Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Biloxi, MS: $36,119 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Biloxi, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $36,119 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Biloxi's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,146 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($46,518) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of athletic training in Biloxi, Mississippi can expect an entry-level salary around $36,119 in 2026. This amount is noticeably lower than the median salary of $46,518 for athletic trainers in the area, leaving a significant gap for those just starting out. While beginning salaries may appear modest, the potential for growth exists as new professionals can transition from the entry-level pay to $40,677 at the 25th percentile and have a path toward reaching the median within their first three to five years. Given the 4.63% annual growth rate projected for this profession, Biloxi presents a reasonable job market for recent graduates, who may find opportunities for advancement as they gain experience.
About the Biloxi Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Biloxi
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 Biloxi
Entry-level athletic trainers in Biloxi, MS typically start between $36,119 and $40,677 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,346 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $46,518 — 28.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Mississippi of $32,000 represents just 88.60% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($36,119/year) in Biloxi. 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 Biloxi
- 1Research the Biloxi market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $36,119 to $40,677, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Biloxi, 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 Biloxi for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Biloxi's below-average 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 Biloxi is $27,346 ( 75.71%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $36,119, experienced hygienists can earn up to $63,465.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$22,426
2025 BLS Actual
$34,521
2026 Current Est.
$36,119
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Biloxi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,426 | Actual |
| 2020 | $23,630 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,482 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,424 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,938 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,622 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,521 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,119 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,792 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Biloxi, MS grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,426 in 2019 to $34,521 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $37,792. New graduates entering the Biloxi job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Biloxi 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 Biloxi
Employment prospects for new athletic trainers in Biloxi typically involve high school programs, often in conjunction with local hospital sports medicine services, which tend to be the largest employers of entry-level trainers. Additionally, some industrial settings may seek out athletic trainers for occupational health roles, generally paying 30-50% more than traditional school positions. Graduating from a CAATE-accredited master's program and obtaining BOC certification, along with a state license, can enhance a new grad athletic trainer’s marketability and starting pay in Mississippi. Engaging in continuous education and acquiring specialty certifications like the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist can further increase salary potential over the first few years of employment. The overall starting athletic trainer salary in Biloxi reflects the current transition to a master's degree requirement, which is crucial for those building their careers in this evolving field.
More salary data for Biloxi, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Biloxi in 2026?
How fast do athletic trainer salaries grow in Biloxi?
Is athletic training school worth it in Biloxi?
What do new athletic trainers make right out of school in Biloxi?
How do I become a athletic trainer in Mississippi?
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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 Biloxi. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Biloxi 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