Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Austintown, OH: $48,774 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Austintown, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,774 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Austintown's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,775 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,992) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates in the athletic training field, starting salaries in Austintown, Ohio reflect both regional economic factors and employer demand. In 2026, an entry-level athletic trainer can expect an annual salary beginning at around $48,774, which is notably lower than the city's median of $60,992. However, there is a clear salary progression for early-career professionals. Within the first three to five years, new entrants can realistically anticipate their earnings to increase to $54,570, moving towards the median as they gain experience and potentially take on additional responsibilities. For those looking to establish their careers in Austintown, the current market presents opportunities for growth, especially as they build their professional networks and seek positions that offer better compensation.
About the Austintown Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Austintown
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 Austintown
Entry-level athletic trainers in Austintown, OH typically start between $48,774 and $54,570 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,249 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,992 — 6.76% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Ohio of $55,000 represents just 112.76% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($48,774/year) in Austintown. 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 Austintown
- 1Research the Austintown market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $48,774 to $54,570, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Austintown, 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 Austintown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Austintown'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 Austintown is $34,249 ( 70.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,774, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,023.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,284
2025 BLS Actual
$46,616
2026 Current Est.
$48,774
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Austintown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,284 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,909 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,760 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,382 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,778 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,683 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,616 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,774 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,033 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Austintown, OH grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,284 in 2019 to $46,616 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,033. New graduates entering the Austintown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austintown 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 Austintown
Employment options for new athletic trainers in Austintown primarily exist within high school athletic programs, which often outsource services to local hospital sports medicine departments. This sector is a key source of jobs for entry-level graduates, but competition remains for more prestigious positions. Those considering a career should focus on obtaining vital credentials such as a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam, and securing state licensure. These qualifications not only enhance starting athletic trainer pay in OH but also open doors to diverse opportunities in industrial settings, which are known to pay significantly more—ranging from 30% to 50% higher than traditional athletic training roles. With realistic expectations, early-career professionals should aim for steady salary growth, making strategic choices about employment and continued education to maximize their earning potential in the first few years.
More salary data for Austintown, OH:
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 Austintown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Austintown 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