Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Glenview, IL: $50,313 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Glenview, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,313 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Glenview's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,816 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,043) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Recent figures for entry-level athletic trainers in Glenview, Illinois suggest a starting pay of approximately $50,313 in 2026. This is notably below the city’s median annual salary of $61,043, indicating a substantial gap for new graduates entering the field. Despite this, as they gain experience, salaries can increase to $55,531 (P25) within the first few years, and potentially reach the median after three to five years in practice. The projected growth rate of 4.63% hints that the job market for entry-level athletic trainers in Glenview remains promising. Considering the local economic conditions and a cost of living index of 97.1, new graduates seeking positions in this vibrant suburb can expect an upward trajectory in their earnings as they establish themselves.
About the Glenview Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Glenview
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 Glenview
Entry-level athletic trainers in Glenview, IL typically start between $50,313 and $55,531 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,398 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,043 — 6.68% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Illinois of $65,000 represents just 129.19% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($50,313/year) in Glenview. 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 Glenview
- 1Research the Glenview market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $50,313 to $55,531, 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 IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Glenview, 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 Glenview for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Glenview'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 Glenview is $36,398 ( 72.34%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,313, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,711.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,240
2025 BLS Actual
$48,087
2026 Current Est.
$50,313
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Glenview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,240 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,916 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,889 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,593 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,097 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,637 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,087 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,313 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,643 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Glenview, IL grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,240 in 2019 to $48,087 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,643. New graduates entering the Glenview job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Glenview 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 Glenview
Employers who typically hire new graduate athletic trainers in Glenview include high school athletic programs and hospital-based sports medicine facilities, which often look to outsource their AT services. Industrial settings such as factories provide lucrative opportunities as well, often offering salaries that are 30-50% higher than those in traditional school environments. To enhance starting pay in Illinois, candidates should secure the required credentials, which include earning a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam to obtain the ATC credential, and obtaining state licensure. Additionally, optional specialty certifications such as Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) can further boost their value in the job market. Within the first few years of employment, it’s realistic for new grads to experience salary growth as they network, gain experience, and potentially transition into higher-paying industrial roles or specialties, positioning themselves for increased pay as they develop their careers in athletic training in the Glenview area.
More salary data for Glenview, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Glenview in 2026?
How fast do athletic trainer salaries grow in Glenview?
Is athletic training school worth it in Glenview?
What do new athletic trainers make right out of school in Glenview?
How do I become a athletic trainer in Illinois?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Glenview. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Glenview 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