Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Methuen, MA: $56,445 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Methuen, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,445 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Methuen's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,023 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,972) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the athletic training field in Methuen, Massachusetts, can expect starting salaries that reflect the evolving landscape of the profession. The entry-level pay, pegged at $56,445, serves as a starting point that trails behind the city’s overall median salary of $69,972. However, new athletic trainers have a clear growth trajectory, moving through P25 at $63,122 toward the median as they gain experience over their first three to five years. Given Methuen's stable job market and the projected 4.63% annual growth rate in the profession, it is currently a viable location for new grads looking to establish their careers.
About the Methuen Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Methuen
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 Methuen
Entry-level athletic trainers in Methuen, MA typically start between $56,445 and $63,122 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,998 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,972 — 6.97% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Massachusetts of $95,000 represents just 168.31% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($56,445/year) in Methuen. 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 Methuen
- 1Research the Methuen market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $56,445 to $63,122, 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 Methuen, 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 Methuen for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Methuen'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 Methuen is $43,998 ( 77.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,445, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,443.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,047
2025 BLS Actual
$53,947
2026 Current Est.
$56,445
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Methuen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,047 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,928 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,384 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,418 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,349 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,407 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,947 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,445 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,058 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Methuen, MA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,047 in 2019 to $53,947 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,058. New graduates entering the Methuen job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Methuen 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 Methuen
Regarding employment opportunities, Methuen offers various paths for entry-level athletic trainers. High school athletic training services, often supported by local hospitals, frequently hire newly credentialed professionals. Additionally, industrial settings, which have been known to pay significantly more—upwards of 30-50% compared to school athletic training roles—are an attractive option for recent graduates. New professionals are encouraged to secure their BOC national exam certification and state licensure while considering continuing education opportunities, such as specialty certifications. These credentials not only enhance starting salaries but also improve job prospects. As the industry has shifted to requiring a master’s degree since 2022, graduates are advised to seek experience through internships or assistant roles at collegiate levels, which often require background experience, ensuring they navigate their early career with strategic intent.
More salary data for Methuen, 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 Methuen. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Methuen 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