Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Freeport, NY: $49,478 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Freeport, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,478 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Freeport's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,690 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,730) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the world of athletic training in Freeport, NY, can expect to see starting salaries reflecting the market's dynamics. The projected entry-level athletic trainer salary in 2026 is $49,478, which is considerably lower than the city's median annual salary of $61,730. This gap highlights that while there's room for growth, new grads should approach their first job with realistic expectations. It's worth noting that over the first few years, entry-level salaries can rise through the $55,121 threshold (P25) and toward the median, given the right opportunities and experience. Considering the 4.63% annual growth rate in this field, Freeport remains a promising market for fresh graduates eager to kick-start their careers.
About the Freeport Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Freeport
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 Freeport
Entry-level athletic trainers in Freeport, NY typically start between $49,478 and $55,121 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,377 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,730 — 5.63% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in New York of $90,000 represents just 181.90% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($49,478/year) in Freeport. 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 Freeport
- 1Research the Freeport market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $49,478 to $55,121, 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 NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Freeport, 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 Freeport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Freeport's above-average cost of living (index: 115.9) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Athletic Trainer Compensation Range
The athletic trainer wage spread in Freeport is $34,377 ( 69.48%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,478, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,855.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,721
2025 BLS Actual
$47,289
2026 Current Est.
$49,478
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Freeport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,721 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,370 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,276 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,936 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,381 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,802 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,289 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,478 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,769 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Freeport, NY grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,721 in 2019 to $47,289 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,769. New graduates entering the Freeport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Freeport 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 Freeport
Entry-level athletic trainers often find employment opportunities in local high schools, where athletic training services are frequently outsourced to hospital sports medicine programs. Industrial settings, such as factories and distribution centers, provide another avenue for new grads, offering salaries that can be 30-50% higher than those found in traditional school roles. Credentials play a significant role in maximizing starting pay in New York; a master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, alongside the ATC credential from the BOC, is essential as the previous bachelor’s pathway has been phased out. Additionally, obtaining state licensure and supplemental certifications can further enhance one’s earning potential. For the first three years in the field, aspiring athletic trainers should aim for steady growth as they build experience and establish their professional networks within the NATA framework, setting a solid foundation for their future careers.
More salary data for Freeport, NY:
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 Freeport. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Freeport 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