Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Lombard, IL: $46,480 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Lombard, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,480 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lombard's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,868 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,545) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of athletic training, the starting pay in Lombard, Illinois, is reflective of current market conditions. In 2026, new graduates can expect entry-level salaries around $46,480, which may seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $61,545. This gap illustrates a common trend in early-career earnings within the profession, as many athletic trainers see salary growth over the first few years as they gain experience and certifications. As entry-level positions are anticipated to grow, aspiring trainers can find encouragement in the projected annual growth rate of 4.63%, reinforcing that Lombard's market could be a viable option for new grads looking to establish themselves.
About the Lombard Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lombard
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 Lombard
Entry-level athletic trainers in Lombard, IL typically start between $46,480 and $56,601 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,741 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,545 — 5.92% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Illinois of $65,000 represents just 139.85% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($46,480/year) in Lombard. 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 Lombard
- 1Research the Lombard market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $46,480 to $56,601, 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 Lombard, 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 Lombard for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lombard'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 Lombard is $39,741 ( 85.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,480, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,221.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,859
2025 BLS Actual
$44,423
2026 Current Est.
$46,480
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lombard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,859 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,408 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,078 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,577 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,813 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,423 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,480 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,632 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Lombard, IL grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,859 in 2019 to $44,423 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,632. New graduates entering the Lombard job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lombard 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 Lombard
New athletic trainers in Lombard often find employment opportunities emerging from high school athletic programs, frequently supported by hospital sports medicine services that outsource trainer positions. Additionally, industrial settings that involve occupational health often offer more lucrative starting salaries due to a lack of competition, sometimes paying 30-50% more than school-based roles. To enhance their earnability, graduates should focus on obtaining a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program and passing the BOC national exam to earn their ATC credential. Continuing education, including BLS/first aid training and optional specialty certifications, can also lend a competitive edge. For the first three years, salary expectations can vary greatly, but training in industrial settings typically offers a pathway toward higher pay, helping new grad athletic trainers in IL reach their financial goals more efficiently.
More salary data for Lombard, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Lombard in 2026?
How fast do athletic trainer salaries grow in Lombard?
Is athletic training school worth it in Lombard?
What do new athletic trainers make right out of school in Lombard?
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 Lombard. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lombard 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