Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Moscow, ID: $46,529 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Moscow, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,529 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moscow's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,824 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,783) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moscow, Idaho, new graduates pursuing a career as an athletic trainer can expect to earn a starting athletic trainer salary of approximately $46,529 in 2026. This figure reflects the entry-level pay for recently credentialed professionals, significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $60,783. It’s essential for new grad athletic trainers in ID to manage their expectations, recognizing that early-career pay can be on the lower end of the scale. However, with experience, the earnings potential can increase, advancing from this entry-level position through to the 25th percentile salary of $52,658 and eventually toward the median within just a few years. Given the upward growth trajectory of 4.63% annual growth projected through 2026, the job market in Moscow appears to be a reasonable opportunity for recently graduated athletic trainers.
About the Moscow Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moscow
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 Moscow
Entry-level athletic trainers in Moscow, ID typically start between $46,529 and $52,658 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,209 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,783 — 7.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Idaho of $45,000 represents just 96.71% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($46,529/year) in Moscow. 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 Moscow
- 1Research the Moscow market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $46,529 to $52,658, 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 ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Moscow, 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 Moscow for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moscow's moderate 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 Moscow is $39,209 ( 84.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,529, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,738.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,890
2025 BLS Actual
$44,470
2026 Current Est.
$46,529
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Moscow (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,440 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,114 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,615 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,855 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,118 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,470 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,529 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,683 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Moscow, ID grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,890 in 2019 to $44,470 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,683. New graduates entering the Moscow job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moscow 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 Moscow
Various employers in the Moscow area actively hire new athletic trainers, primarily focusing on high school athletic training services that often partner with local hospital sports medicine programs. Additionally, industrial and occupational settings are emerging as significant employers, providing opportunities that can yield salaries 30-50% higher than traditional school roles. To enhance starting pay, recent graduates should ensure they meet all necessary educational and credentialing requirements, including obtaining a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam, and securing state licensure. New athletic trainers should also consider pursuing additional certifications, such as the CSCS or OCS-AT, to boost their market appeal and salary prospects. With realistic expectations about salary growth over the first few years, new athletic trainers can strategically position themselves for advancement within a dynamic healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Moscow, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How fast do athletic trainer salaries grow in Moscow?
Is athletic training school worth it in Moscow?
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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 Moscow. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moscow 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