Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Keizer, OR: $50,969 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Keizer, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,969 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Keizer's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,677 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,600) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Compensation for entry-level athletic trainers in Keizer, Oregon, reflects a starting salary of $50,969 in 2026. Although this initial pay falls below the city's median annual salary of $63,600, it is essential for new graduates to view this position as a stepping stone. With time, early-career professionals can expect their salaries to increase as they gain experience, moving through various career milestones such as $55,372 at the 25th percentile and ultimately reaching the median range. The local employment climate indicates a competitive atmosphere for starting athletic trainer roles, making Keizer a viable market for recent graduates looking to establish themselves.
About the Keizer Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Keizer
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 Keizer
Entry-level athletic trainers in Keizer, OR typically start between $50,969 and $55,372 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,417 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,600 — 2.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Oregon of $65,000 represents just 127.53% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($50,969/year) in Keizer. 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 Keizer
- 1Research the Keizer market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $50,969 to $55,372, 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 Keizer, 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 Keizer for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Keizer'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 Keizer is $35,417 ( 69.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,969, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,386.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,647
2025 BLS Actual
$48,714
2026 Current Est.
$50,969
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Keizer (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,647 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,346 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,370 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,110 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,659 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,224 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,714 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,969 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,329 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Keizer, OR grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,647 in 2019 to $48,714 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,329. New graduates entering the Keizer job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Keizer 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 Keizer
Employers in Keizer that hire new grad athletic trainers primarily include high school athletic programs, often working in collaboration with hospitals and sports medicine clinics. Opportunities in industrial settings such as factories and distribution centers also exist, typically offering salaries that can be 30-50% higher than those in traditional school environments. To better position themselves in this shifting job market, entry-level professionals are encouraged to attain their Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, pass the BOC national exam to gain their ATC credential, and obtain state licensure. Engaging in continuing education and pursuing specialty certifications can further enhance their starting pay. In the first few years, salary growth can be anticipated as new trainers accumulate experience and expand their qualifications, setting a solid foundation for a successful career in athletic training in Oregon.
More salary data for Keizer, 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 Keizer. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Keizer 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