Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Manhattan, KS: $45,164 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Manhattan, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,164 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manhattan's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,685 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,793) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the athletic training field in Manhattan, Kansas, the starting athletic trainer salary is projected to be around $45,164 in 2026. This amount can be seen as a lower end estimate compared to the city median salary of $59,793, suggesting that new grads should have realistic expectations about their initial compensation. Over the first few years in the profession, salaries are likely to increase as entry-level trainers gain experience, with potential rises toward the $51,775 mark at the 25th percentile as they build their skills. The expected growth trajectory, along with a 4.63% annual growth rate, positions Manhattan as a relatively promising market for new athletic trainers, especially considering the region’s varied employment opportunities.
About the Manhattan Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manhattan
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 Manhattan
Entry-level athletic trainers in Manhattan, KS typically start between $45,164 and $51,775 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,223 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,793 — 8.59% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Kansas of $40,000 represents just 88.57% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($45,164/year) in Manhattan. 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 Manhattan
- 1Research the Manhattan market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $45,164 to $51,775, 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 Manhattan, 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 Manhattan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manhattan'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 Manhattan is $37,223 ( 82.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,164, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,387.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,042
2025 BLS Actual
$43,165
2026 Current Est.
$45,164
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Manhattan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,042 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,547 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,113 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,541 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,685 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,073 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,165 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,164 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,255 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Manhattan, KS grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,042 in 2019 to $43,165 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,255. New graduates entering the Manhattan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manhattan 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 Manhattan
When looking for positions, it's essential to recognize that some of the main hiring sectors in Manhattan include high schools, which often contract athletic trainer services through local sports medicine programs, as well as industrial settings that have a higher earning potential for new grads. The shift to a master’s degree requirement in this field since 2022 means that candidates must obtain degrees from CAATE-accredited programs, achieve certification through the BOC, and secure state licensure or registration. This educational background not only establishes professionalism but can also enhance starting salaries. Specializing in areas such as occupational health could significantly widen job prospects and increase initial pay. Gradually, salaries during the first few years are likely to show steady improvements, particularly for those who supplement their education with specialized certifications like the CSCS.
More salary data for Manhattan, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Manhattan in 2026?
How fast do athletic trainer salaries grow in Manhattan?
Is athletic training school worth it in Manhattan?
What do new athletic trainers make right out of school in Manhattan?
How do I become a athletic trainer in Kansas?
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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 Manhattan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manhattan 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