Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in High Point, NC: $41,671 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the High Point, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $41,671 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out High Point's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,520 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($53,827) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers entering the workforce in High Point, North Carolina, can expect a starting salary that reflects the local market dynamics. For 2026, the projected entry-level pay is approximately $41,671, which indicates a noticeable gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $53,827. New graduates can realistically aim for a pay trajectory that sees them moving from this starting point to around $47,358 within their first few years, progressing towards the median as they gain experience and develop their skills. Given the moderate salary expectations and the current growth rate of 4.63% for positions in this field, High Point is shaping up to be a reasonable market for newcomers, particularly in light of the transition requirements from bachelor's to master's degrees that began in 2022.
About the High Point Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in High Point
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 High Point
Entry-level athletic trainers in High Point, NC typically start between $41,671 and $47,358 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,055 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $53,827 — 17.71% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in North Carolina of $48,000 represents just 115.19% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($41,671/year) in High Point. 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 High Point
- 1Research the High Point market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $41,671 to $47,358, 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 NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in High Point, 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 High Point for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5High Point'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 High Point is $38,055 ( 91.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $41,671, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,726.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$25,873
2025 BLS Actual
$39,827
2026 Current Est.
$41,671
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in High Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,873 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,262 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,552 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,792 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,694 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,052 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,827 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,671 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,600 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in High Point, NC grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,873 in 2019 to $39,827 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,600. New graduates entering the High Point job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the High Point 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 High Point
In High Point, several employers frequently recruit entry-level athletic trainers. High school athletic training services are among the largest hiring sectors, often relying on outsourced contracts with sports medicine programs from nearby healthcare facilities. Additionally, industrial settings, such as factories and distribution centers, utilize specialty staffing firms for hiring trainees, and those positions typically offer starting pay that is 30-50% higher than traditional school roles. To enhance starting pay in North Carolina, new graduates should focus on obtaining a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam for the ATC credential, and acquiring state licensure. Furthermore, additional certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT could provide a competitive edge. During the first few years in the field, it’s realistic to target gradual salary increases, leveraging experience and credentials to reach more substantial earnings while navigating the evolving job market for athletic trainers.
More salary data for High Point, NC:
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 High Point. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for High Point 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