Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Springfield, IL: $48,271 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Springfield, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,271 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Springfield's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,713 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,893) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the athletic training field in Springfield, Illinois, the starting athletic trainer salary is projected to begin at approximately $48,271 in 2026. While this initial figure may seem modest compared to the city’s median salary of $62,893, it's essential for new professionals to have realistic expectations and understand the growth potential. Early-career trainers can anticipate moving through salary tiers, with opportunities to reach $55,018 at the 25th percentile and eventually the city median within the first few years. Given a projected annual growth rate of 4.63%, Springfield remains a viable market for those entering the profession, especially when considering the multi-faceted roles and settings available that can enhance earning potential.
About the Springfield Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Springfield
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 Springfield
Entry-level athletic trainers in Springfield, IL typically start between $48,271 and $55,018 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,339 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,893 — 3.86% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Illinois of $65,000 represents just 134.66% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($48,271/year) in Springfield. 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 Springfield
- 1Research the Springfield market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $48,271 to $55,018, 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 Springfield, 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 Springfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Springfield'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 Springfield is $44,339 ( 91.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,271, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,610.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,590
2025 BLS Actual
$46,135
2026 Current Est.
$48,271
2019–2027 Growth
+34.4%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,590 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,750 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,090 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,010 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,135 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,271 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,506 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Springfield, IL grew 22.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,590 in 2019 to $46,135 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,506. New graduates entering the Springfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springfield 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 Springfield
In Springfield, several key employers actively seek entry-level athletic trainers, primarily high school athletic training services and specialty staffing firms focused on industrial settings. However, new grad athletic trainer pay in Illinois often varies depending on the chosen employment sector. Entering the field requires candidates to hold a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, pass the BOC national exam for ATC certification, and secure state licensing. Those considering the industrial or occupational sectors may find starting salaries 30-50% higher compared to roles in educational institutions. As athletic trainers establish their careers, gaining additional certifications and experience can lead to noteworthy salary increases, especially as they navigate the first few years in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Springfield, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is athletic training school worth it in Springfield?
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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 Springfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Springfield 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