Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Springfield, OR: $52,050 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Springfield, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,050 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Springfield's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,731 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,586) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of athletic training in Springfield, the starting athletic trainer salary is projected to be around $52,050 in 2026. This entry-level figure can be compared to the overall median annual salary of $65,586 in the city, indicating a notable gap in earnings for those at the beginning of their careers. Although this may seem like a steep climb, the growth trajectory suggests that salaries could rise to approximately $58,472 at the 25th percentile and ultimately approach the median with a 4.63% annual growth rate in the first few years of practice. Overall, Springfield presents a reasonable market for fresh graduates to begin their careers, particularly with the expectation of incremental pay increases as they gain experience.
About the Springfield Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Springfield
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 Springfield
Entry-level athletic trainers in Springfield, OR typically start between $52,050 and $58,472 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,121 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,586 — 0.26% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Oregon of $65,000 represents just 124.88% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($52,050/year) in Springfield. 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 Springfield
- 1Research the Springfield market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $52,050 to $58,472, 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 Springfield, 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 Springfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Springfield'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 Springfield is $41,121 ( 79.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,050, experienced hygienists can earn up to $93,171.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,318
2025 BLS Actual
$49,747
2026 Current Est.
$52,050
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,318 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,053 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,162 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,960 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,584 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,248 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,747 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,050 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,460 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Springfield, OR grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,318 in 2019 to $49,747 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,460. New graduates entering the Springfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springfield 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 Springfield
In Springfield, several employers actively seek new graduates for athletic trainer roles; high schools often contract athletic training services through local hospital sports medicine programs, providing a pathway for those beginning their careers. However, positions in industrial settings are increasingly available and typically offer salaries that can be 30-50% higher than traditional school-based roles. To enhance earning potential in Oregon, candidates must obtain the necessary credentials, including a master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, BOC national certification, and state licensure. Continuing education and optional specialty certifications can further boost starting pay. New grads should design their first three years around gaining diverse experience, potentially considering internships and assistantships to break into collegiate programs. By proactively pursuing different options, newly minted athletic trainers in Springfield can expect their salaries to grow meaningfully within this supportive community.
More salary data for Springfield, 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 Springfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Springfield 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