Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Haverhill, MA: $53,481 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Haverhill, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,481 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Haverhill's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,291 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,189) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduating from an accredited athletic training program sets the stage for a competitive career in Haverhill, Massachusetts. For new graduates stepping into their first roles in 2026, the starting athletic trainer salary in Haverhill is projected at $53,481. This is significantly below the city's median annual salary of $71,189, highlighting a notable entry gap. However, early-career professionals can expect to grow their earnings as they gain experience, potentially reaching the 25th percentile salary of $61,425 within a few years. The local job market appears favorable for new grads, with various opportunities arising due to the increasing emphasis on sports medicine and health services in both schools and industrial settings.
About the Haverhill Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Haverhill
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 Haverhill
Entry-level athletic trainers in Haverhill, MA typically start between $53,481 and $61,425 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,243 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,189 — 8.83% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Massachusetts of $95,000 represents just 177.63% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($53,481/year) in Haverhill. 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 Haverhill
- 1Research the Haverhill market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $53,481 to $61,425, 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 Haverhill, 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 Haverhill for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Haverhill'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 Haverhill is $44,243 ( 82.73%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,481, experienced hygienists can earn up to $97,724.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,206
2025 BLS Actual
$51,114
2026 Current Est.
$53,481
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Haverhill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,206 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,988 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,211 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,086 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,810 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,304 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,114 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,481 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,957 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Haverhill, MA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,206 in 2019 to $51,114 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,957. New graduates entering the Haverhill job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Haverhill 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 Haverhill
Entering the profession requires more than just a degree; employers in Haverhill often seek entry-level athletic trainers for positions at local high schools and medical facilities. High schools may outsource their athletic training services to regional sports medicine programs, providing a crucial avenue for recent graduates. While collegiate athletic training roles typically necessitate graduate assistantships or internships, industrial settings often prioritize candidates with the right credentials. To enhance starting pay in Massachusetts, aspiring athletic trainers should aim to obtain their BOC credential and state licensure, as well as consider earning additional certifications in specialized areas. In the first few years, professionals can realistically expect salary increases that align with their experience, certifications, and the growing demands within the industry. A career trajectory that begins in educational environments can be complemented by exploring opportunities in occupational settings, which frequently offer salaries that outperform traditional school-based roles by 30-50%.
More salary data for Haverhill, 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 Haverhill. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Haverhill 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