Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Lincoln, NE: $61,972 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Lincoln, NE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,972 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lincoln's local price level (BEA RPP 91.6 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,669 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,488) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the starting athletic trainer salary in Lincoln, NE, offers promising opportunities for new graduates. Entry-level positions are projected to begin around $61,972, a figure that sits below the city’s median salary of $65,488. However, the difference in pay shouldn't deter aspiring athletic trainers, as they can expect to grow into the role quickly within the first few years. The compensation trajectory shows potential with P25 earning $62,663, suggesting a favorable growth pattern. With a growth rate of 4.63% annually over five years, Lincoln is shaping up to be a supportive market for early-career athletic trainers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lincoln
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 Lincoln
Entry-level athletic trainers in Lincoln, NE typically start between $61,972 and $62,663 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,138 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,488 — 0.11% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Nebraska of $48,000 represents just 77.45% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($61,972/year) in Lincoln. 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 Lincoln
- 1Research the Lincoln market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $61,972 to $62,663, 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 NE often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lincoln, 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 Lincoln for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lincoln'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 Lincoln is $24,138 ( 38.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,972, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,110.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,770
2025 BLS Actual
$59,230
2026 Current Est.
$61,972
2019–2027 Growth
+55.2%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lincoln (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,770 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,680 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,380 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,750 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,370 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,230 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,972 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,842 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Lincoln, NE grew 41.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,770 in 2019 to $59,230 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,842. New graduates entering the Lincoln job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lincoln 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 Lincoln
In Lincoln, several employers actively recruit new grad athletic trainers, particularly those seeking positions within high school athletic services or industrial settings. Many educational institutions outsource athletic training services to local hospitals or specialized staffing firms, leading to significant hiring opportunities for recent graduates. Obtaining a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program and passing the BOC national exam to earn the ATC credential are crucial steps in boosting starting pay in Nebraska. In the first one to three years, graduates should consider residential and industrial athletic training roles, which could offer pay that exceeds traditional school-based positions by 30-50%. Furthermore, ongoing professional development through certifications such as the CSCS can enhance a new grad's profile, leading to salary increments as they build their experience and expertise.
More salary data for Lincoln, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Lincoln in 2026?
How fast do athletic trainer salaries grow in Lincoln?
Is athletic training school worth it in Lincoln?
What do new athletic trainers make right out of school in Lincoln?
How do I become a athletic trainer in Nebraska?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Nebraska
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 Lincoln. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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