.1K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$29,723Actual
2020$31,319Actual
2021$35,098Actual
2022$37,672Actual
2023$41,005Actual
2024$37,711Actual
2025$45,753Actual
2026(current)$47,871Estimated
2027$50,088Projected

Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Peachtree City, GA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,723 in 2019 to $45,753 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,088. New graduates entering the Peachtree City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peachtree City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Peachtree City

Employers in Peachtree City often hire entry-level athletic trainers in various settings, primarily in high school athletic programs where staffing may be supported by hospital sports medicine departments. While industrial settings like factories may offer more lucrative roles—reportedly paying 30-50% more than traditional school positions—these can often be filled through specialist staffing firms. For new grads in the field, obtaining relevant credentials is pivotal. The current standard includes a Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam for the ATC credential, and acquiring state licensure. Additionally, pursuing certifications in specialties such as CSCS or OCS-AT can enhance starting pay. During the first three years, professionals can reasonably expect their salaries to rise as they gain experience and seek roles in facilities or schools with better funding. The direction provided by NATA and the advantages of the BOC credential help shape a strategic career path for those beginning in this growing field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Peachtree City in 2026?

Entry-level athletic trainers in Peachtree City start at approximately $47,871/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.63% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $23.01/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do athletic trainer salaries grow in Peachtree City?

Most athletic trainers in Peachtree City progress from the entry-level salary of $47,871 to the area median of $59,432 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $81,305 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is athletic training school worth it in Peachtree City?

With a starting salary of $47,871/year in Peachtree City and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new athletic trainers recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new athletic trainers make right out of school in Peachtree City?

New athletic training graduates in Peachtree City typically start near the 10th percentile at $47,871/year, or approximately $23.01/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a athletic trainer in Georgia?

To become a licensed athletic trainer in Georgia, you typically need master's degree in athletic training from a caate-accredited program (transitioning from bachelor's to master's-level entry by 2023), passing the boc certification exam (atc credential), and state licensure or registration., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Georgia, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some athletic trainers pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Georgia

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gomez, MS, ATCData verified by David Kim, BS, ATC

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 Peachtree City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Peachtree City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

Last verified: