Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Roswell, GA: $52,617 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Roswell, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,617 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Roswell's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,517 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,633) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates stepping into the field of athletic training in Roswell, GA, can expect varying starting salaries, with entry-level positions projected at approximately $52,617 for 2026. This figure represents a significant difference compared to the overall city median of $67,633, indicating that recent graduates may need time to bridge the salary gap as they gain experience. Over the initial 3-5 years in their careers, many can look to progress from the entry-level pay at the 10th percentile to around $59,505 as they reach the 25th percentile, gradually moving closer to the median salary. Given Roswell’s current market conditions and the projected growth rate of 4.63% in this sector, the city presents a relatively favorable environment for new athletic trainers, particularly for those who are pursuing opportunities with schools, healthcare facilities, or the industrial sector.
About the Roswell Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Roswell
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 Roswell
Entry-level athletic trainers in Roswell, GA typically start between $52,617 and $59,505 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,435 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,633 — 3.39% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Georgia of $48,000 represents just 91.23% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($52,617/year) in Roswell. 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 Roswell
- 1Research the Roswell market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $52,617 to $59,505, 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 Roswell, 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 Roswell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Roswell'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 Roswell is $44,435 ( 84.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,617, experienced hygienists can earn up to $97,052.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,670
2025 BLS Actual
$50,289
2026 Current Est.
$52,617
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Roswell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,670 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,424 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,578 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,406 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,070 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,995 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,289 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,617 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,054 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Roswell, GA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,670 in 2019 to $50,289 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,054. New graduates entering the Roswell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Roswell 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 Roswell
Several employers in Roswell are on the lookout for fresh talent in athletic training, particularly high schools that often collaborate with hospital sports medicine programs or industrial companies that hire through specialty staffing firms. While pursuing these roles, new grads should focus on obtaining the necessary credentials such as a Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam for the ATC credential, and obtaining licensure in Georgia. These qualifications can significantly enhance starting athletic trainer pay in GA. For those considering their career trajectory, positions within industrial settings frequently pay 30-50% more compared to traditional school roles. The first few years may see realistic salary growth as numerous recent graduates in Roswell progress in their careers, with expectations of achieving a higher salary as their experience and credentials expand.
More salary data for Roswell, 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 Roswell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Roswell 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