Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Lawrence, KS: $46,048 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Lawrence, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,048 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 90.2 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,027 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,636) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Starting salaries for new athletic trainers in Lawrence, Kansas, provide a realistic entry point into the profession, with figures projected at $46,048 in 2026. This initial earning potential is significantly below the city's median annual salary of $63,636, indicating a notable gap for recent graduates. However, with dedication and career development, many can expect to advance through initial salary brackets over the first few years. Growth trajectories show that as new trainers gain experience, the average earnings can move closer to the median and beyond, as opportunities within the local job market improve. Lawrence offers a favorable environment for new graduates, as the presence of local educational institutions and athletic programs supports demand for entry-level positions.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
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 Lawrence
Entry-level athletic trainers in Lawrence, KS typically start between $46,048 and $63,636 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,801 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,636 — 2.72% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Kansas of $40,000 represents just 86.87% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($46,048/year) in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $46,048 to $63,636, 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 Lawrence, 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 Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence'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 Lawrence is $39,801 ( 86.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,048, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,849.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,591
2025 BLS Actual
$44,010
2026 Current Est.
$46,048
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,591 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,126 | Actual |
| 2021 | $17,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,237 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,443 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,505 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,010 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,048 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,180 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, KS grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,591 in 2019 to $44,010 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,180. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
In Lawrence, various employers actively seek to hire new graduates in the athletic training field, especially high school athletic training services that are often linked with hospital sports medicine programs. While entry-level positions tend to pay less, trainers working in industrial settings may earn significantly more, with salaries sometimes exceeding school-based roles by 30-50%. To increase starting pay, graduates should pursue the necessary credentials, including a Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, the ATC credential via BOC, and a state license. Building career experience within the first few years is crucial, and networking through the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) can open additional avenues for advancement. By strategically positioning themselves in higher-paying sectors or pursuing specialty certifications, new grad athletic trainers in KS can expect steady salary growth and improved opportunities in the evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Lawrence, 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 Lawrence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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