Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Dodge City, KS: $44,934 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Dodge City, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,934 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dodge City's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,432 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($56,255) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For aspiring athletic trainers in Dodge City, Kansas, the starting salary landscape reveals a gap between entry-level pay and the overall median for the occupation. In 2026, new graduates can expect to earn around $44,934 at the lower end of the salary spectrum, which is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $56,255 for all athletic trainers in the city. This presents a starting trajectory where entry-level professionals can gradually advance to the P25 benchmark of $50,118 within their first few years, leading them closer to the city’s median as they gain experience. Given a projected growth rate of 4.63% annually, Dodge City remains a viable market for recent graduates entering this field, despite the initial salary appearing lower than the national median of $65,415.
About the Dodge City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dodge City
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 Dodge City
Entry-level athletic trainers in Dodge City, KS typically start between $44,934 and $50,118 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,300 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $56,255 — 14% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Kansas of $40,000 represents just 89.02% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($44,934/year) in Dodge City. 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 Dodge City
- 1Research the Dodge City market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $44,934 to $50,118, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dodge City, 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 Dodge City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dodge City's below-average 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 Dodge City is $31,300 ( 69.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,934, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,234.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$27,900
2025 BLS Actual
$42,946
2026 Current Est.
$44,934
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Dodge City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,900 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,397 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,945 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,360 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,489 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,915 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,946 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,934 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,015 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Dodge City, KS grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,900 in 2019 to $42,946 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,015. New graduates entering the Dodge City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dodge City 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 Dodge City
In terms of employment opportunities for new athletic trainers, local schools and hospitals present the most accessible entry points. High school athletic training services, often managed through hospital sports medicine programs, are among the primary employers of recent graduates. New grads should also consider industrial settings such as factories or distribution centers, where salaries can be significantly higher—often 30-50% above those in traditional athletic training roles. To enhance starting pay, candidates should pursue a master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program and obtain the BOC ATC credential, as well as fulfill state licensing requirements. Engaging in continuing education and optional certifications such as the CSCS can further boost marketability. For those navigating the first three years, focusing on gaining practical experience and exploring various employment avenues will be key to achieving more competitive salaries as they progress in their careers.
More salary data for Dodge City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Dodge City in 2026?
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What do new athletic trainers make right out of school in Dodge City?
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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 Dodge City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dodge City 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