Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Forest Grove, OR: $50,308 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Forest Grove, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,308 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Forest Grove's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,033 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,527) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for new graduate athletic trainers in Forest Grove, Oregon, are projected to begin at approximately $50,308 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range for entry-level positions, indicating a considerable gap when compared to the overall median annual salary of $65,527 for the city. Early-career professionals can anticipate a gradual increase in their earnings as they gain experience, potentially reaching $56,877 by the 25th percentile within their first few years. Given the projected annual growth rate of 4.63%, Forest Grove appears to be a promising market for recent graduates entering the athletic training field, allowing for upward mobility and increased financial stability as new trainers develop their skills and professional networks.
About the Forest Grove Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Forest Grove
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 Forest Grove
Entry-level athletic trainers in Forest Grove, OR typically start between $50,308 and $56,877 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,419 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,527 — 0.17% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Oregon of $65,000 represents just 129.20% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($50,308/year) in Forest Grove. 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 Forest Grove
- 1Research the Forest Grove market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $50,308 to $56,877, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Forest Grove, 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 Forest Grove for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Forest Grove's moderate 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 Forest Grove is $38,419 ( 76.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,308, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,727.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,236
2025 BLS Actual
$48,082
2026 Current Est.
$50,308
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Forest Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,236 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,913 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,885 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,589 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,092 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,565 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,082 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,308 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,637 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Forest Grove, OR grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,236 in 2019 to $48,082 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,637. New graduates entering the Forest Grove job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Forest Grove 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 Forest Grove
In Forest Grove, new grads can find several employment opportunities, particularly in high school athletic training services, which are often outsourced to sports medicine programs affiliated with hospitals. While industrial settings also seek athletic trainers through specialty staffing firms, they generally require specific skills. Those looking to work in collegiate settings might need a graduate assistantship or internship experience to meet hiring criteria. To maximize starting pay in Oregon, new athletic trainers should focus on obtaining credentials like the BOC national exam for ATC certification, a state AT license, and consider further education such as a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program. As of 2022, all new entrants must complete a master's to qualify, shifting the pathway significantly. New grads often find that while school roles pay less, positions in industrial or occupational settings can offer salaries that are 30-50% higher, suggesting an important strategic choice in the first few years of their careers. With a commitment to professional development and networking, these early years can set the stage for significant salary growth in the future.
More salary data for Forest Grove, OR:
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 Forest Grove. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Forest Grove 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