Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Twin Falls, ID: $46,273 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Twin Falls, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,273 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Twin Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,555 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,124) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Twin Falls, Idaho, new graduates entering the athletic training field can expect a starting salary around $46,273, which is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $62,124. This gap indicates that there is significant room for growth as they gain experience—earnings can rise to $53,114 at the 25th percentile and move higher towards the median within the first three to five years. Given that Twin Falls has a projected growth rate of 4.63% annually for this profession, it presents a stable market for aspiring athletic trainers looking to establish their careers in the area. While entry-level salaries may not rival those of some larger markets, the potential for upward mobility is promising for new entrants eager to build their expertise.
About the Twin Falls Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Twin Falls
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 Twin Falls
Entry-level athletic trainers in Twin Falls, ID typically start between $46,273 and $53,114 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,405 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,124 — 5.03% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Idaho of $45,000 represents just 97.25% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($46,273/year) in Twin Falls. 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 Twin Falls
- 1Research the Twin Falls market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $46,273 to $53,114, 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 Twin Falls, 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 Twin Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Twin Falls'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 Twin Falls is $44,405 ( 95.96%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,273, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,678.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,731
2025 BLS Actual
$44,225
2026 Current Est.
$46,273
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Twin Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,731 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,273 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,926 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,414 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,635 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,922 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,225 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,273 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,415 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Twin Falls, ID grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,731 in 2019 to $44,225 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,415. New graduates entering the Twin Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Twin Falls 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 Twin Falls
New athletic trainers in Twin Falls often find employment opportunities primarily with high school athletic services, which frequently contract out to local hospital sports medicine programs. These positions serve as a vital entry into the field but may offer lower initial compensation than their industrial counterparts. Those considering the industrial or occupational sector can anticipate starting pay that could be 30-50% higher than traditional school roles, particularly in factories or distribution centers. To maximize earning potential, aspiring athletic trainers should not only fulfill the educational requirements of a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program but also aim to acquire credentials such as the BOC national exam (ATC credential) and a state license. These qualifications, coupled with continuous education and optional specialty certifications, can significantly enhance starting pay in Idaho. For new grads, setting realistic salary growth expectations is crucial, as they can achieve advancements within their first three years with strategic career planning and skill development.
More salary data for Twin Falls, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Twin Falls in 2026?
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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 Twin Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Twin Falls 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