Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Billerica, MA: $51,844 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Billerica, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,844 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Billerica's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,782 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,732) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting athletic trainer salary in Billerica, Massachusetts, is projected to be around $51,844, setting the stage for new graduates entering the workforce. This initial pay reflects the entry-level nature of these positions and is notably lower than the city's median salary of $68,732. The projected growth trajectory in Billerica is encouraging, as entry-level salaries will likely progress from $51,844 to approximately $63,163 after a few years of experience. This upward movement highlights the potential for increased earnings as new athletic trainers build their skills and establish themselves in the field. With a growth rate of 4.63% annually, Billerica appears to be a promising market for new graduates looking to launch their careers in athletic training.
About the Billerica Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Billerica
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 Billerica
Entry-level athletic trainers in Billerica, MA typically start between $51,844 and $63,163 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,372 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,732 — 5.07% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Massachusetts of $95,000 represents just 183.24% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($51,844/year) in Billerica. 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 Billerica
- 1Research the Billerica market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $51,844 to $63,163, 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 Billerica, 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 Billerica for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Billerica'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 Billerica is $44,372 ( 85.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,844, experienced hygienists can earn up to $96,216.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,190
2025 BLS Actual
$49,550
2026 Current Est.
$51,844
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Billerica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,190 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,918 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,011 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,798 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,408 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,608 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,550 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,844 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,245 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Billerica, MA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,190 in 2019 to $49,550 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,245. New graduates entering the Billerica job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billerica 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 Billerica
Employers in Billerica predominantly hire entry-level athletic trainers through high school athletic services, frequently utilizing hospital sports medicine programs to support these roles. While new grads may find numerous opportunities in educational settings, industrial or occupational athletic training positions—often available through specialized staffing firms—can offer compensation that is 30-50% higher than traditional school roles. To enhance starting pay in Massachusetts, securing a master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program and passing the BOC national exam to obtain the ATC credential are essential. Moreover, pursuing further certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT can be beneficial. For first-time athletic trainers in Billerica, it's recommended to strategize for the initial 1-3 years by seeking diverse experiences, particularly in higher-paying industrial environments, to maximize salary growth and career development.
More salary data for Billerica, 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 Billerica. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Billerica 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