Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Tigard, OR: $51,191 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Tigard, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,191 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Tigard's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,894 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,251) 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 Tigard, Oregon, the anticipated starting athletic trainer salary for 2026 stands at $51,191. While this figure is significant, it does reveal a noticeable gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $65,251. Fresh entrants can expect to experience a progressive growth trajectory as they gain experience, moving from the entry-level pay at the 10th percentile to approximately $57,780 at the 25th percentile within the first few years. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.63%, Tigard represents a relatively stable job market for new grad athletic trainers, making it a promising location for those passionate about pursuing a fulfilling career in athletic training.
About the Tigard Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Tigard
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 Tigard
Entry-level athletic trainers in Tigard, OR typically start between $51,191 and $57,780 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,669 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,251 — 0.25% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Oregon of $65,000 represents just 126.98% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($51,191/year) in Tigard. 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 Tigard
- 1Research the Tigard market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $51,191 to $57,780, 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 Tigard, 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 Tigard for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Tigard'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 Tigard is $40,669 ( 79.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,191, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,860.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,785
2025 BLS Actual
$48,926
2026 Current Est.
$51,191
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Tigard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,785 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,491 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,532 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,284 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,849 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,440 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,926 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,191 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,561 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Tigard, OR grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,785 in 2019 to $48,926 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,561. New graduates entering the Tigard job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tigard 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 Tigard
Considering employment prospects, multiple organizations within Tigard actively seek early-career athletic trainers. High schools often outsource their athletic training services to hospital sports medicine programs, creating pathways for graduates to secure positions as they start their careers. Additionally, industrial settings, such as factories and distribution centers, can offer more lucrative opportunities, sometimes paying 30-50% more than typical roles within schools. New athletic trainers should prioritize obtaining relevant credentials, including a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam to achieve the ATC credential, and securing their state license. Engaging with organizations like NATA will also enhance networking opportunities. For those entering the market, it's reasonable to project income growth from their first roles, setting the stage for more competitive salaries as they advance in the profession.
More salary data for Tigard, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Tigard in 2026?
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Is athletic training school worth it in Tigard?
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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 Tigard. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tigard 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