Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Auburn, ME: $47,731 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Auburn, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,731 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Auburn's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,923 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,226) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates entering the athletic training field in Auburn, Maine, can anticipate a starting salary around $47,731, which may set realistic expectations as they begin their careers. This entry-level figure is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $61,226, indicating a significant gap that newcomers must navigate. Over the first three to five years, it is realistic for entry-level athletic trainers to progress through salary brackets, moving from the initial amount toward the 25th percentile of $57,259, eventually aiming for the city median. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.63%, Auburn presents a decent market for new graduates, allowing them to develop their skills while gradually increasing their pay.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Auburn
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 Auburn
Entry-level athletic trainers in Auburn, ME typically start between $47,731 and $57,259 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,642 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,226 — 6.4% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Maine of $60,000 represents just 125.70% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($47,731/year) in Auburn. 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 Auburn
- 1Research the Auburn market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $47,731 to $57,259, 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 ME often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Auburn, 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 Auburn for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Auburn's moderate 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 Auburn is $31,642 ( 66.29%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,731, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,373.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,636
2025 BLS Actual
$45,619
2026 Current Est.
$47,731
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,636 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,227 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,995 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,561 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,885 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,465 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,619 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,731 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,941 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Auburn, ME grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,636 in 2019 to $45,619 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,941. New graduates entering the Auburn job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn 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 Auburn
In terms of employment opportunities, high schools, often collaborating with hospital sports medicine programs, are the primary employers of new graduate athletic trainers in Auburn. While collegiate positions may be enticing, they typically require graduates to have gained experience through graduate assistantships or internships. To stand out in this competitive landscape, new entrants should focus on obtaining a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, as required since 2022, and earning the BOC national exam credential (ATC). Furthermore, acquiring state licensure and pursuing additional certifications, such as the CSCS or OCS-AT, can enhance their marketability and starting pay in Maine. For those considering industrial settings, such as factories or distribution centers, it is worth noting that these environments can offer starting salaries that are 30-50% higher than traditional school roles. In terms of salary growth, entry-level athletic trainers in Auburn can realistically expect their compensation to rise within the first few years as they gain experience and navigate career milestones.
More salary data for Auburn, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Auburn in 2026?
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Is athletic training school worth it in Auburn?
What do new athletic trainers make right out of school in Auburn?
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Related Pages
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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 Auburn. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Auburn 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