Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Statesboro, GA: $49,158 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Statesboro, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,158 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Statesboro's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,801 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,892) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field as athletic trainers in Statesboro, Georgia can expect to see starting salaries around $49,158. This figure presents a considerable gap when compared to the city’s overall median salary of $61,892, indicating that early-career professionals may face a gradual climb in pay over the first few years. Within the range of entry-level salaries, those at the 25th percentile earn about $54,934, suggesting that with a few years of experience, new grads can reasonably work toward closing the gap with the median figure. In terms of market conditions, Statesboro currently offers a stable environment for new athletic trainers, marked by a projected annual growth rate of 4.63%, making this an opportune time for fresh graduates to enter the profession.
About the Statesboro Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Statesboro
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 Statesboro
Entry-level athletic trainers in Statesboro, GA typically start between $49,158 and $54,934 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,578 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,892 — 5.39% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Georgia of $48,000 represents just 97.64% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($49,158/year) in Statesboro. 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 Statesboro
- 1Research the Statesboro market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $49,158 to $54,934, 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 Statesboro, 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 Statesboro for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Statesboro'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 Statesboro is $36,578 ( 74.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,158, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,736.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,522
2025 BLS Actual
$46,983
2026 Current Est.
$49,158
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Statesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,522 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,161 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,042 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,684 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,107 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,712 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,983 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,158 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,434 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Statesboro, GA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,522 in 2019 to $46,983 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,434. New graduates entering the Statesboro job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Statesboro 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 Statesboro
Employers in Statesboro primarily hiring newly graduated athletic trainers include high school athletic training services, which are often outsourced to regional hospitals and sports medicine programs. Additionally, industrial settings and specialized staffing firms are starting to attract new talent, as these roles may offer compensation that is significantly higher than traditional educational environments. Obtaining the necessary credentials—including a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam for the ATC credential, and securing a state license—is essential for enhancing earning potential in Georgia. These qualifications can open doors to different settings, such as factories and distribution centers, which may offer starting athletic trainer salaries that exceed those typical of school-based positions by 30-50%. With targeted career strategies, new grads can expect salary increases as they gain experience and certifications, preparing them for a successful trajectory in this evolving field.
More salary data for Statesboro, 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 Statesboro. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Statesboro 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