Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in New Bedford, MA: $56,800 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the New Bedford, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,800 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out New Bedford's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,350 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,504) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of athletic training in New Bedford, Massachusetts, understanding starting compensation is essential. In 2026, the entry-level athletic trainer salary in New Bedford is projected to be around $56,800. This figure is significantly lower than the city's median salary of $71,504, indicating the common financial gap experienced by recent graduates. However, over the first three to five years, there is a trajectory for salary growth, moving from the entry-level position toward the 25th percentile salary of $64,004, and possibly reaching the median with experience. Those entering the job market in 2026 will find that New Bedford offers competitive salaries when compared to the national median of $65,415, with local opportunities supporting growth and a promising long-term career in athletic training.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in New Bedford
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 New Bedford
Entry-level athletic trainers in New Bedford, MA typically start between $56,800 and $64,004 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,694 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,504 — 9.31% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Massachusetts of $95,000 represents just 167.25% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($56,800/year) in New Bedford. 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 New Bedford
- 1Research the New Bedford market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $56,800 to $64,004, 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 New Bedford, 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 New Bedford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5New Bedford'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 New Bedford is $43,694 ( 76.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,800, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,494.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,267
2025 BLS Actual
$54,287
2026 Current Est.
$56,800
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,267 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,160 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,645 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,698 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,653 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,774 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,287 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,800 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,430 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in New Bedford, MA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,267 in 2019 to $54,287 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,430. New graduates entering the New Bedford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bedford 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 New Bedford
When looking for employment as a new grad athletic trainer in MA, recent graduates should consider their options carefully, as prospective employers vary significantly. High schools often hire entry-level athletic trainers, frequently through contracts with hospital sports medicine programs. For those eyeing higher pay, industrial settings—like factories and distribution centers—tend to provide compensation that is 30-50% more than traditional athletic training roles in educational settings. To enhance job prospects and starting pay, new graduates should ensure they have completed a master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passed the BOC national exam to gain their ATC credential, and secured the necessary state license. Additionally, pursuing certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT can provide a competitive edge. Focusing on gaining experience in the first few years will help graduates maximize their earning potential in this evolving profession.
More salary data for New Bedford, 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 New Bedford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for New Bedford 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