Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Grants Pass, OR: $53,852 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Grants Pass, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,852 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Grants Pass's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,487 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,808) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers just starting out in Grants Pass, Oregon, can expect to earn a starting salary around $53,852 in 2026. This entry-level rate is below the city's median annual salary of $64,808, indicating a significant gap that new grads will need to bridge as they gain experience. However, the growth trajectory for athletic trainers is promising, allowing an increase to $59,342 at the 25th percentile over the first few years. With the projected annual growth rate of 4.63% in the field, early-career professionals can anticipate a steady increase in earnings as they refine their skills and gain additional experience in this evolving profession.
About the Grants Pass Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Grants Pass
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 Grants Pass
Entry-level athletic trainers in Grants Pass, OR typically start between $53,852 and $59,342 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,346 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,808 — 0.93% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Oregon of $65,000 represents just 120.70% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($53,852/year) in Grants Pass. 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 Grants Pass
- 1Research the Grants Pass market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $53,852 to $59,342, 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 Grants Pass, 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 Grants Pass for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Grants Pass'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 Grants Pass is $36,346 ( 67.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,852, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,198.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,437
2025 BLS Actual
$51,469
2026 Current Est.
$53,852
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Grants Pass (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,437 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,231 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,483 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,378 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,128 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,937 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,469 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,852 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,345 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Grants Pass, OR grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,437 in 2019 to $51,469 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,345. New graduates entering the Grants Pass job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grants Pass 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 Grants Pass
Employers looking to fill entry-level athletic trainer roles in Grants Pass often include those in high school athletic services, frequently collaborating with local hospital sports medicine programs. These positions typically represent the first step for new graduates, as collegiate roles usually place a premium on internship experience. Obtaining the BOC national exam certification and becoming a licensed athletic trainer in Oregon are essential for securing employment in the area. Additionally, new graduates should consider pursuing specialty certifications to further enhance their credentials, as a Master's degree is now required since 2022. Exploring opportunities in industrial settings can also be beneficial, as these positions frequently offer salaries that are 30-50% higher compared to traditional school-based roles. With a solid career strategy and an understanding of market dynamics, salaries during the first few years can see substantial growth, positioning new graduates for success in their careers.
More salary data for Grants Pass, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Grants Pass in 2026?
How fast do athletic trainer salaries grow in Grants Pass?
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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 Grants Pass. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Grants Pass 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