Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Medford, OR: $51,921 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Medford, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,921 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medford's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,605 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,560) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the athletic training field in Medford, Oregon can expect a starting salary around $51,921, which is below the city’s median annual salary of $65,560. This starting pay reflects the initial phase of a career that typically sees growth as new athletic trainers gain experience and professional credentials. Over the first three to five years, there is potential for salary increases, moving from $51,921 at the 10th percentile to around $58,418 at the 25th percentile, with the possibility of reaching the median as they establish themselves in the profession. Given the evolving landscape of athletic training, particularly the transition to requiring a master's degree as of 2022, Medford remains a viable market for new grads seeking entry-level opportunities in this field.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medford
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 Medford
Entry-level athletic trainers in Medford, OR typically start between $51,921 and $58,418 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,384 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,560 — 0.22% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Oregon of $65,000 represents just 125.19% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($51,921/year) in Medford. 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 Medford
- 1Research the Medford market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $51,921 to $58,418, 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 Medford, 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 Medford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medford'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 Medford is $43,384 ( 83.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,921, experienced hygienists can earn up to $95,305.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,237
2025 BLS Actual
$49,623
2026 Current Est.
$51,921
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,237 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,968 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,067 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,858 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,473 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,126 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,623 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,921 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,324 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Medford, OR grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,237 in 2019 to $49,623 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,324. New graduates entering the Medford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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 Medford
For those looking to jumpstart their careers in Medford, various employers are keen on hiring new athletic trainers, particularly high schools and hospitals that often outsource athletic training services. While collegiate positions are coveted, they typically require graduate assistantships or relevant internships. To enhance entry-level earnings, candidates are encouraged to pursue the Master’s degree from CAATE-accredited programs, achieve BOC certification for the ATC credential, and obtain state licensure. Additionally, certifications in CPR and first aid are essential, along with potential specialization in areas like strength and conditioning (CSCS). Within their first years, athletic trainers may find themselves in industrial settings—such locations frequently offer salaries that are 30-50% higher than school-based roles. As they build experience and credentials, new professionals can realistically anticipate upward movement in their salaries throughout this pivotal early phase of their careers.
More salary data for Medford, 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 Medford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medford 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