Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Papillion, NE: $47,240 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Papillion, NE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,240 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Papillion's local price level (BEA RPP 91.5 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,628 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($55,676) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Papillion, Nebraska, new graduates entering the athletic training field can expect starting salaries around $47,240 annually, which is below the median salary of $55,676 for the area. The gap between these figures highlights the reality many entry-level athletic trainers face; initially, their pay may not reflect the community average, but progression potential exists. Over the first few years, many new ATs see their salaries grow toward the 25th percentile at $51,368 and potentially closer to the median as they gain experience and showcase their skills. With an expected growth rate of 4.63%, the Papillion market provides a promising outlook for those eager to establish their careers in athletic training.
About the Papillion Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Papillion
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 Papillion
Entry-level athletic trainers in Papillion, NE typically start between $47,240 and $51,368 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,366 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $55,676 — 14.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Nebraska of $48,000 represents just 101.61% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($47,240/year) in Papillion. 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 Papillion
- 1Research the Papillion market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $47,240 to $51,368, 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 Papillion, 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 Papillion for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Papillion'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 Papillion is $27,366 ( 57.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,240, experienced hygienists can earn up to $74,606.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,332
2025 BLS Actual
$45,150
2026 Current Est.
$47,240
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Papillion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,332 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,906 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,636 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,175 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,464 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,731 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,150 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,240 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,428 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Papillion, NE grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,332 in 2019 to $45,150 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,428. New graduates entering the Papillion job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Papillion 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 Papillion
Employers in Papillion primarily hiring new athletic trainers include high school sports programs that often outsource their services to hospital-affiliated sports medicine entities. While there are opportunities within industrial settings—where positions may offer salaries significantly higher than conventional school roles—those wanting collegiate positions typically need prior internships or graduate assistant roles to be competitive. For enhanced starting pay in Nebraska, earning a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program and acquiring the BOC national exam credential (ATC) is essential. Since the transition to requiring a master’s degree occurred in 2022, this has shifted entry-level expectations. With state registrations and optional specialty certifications also playing a key role, new grads can anticipate salary increases in their first years as they build their experience and credentials in Nebraska's evolving athletic training landscape.
More salary data for Papillion, NE:
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 Papillion. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Papillion 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