Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Honolulu, HI: $59,767 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Honolulu, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,767 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Honolulu's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,098 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($83,040) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Honolulu, prospective athletic trainers can expect an entry-level salary around $59,767, which may initially seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $83,040. This puts new graduates 28% below the median, but there is significant room for growth within the field. Over the first few years, entry-level professionals can anticipate gradual increases, moving from the starting point to $69,946 at the 25th percentile and potentially reaching the median as they gain experience and develop their skills. Given the continued demand for athletic trainers and an annual growth rate of 4.63%, Honolulu offers a promising market for new graduates looking to establish their careers.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Honolulu
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 Honolulu
Entry-level athletic trainers in Honolulu, HI typically start between $59,767 and $69,946 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,966 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $83,040 — 26.94% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Hawaii of $60,000 represents just 100.39% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($59,767/year) in Honolulu. 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 Honolulu
- 1Research the Honolulu market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $59,767 to $69,946, 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 HI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Honolulu, 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 Honolulu for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Honolulu's above-average cost of living (index: 119.3) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Athletic Trainer Compensation Range
The athletic trainer wage spread in Honolulu is $59,966 ( 100.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,767, experienced hygienists can earn up to $119,733.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,109
2025 BLS Actual
$57,122
2026 Current Est.
$59,767
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,109 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,101 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,033 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,194 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,122 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,767 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,534 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Honolulu, HI grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,109 in 2019 to $57,122 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,534. New graduates entering the Honolulu job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Honolulu 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 Honolulu
Several employers in Honolulu actively recruit newly minted athletic trainers, particularly at high schools where athletic trainer services are frequently contracted through local hospital sports medicine programs. Industrial settings also seek out these professionals, with opportunities at factories and distribution centers often presenting salaries that exceed those in traditional school roles by 30-50%. To elevate starting pay in Hawaii, candidates should consider obtaining a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, as this is mandated as of 2022, alongside achieving the BOC national exam certification (ATC). Additionally, pursuing state licensure and appropriate certifications like BLS/first aid and optional specialties can further enhance job prospects. In the first three years, expect salary growth in line with the industry trends, allowing for a rewarding and sustainable career trajectory in athletic training.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
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 Honolulu. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Honolulu 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