Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Brandon, MS: $36,427 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Brandon, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $36,427 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brandon's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,505 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,172) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the athletic training field in Brandon, Mississippi, a starting salary typically hovers around $36,427 in 2026 according to estimates derived from 2025 BLS data. This figure represents a realistic expectation for entry-level positions, especially when considering that the overall median annual salary in the city stands at $45,172. The gap between starting pay and the median can feel daunting, but with experience, athletic trainers can expect to see gradual growth. Within the first three to five years, salaries could rise from $36,427 at the low end to around $40,639, edging closer to the city median as trainers gain skills and credentials. Overall, Brandon offers a moderately favorable job market for new graduates, especially given the anticipated growth rate of 4.63%, suggesting opportunities for career advancement.
About the Brandon Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brandon
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 Brandon
Entry-level athletic trainers in Brandon, MS typically start between $36,427 and $40,639 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,017 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,172 — 30.95% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Mississippi of $32,000 represents just 87.85% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($36,427/year) in Brandon. 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 Brandon
- 1Research the Brandon market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $36,427 to $40,639, 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 Brandon, 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 Brandon for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brandon'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 Brandon is $27,017 ( 74.17%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $36,427, experienced hygienists can earn up to $63,444.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$22,617
2025 BLS Actual
$34,815
2026 Current Est.
$36,427
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Brandon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,617 | Actual |
| 2020 | $23,831 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,707 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,666 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,202 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,910 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,815 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,427 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,114 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Brandon, MS grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,617 in 2019 to $34,815 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,114. New graduates entering the Brandon job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brandon 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 Brandon
Several employers in Brandon target new graduate athletic trainers, focusing primarily on high school athletic training services, which often outsource to local hospital sports medicine programs. The industrial sector also presents opportunities through specialty staffing firms, where trainers can potentially earn more than in traditional educational settings. Since the 2022 transition to a master’s degree requirement, candidates must also hold a BOC certification and state license, which can markedly affect starting pay. Additional credentials, such as specialty certifications, may further bolster earning potential. In the first few years, a salary increase can be expected if new graduates strategically pursue positions in industrial settings, which typically offer 30-50% higher pay than school positions. Joining professional organizations like NATA and staying engaged with continuing education can enhance career trajectories and ensure new grads in MS secure competitive salaries.
More salary data for Brandon, MS:
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 Brandon. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brandon 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