Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Junction City, KS: $44,113 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Junction City, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,113 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Junction City's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,529 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($56,075) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Junction City, KS, new graduates entering the field of athletic training can expect starting salaries that may initially appear modest compared to the overall median salary of $56,075 projected for 2026. With an entry-level athletic trainer salary in Junction City expected to start around $44,113, there’s a noticeable gap between entry-level pay and the median. However, as professionals accumulate experience, their earning potential typically increases, with early-career athletic trainers likely progressing to the 25th percentile, which is estimated at around $52,686 within just a few years. Given the salary trajectory and the local demand for entry-level athletic trainers, Junction City represents a viable market for new graduates eager to begin their careers in this field.
About the Junction City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Junction 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 Junction City
Entry-level athletic trainers in Junction City, KS typically start between $44,113 and $52,686 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,336 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $56,075 — 14.28% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Kansas of $40,000 represents just 90.68% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($44,113/year) in Junction 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 Junction City
- 1Research the Junction City market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $44,113 to $52,686, 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 Junction 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 Junction City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Junction 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 Junction City is $32,336 ( 73.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,113, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,449.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$27,390
2025 BLS Actual
$42,161
2026 Current Est.
$44,113
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Junction City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,390 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,860 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,343 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,714 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,786 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,239 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,161 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,113 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,155 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Junction City, KS grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,390 in 2019 to $42,161 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,155. New graduates entering the Junction City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Junction 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 Junction City
Employers in Junction City are actively seeking to fill positions with newly minted athletic trainers, particularly within high school athletic programs, which often rely on supplemental staffing from local hospital sports medicine initiatives. Opportunities also arise in industrial settings where occupational athletics roles are typically better compensated, sometimes offering salaries that can exceed those in educational institutions by 30-50%. To bolster initial pay as a new grad athletic trainer in KS, obtaining a master's degree, which became mandatory in 2022, and passing the BOC national exam for the ATC credential are essential steps. Additionally, securing state licensing, maintaining CPR/BLS certifications, and pursuing specialty credentials can further enhance job prospects and salary potential. New graduates should anticipate steady growth in their compensation, aligning with industry trends, and anticipate significant professional development during the first three years in the workforce.
More salary data for Junction City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Junction City in 2026?
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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 Junction City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Junction 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