Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Lawrence, MA: $54,710 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Lawrence, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,710 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,424 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,217) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the athletic training field in Lawrence, Massachusetts, can anticipate starting salaries around $54,710 in 2026. While this figure is below the city's median annual salary for athletic trainers of $69,217, there remains a solid growth trajectory for those just starting. As early-career professionals gain experience, they may see their salaries rise toward the $61,543 mark (the 25th percentile), and with continued dedication and skill development, moving closer to the median is achievable within their first 3 to 5 years in the profession. Given these dynamics, Lawrence presents a reasonable market for new athletic trainers, especially considering the positive growth rate of 4.63% anticipated in this job sector.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
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 Lawrence
Entry-level athletic trainers in Lawrence, MA typically start between $54,710 and $61,543 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,342 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,217 — 5.81% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Massachusetts of $95,000 represents just 173.64% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($54,710/year) in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $54,710 to $61,543, 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 Lawrence, 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 Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence'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 Lawrence is $43,342 ( 79.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,710, experienced hygienists can earn up to $98,052.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,969
2025 BLS Actual
$52,289
2026 Current Est.
$54,710
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,969 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,793 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,112 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,053 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,863 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,617 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,289 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,710 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,243 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, MA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,969 in 2019 to $52,289 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,243. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
In the Lawrence area, various employment opportunities await newly minted athletic trainers, particularly in high school settings, where services are often outsourced to partnerships with hospital sports medicine programs. Entry-level roles might also span into industrial settings where athletic trainers are increasingly recognized for their value, sometimes offering 30-50% higher compensation compared to traditional educational positions. To improve starting pay in Massachusetts, new professionals should prioritize earning credentials such as a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam for athletic trainers (ATC designation), and acquiring state licensure. Pursuing additional certifications, such as Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or Orthopedic Clinical Specialist-Athletic Training (OCS-AT), can further enhance earning potential. Throughout the initial years, candidates must strategically assess their career paths, keeping in mind that while school-based roles are prevalent, expanding into industrial applications can yield better financial rewards earlier in one's athletic training career.
More salary data for Lawrence, 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 Lawrence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence 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