Athletic Trainer Salary

Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Perrysburg, OH: $51,947 (2026)

Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Perrysburg, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,947 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Perrysburg's local price level (BEA RPP 90.79% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,273 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,285) within a few years of clinical practice.

$51,947
Starting Salary
$24.98/hr
Starting Hourly
$51,947
Entry Level
$60,285
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Athletic Trainer Entry Level Salary in Perrysburg, OH — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Perrysburg, OH athletic trainer entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, new graduates entering the athletic training field in Perrysburg, Ohio can expect a starting athletic trainer salary of around $51,947. This entry-level figure is markedly lower than the city's median annual salary of $60,285, highlighting a significant gap for those starting their careers. However, the growth potential from initial positions is promising, as new trainers can anticipate salaries progressing to approximately $56,247 within the first few years, moving closer to the median with time and experience. Given the projected growth rate of 4.63% annually, Perrysburg represents a relatively favorable marketplace for aspiring athletic trainers, offering room for development as they build their expertise in the field.

About the Perrysburg Market

Salary estimated from Ohio average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Perrysburg

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$51,947/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$56,247/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$60,285/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$70,866/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Perrysburg

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for athletic trainers in Perrysburg. The median salary is $60,285, compared to the national median of $65,415.$46.8K$56.5K$66.2K$75.9K$85.7K$51.9K10th Pctl$56.2K25th Pctl$60.3KMedian$70.9K75th Pctl$81.6K90th PctlUS Median$65.4K

Entry-level athletic trainers in Perrysburg, OH typically start between $51,947 and $56,247 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,642 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,2857.84% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of athletic trainer pay in the Perrysburg metro area.

Return on Investment

$55,000
Avg OH Program Cost
$51,947
Starting Salary
105.88%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
1.1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average athletic training program cost in Ohio of $55,000 represents just 105.88% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($51,947/year) in Perrysburg. 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 Perrysburg

  • 1Research the Perrysburg market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $51,947 to $56,247, 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 Perrysburg, 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 Perrysburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Perrysburg'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 Perrysburg is $29,642 ( 57.06%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,947, experienced hygienists can earn up to $81,589.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$32,254

2025 BLS Actual

$49,648

2026 Current Est.

$51,947

2019–2027 Growth

+68.5%

Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Perrysburg (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for athletic trainers in Perrysburg. Baseline $32,254 in 2025, projected to $54,352 by 2027.$27.8K$35.6K$43.3K$51.0K$58.8K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$32.3K$34.0K$38.1K$40.9K$44.5K$40.2K$49.6K$51.9K$54.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$32,254Actual
2020$33,985Actual
2021$38,086Actual
2022$40,879Actual
2023$44,496Actual
2024$40,173Actual
2025$49,648Actual
2026(current)$51,947Estimated
2027$54,352Projected

Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Perrysburg, OH grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,254 in 2019 to $49,648 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,352. New graduates entering the Perrysburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Perrysburg metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Perrysburg

A variety of employers in Perrysburg are primary recruiters for entry-level athletic trainers, particularly high schools that often rely on outsourced staffing from hospital sports medicine programs. While collegiate positions can be competitive, requiring additional experience through graduate assistant roles or internships, industrial settings frequently hire athletic trainers through specialized staffing firms. For new graduates, securing a position in the industrial or occupational sector could be especially beneficial, as these roles can offer salaries that are 30-50% higher than those in educational settings. To enhance starting pay in Ohio, obtaining a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program and successfully passing the BOC national exam to earn the ATC credential are essential, along with maintaining state licensure. As this profession has transitioned to necessitate a master’s degree since 2022, new athletic trainers should strategically focus on skill-building and potential industry certifications to maximize their early-career trajectory in Perrysburg.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Perrysburg in 2026?

Entry-level athletic trainers in Perrysburg start at approximately $51,947/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.63% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $24.97/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do athletic trainer salaries grow in Perrysburg?

Most athletic trainers in Perrysburg progress from the entry-level salary of $51,947 to the area median of $60,285 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $81,589 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is athletic training school worth it in Perrysburg?

With a starting salary of $51,947/year in Perrysburg and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new athletic trainers recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new athletic trainers make right out of school in Perrysburg?

New athletic training graduates in Perrysburg typically start near the 10th percentile at $51,947/year, or approximately $24.97/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a athletic trainer in Ohio?

To become a licensed athletic trainer in Ohio, you typically need master's degree in athletic training from a caate-accredited program (transitioning from bachelor's to master's-level entry by 2023), passing the boc certification exam (atc credential), and state licensure or registration., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Ohio, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some athletic trainers pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Ohio

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gomez, MS, ATCData verified by David Kim, BS, ATC

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 Perrysburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Perrysburg is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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