Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Fall River, MA: $56,662 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Fall River, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,662 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fall River's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,223 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($70,065) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of athletic training in Fall River, Massachusetts, the starting pay reflects the current market dynamics. As projected for 2026, new grads can expect an entry-level athletic trainer salary in Fall River to begin around $56,662. While this figure is on the lower end compared to the city's median salary of $70,065, it illustrates the typical trajectory of growth for early-career professionals. Over the first few years, those in the field may see their earnings rise significantly, especially as they develop their skills and gain experience, with projections indicating movement toward the P25 salary of $63,314 within a few years. Given these factors and the area's growing demand for professionals in this sector, Fall River presents a moderately favorable market for new graduates just starting their careers.
About the Fall River Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fall River
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 Fall River
Entry-level athletic trainers in Fall River, MA typically start between $56,662 and $63,314 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,105 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $70,065 — 7.11% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Massachusetts of $95,000 represents just 167.66% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($56,662/year) in Fall River. 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 Fall River
- 1Research the Fall River market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $56,662 to $63,314, 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 Fall River, 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 Fall River for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fall River'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 Fall River is $44,105 ( 77.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,662, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,767.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,182
2025 BLS Actual
$54,155
2026 Current Est.
$56,662
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Fall River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,182 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,070 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,544 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,590 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,535 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,633 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,155 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,662 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,286 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Fall River, MA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,182 in 2019 to $54,155 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,286. New graduates entering the Fall River job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fall River 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 Fall River
In Fall River, various employers are actively seeking new graduate athletic trainers, particularly high school athletic programs and hospital sports medicine departments. These settings often contract services, providing excellent opportunities for those beginning their careers. While collegiate positions are prestigious, they frequently require prior engagement through internships or graduate assistantship roles. To enhance their entry-level athletic trainer pay in MA, candidates are encouraged to pursue increasing credentials, including a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam for the ATC credential, and obtaining state licensure. There's also a market in industrial settings, like factories and distribution centers, which typically offer salaries 30-50% higher for athletic trainers due to the specialized nature of their services. Early in their careers, professionals can realistically aim for salary increases that correspond with experience and continuous education, establishing a strong foundation supported by organizations such as NATA and BOC.
More salary data for Fall River, 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 Fall River. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fall River 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