Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Hays, KS: $47,792 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Hays, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,792 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hays's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,576 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($55,674) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level athletic trainer salary in Hays, Kansas, reflects a competitive starting point for new graduates entering the field. With entry-level positions projected to begin around $47,792, recent graduates can expect to gradually increase their earnings as they gain experience in the profession. The median salary for athletic trainers in Hays is $55,674, indicating that new professionals are beginning at a level that is approximately 14.89% below the national median of $65,415. For those dedicated to developing their skills, the salary growth from the entry-level starting point to $51,813 at the 25th percentile suggests a positive trajectory during the first few years on the job. Overall, Hays presents a reasonable market for aspiring athletic trainers, allowing for consistent salary increases aligned with experience.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hays
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 Hays
Entry-level athletic trainers in Hays, KS typically start between $47,792 and $51,813 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,355 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $55,674 — 14.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Kansas of $40,000 represents just 83.70% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($47,792/year) in Hays. 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 Hays
- 1Research the Hays market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $47,792 to $51,813, 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 Hays, 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 Hays for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hays'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 Hays is $27,355 ( 57.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,792, experienced hygienists can earn up to $75,147.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,674
2025 BLS Actual
$45,677
2026 Current Est.
$47,792
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,674 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,267 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,609 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,937 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,170 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,677 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,792 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,005 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Hays, KS grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,674 in 2019 to $45,677 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,005. New graduates entering the Hays job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hays 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 Hays
Employers in Hays, KS, typically include high school athletic programs, which often outsource their services to local hospital sports medicine departments, making them the primary hiring sources for new grad athletic trainers. There are also opportunities in industrial settings where trainers can work in factories or distribution centers, offering starting athletic trainer salaries that can be 30-50% higher than those in traditional school roles. To boost their new grad athletic trainer pay in Kansas, recent graduates are encouraged to obtain their Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program and pass the BOC national examination, securing their ATC credential. Obtaining licensure in Kansas and certifications in CPR and first aid further enhances job prospects. Additionally, those seeking to advance in their first few years should consider pursuing specialty certifications such as CSCS or OCS-AT, as these credentials can lead to higher salaries and better positions in the competitive field of athletic training.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Hays. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hays 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