Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Great Falls, MT: $38,096 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Great Falls, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $38,096 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Great Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $39,601 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($51,340) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the athletic training field in Great Falls, Montana can expect an entry-level athletic trainer salary of around $38,096. This starting pay represents a notable gap from the city's median annual salary of $51,340. Over the first few years, growth is anticipated as early-career trainers progress through the pay scale, with projections showing an increase to approximately $43,944 as they move from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile. Given the local job market dynamics, Great Falls presents a viable option for newly minted athletic trainers seeking their first positions; while earnings may begin on the lower end, the growth trajectory in this market could be appealing for those willing to invest time and effort into their professional development.
About the Great Falls Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Great Falls
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 Great Falls
Entry-level athletic trainers in Great Falls, MT typically start between $38,096 and $43,944 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,923 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $51,340 — 21.52% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Montana of $48,000 represents just 126.00% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($38,096/year) in Great Falls. 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 Great Falls
- 1Research the Great Falls market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $38,096 to $43,944, 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 MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Great Falls, 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 Great Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Great Falls'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 Great Falls is $36,923 ( 96.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $38,096, experienced hygienists can earn up to $75,019.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,654
2025 BLS Actual
$36,410
2026 Current Est.
$38,096
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Great Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,654 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,923 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,931 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,979 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,631 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,150 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,410 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,096 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,860 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Great Falls, MT grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,654 in 2019 to $36,410 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $39,860. New graduates entering the Great Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great Falls 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 Great Falls
When considering where to begin their careers, recent athletic training graduates should focus on the types of employers in Great Falls that typically hire entry-level professionals. High schools often outsource their athletic training services to hospital sports medicine programs, which is a common pathway for new grads looking to gain experience. Additionally, industrial settings are increasingly recruiting athletic trainers through specialty staffing firms, offering pay that can be significantly higher—up to 30-50% more than traditional school-based roles. To enhance their starting salary and career prospects, new graduates should ensure they meet the required credentials, including a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program and passing the BOC national exam to achieve ATC certification. Continuing education and pursuing optional specialty certifications can also improve earning potential. During their first three years, new athletic trainers in Great Falls can expect to see gradual salary increases as they gain valuable field experience and possibly transition into more lucrative roles in industrial settings.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
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 Great Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Great Falls 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