Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Taunton, MA: $56,366 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Taunton, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,366 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Taunton's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,950 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,942) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level athletic trainer salary in Taunton, Massachusetts, presents a compelling opportunity for new graduates looking to establish their careers. With a starting salary around $56,366, new athletic trainers can expect a trajectory that allows for growth, reaching approximately $63,054 within their first few years. This initial pay is slightly below the city’s median annual salary of $69,942, indicating that entry-level positions can bridge the gap with experience and skill development. Given the anticipated annual growth rate of 4.63%, Taunton remains a promising market for fresh graduates eager to enter the workforce as athletic trainers, especially when factoring in the positive outlook for job openings in the region.
About the Taunton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Taunton
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 Taunton
Entry-level athletic trainers in Taunton, MA typically start between $56,366 and $63,054 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,966 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,942 — 6.92% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Massachusetts of $95,000 represents just 168.54% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($56,366/year) in Taunton. 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 Taunton
- 1Research the Taunton market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $56,366 to $63,054, 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 Taunton, 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 Taunton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Taunton'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 Taunton is $43,966 ( 78.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,366, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,332.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,998
2025 BLS Actual
$53,872
2026 Current Est.
$56,366
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Taunton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,998 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,876 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,326 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,357 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,281 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,326 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,872 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,366 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,976 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Taunton, MA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,998 in 2019 to $53,872 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,976. New graduates entering the Taunton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Taunton 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 Taunton
Employers in Taunton typically recruit new graduates from athletic training programs for roles in high school athletic services, often outsourced through local hospital sports medicine teams. Those seeking to maximize their starting salary in MA should prioritize obtaining their Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program and passing the BOC national exam for certification as an athletic trainer. Additionally, acquiring state licensing, as well as basic first aid and CPR certifications, is essential. For new graduates, industrial or occupational settings tend to offer pay scales that are 30-50% higher than traditional school environments, making them an attractive option for those willing to explore diverse job opportunities in their first few years. Focusing on obtaining specialty certifications may further enhance earning potential and unlock more advanced roles in the athletic training field.
More salary data for Taunton, 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 Taunton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Taunton 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