Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Myrtle Beach, SC: $43,034 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Myrtle Beach, SC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,034 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Myrtle Beach's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,956 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($57,076) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those beginning their careers as athletic trainers in Myrtle Beach, 2026 projections indicate a starting salary of around $43,034. While this figure might seem modest, it is important for new graduates to understand the financial landscape of the profession. The overall median salary for athletic trainers in Myrtle Beach is projected at $57,076, revealing a substantial gap for those who are just entering the field. Over the first few years, there is room for growth as entry-level professionals can expect to reach the P25 threshold of $56,134 relatively quickly. Given the ongoing demand and a projected annual growth rate of 4.63%, the Myrtle Beach job market appears to be a viable option for new graduates looking to establish themselves in the athletic training profession.
Career Earnings Timeline in Myrtle Beach
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 Myrtle Beach
Entry-level athletic trainers in Myrtle Beach, SC typically start between $43,034 and $56,134 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,187 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $57,076 — 12.75% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in South Carolina of $48,000 represents just 111.54% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($43,034/year) in Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach
- 1Research the Myrtle Beach market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $43,034 to $56,134, 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 SC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Myrtle Beach, 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 Myrtle Beach for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Myrtle Beach's below-average 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 Myrtle Beach is $35,187 ( 81.77%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,034, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,221.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$27,410
2025 BLS Actual
$41,130
2026 Current Est.
$43,034
2019–2027 Growth
+64.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Myrtle Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,410 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,154 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,552 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,865 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,862 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,081 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,130 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,034 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,027 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Myrtle Beach, SC grew 50.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,410 in 2019 to $41,130 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,027. New graduates entering the Myrtle Beach job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach
In Myrtle Beach, several diverse employers regularly hire new athletic trainers, notably high school athletic programs, which often outsource their services to larger sports medicine providers. Additionally, opportunities in industrial settings, such as factories and distribution centers, are on the rise, offering pay scales that can be 30-50% higher than traditional school roles. To enhance starting pay in South Carolina, obtaining a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program is essential, along with passing the BOC national exam and securing state licensure. Most new grad athletic trainers should consider specializing with optional certifications within their first few years, as these credentials can significantly improve their salary prospects. Realistically, within the first three years, new hires can expect incremental increases that align with the local athletic training market trends in Myrtle Beach, allowing them to advance toward the median salary and beyond as they gain experience.
More salary data for Myrtle Beach, SC:
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 Myrtle Beach. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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