Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Andover, MA: $53,766 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Andover, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,766 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Andover's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,554 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,202) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new athletic trainers entering the workforce in Andover, Massachusetts, can anticipate a starting salary of around $53,766, reflecting a challenging but feasible entry into their career. While this figure is considerably lower than the area's median income of $67,202, it sets a foundation for career growth. New graduates can realistically expect their earnings to rise as they accumulate experience, moving towards the 25th percentile earning $59,935 and eventually the city's median over the first few years. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.63%, Andover appears to be a promising market for new grads looking to launch their careers in this evolving field.
About the Andover Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Andover
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 Andover
Entry-level athletic trainers in Andover, MA typically start between $53,766 and $59,935 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,406 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,202 — 2.73% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Massachusetts of $95,000 represents just 176.69% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($53,766/year) in Andover. 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 Andover
- 1Research the Andover market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $53,766 to $59,935, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Andover, 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 Andover for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Andover'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 Andover is $37,406 ( 69.57%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,766, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,172.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,383
2025 BLS Actual
$51,387
2026 Current Est.
$53,766
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Andover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,383 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,175 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,420 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,311 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,054 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,636 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,387 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,766 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,256 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Andover, MA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,383 in 2019 to $51,387 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,256. New graduates entering the Andover job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Andover 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 Andover
Employers in Andover that hire newly credentialed athletic trainers mostly include high schools and sports medicine programs, often through partnerships with hospitals. New graduates aiming for jobs in collegiate athletics may find it beneficial to first seek internships or graduate assistant positions, which can enhance their employability. To succeed in this competitive market, aspiring athletic trainers should prioritize obtaining their master's degree, a requirement established in 2022, alongside BOC certification and state licensure. Earning specialized certifications such as the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) can further bolster salary potential. While entry-level roles typically yield lower wages, those who seek opportunities in industrial settings may see significantly higher compensation, often 30-50% more than traditional sports roles. With effective career planning and continued professional development, it’s possible to see realistic salary growth throughout the first few years in this profession.
More salary data for Andover, MA:
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 Andover. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Andover 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