Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $36,695 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Hattiesburg, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $36,695 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hattiesburg's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,818 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,223) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates entering the athletic training field in Hattiesburg, MS, the starting athletic trainer salary is a crucial consideration. In 2026, entry-level positions are projected to pay around $36,695, significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $45,223. This gap indicates that new hires must anticipate a gradual increase in pay as they gain experience. Over the first few years, entry-level athletic trainers can expect to advance through salary brackets, moving from the $36,695 starting point to approximately $40,757 within a couple of years, eventually reaching the median. Given the anticipated growth rate of 4.63% annually in this sector, Hattiesburg presents a viable market for new graduates to start their careers, especially in relation to the overall economic opportunities available in Mississippi.
About the Hattiesburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hattiesburg
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 Hattiesburg
Entry-level athletic trainers in Hattiesburg, MS typically start between $36,695 and $40,757 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,207 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,223 — 30.87% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Mississippi of $32,000 represents just 87.21% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($36,695/year) in Hattiesburg. 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 Hattiesburg
- 1Research the Hattiesburg market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $36,695 to $40,757, 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 Hattiesburg, 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 Hattiesburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hattiesburg'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 Hattiesburg is $25,207 ( 68.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $36,695, experienced hygienists can earn up to $61,902.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$22,784
2025 BLS Actual
$35,071
2026 Current Est.
$36,695
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,784 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,140 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,904 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,876 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,810 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,142 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,071 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,695 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,394 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Hattiesburg, MS grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,784 in 2019 to $35,071 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,394. New graduates entering the Hattiesburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg
In Hattiesburg, multiple employers are keen to onboard freshly graduated athletic trainers. High schools often outsource their athletic training needs to hospital sports medicine programs that actively recruit newcomers to fill these crucial roles. In contrast, positions in industrial settings, such as factories and distribution centers, tend to offer salaries that are 30-50% higher than those found in high school athletic training. To enhance salary prospects in Mississippi, aspiring athletic trainers should prioritize obtaining a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam for ATC certification, and obtaining a state AT license or registration. Continuous education, including additional certifications like CSCS, can further boost earning potential. Realistically, first-year salaries for new grad athletic trainers may increase gradually, positioning them to reach more competitive pay as they establish their careers and possibly move towards roles that focus on occupational health and safety.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, 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 Hattiesburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hattiesburg 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