Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Hillsboro, OR: $47,940 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Hillsboro, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,940 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hillsboro's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,725 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,532) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For newly graduated athletic trainers in Hillsboro, Oregon, the entry-level salary can begin at around $47,940 annually, providing a foundation for career growth within this field. This starting figure is substantially lower than the city's median annual salary of $63,532, highlighting a notable gap that young professionals will navigate as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years, it's realistic for entry-level trainers to work their way up the pay scale, particularly seeing an increase to approximately $55,003 at the 25th percentile, eventually nearing the median salary as they develop their skills and networks. Given the projected annual growth rate of 4.63% in the profession, Hillsboro is currently a promising market for recent graduates seeking to make their mark in athletic training.
About the Hillsboro Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hillsboro
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 Hillsboro
Entry-level athletic trainers in Hillsboro, OR typically start between $47,940 and $55,003 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,096 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,532 — 2.88% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Oregon of $65,000 represents just 135.59% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($47,940/year) in Hillsboro. 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 Hillsboro
- 1Research the Hillsboro market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $47,940 to $55,003, 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 Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hillsboro'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 Hillsboro is $42,096 ( 87.81%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,940, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,036.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,766
2025 BLS Actual
$45,819
2026 Current Est.
$47,940
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Hillsboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,766 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,364 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,149 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,726 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,064 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,460 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,819 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,940 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,160 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Hillsboro, OR grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,766 in 2019 to $45,819 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,160. New graduates entering the Hillsboro job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro
Employers in Hillsboro provide a range of opportunities for new graduates, with high school athletic training services often recruiting through partnerships with hospital sports medicine programs. While high school positions may not offer the highest pay, they serve as a valuable stepping stone for emerging professionals. For those looking to maximize their starting pay, pursuing credentials such as a Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, obtaining the BOC national exam certification (ATC credential), and securing state licensure are essential. Many companies in industrial settings, including factories and distribution centers, often pay 30-50% more than traditional roles in school athletic training, showcasing the diverse career paths available. In the first three years, ambitious trainers can expect steady salary progression in Hillsboro, particularly with a strategic focus on gaining relevant experience and continuing education in this evolving field.
More salary data for Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hillsboro 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