Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Kingsport, TN: $47,199 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Kingsport, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,199 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kingsport's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,415 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,695) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Transitioning into an entry-level athletic trainer position in Kingsport, TN, presents a starting salary of approximately $47,199 in 2026. For new graduates, this figure may seem a bit lower compared to the city’s median annual salary of $59,695, but it offers a solid foundation for building a career. Within the first few years, many athletic trainers can anticipate progressing through early salary brackets, notably reaching around $53,134 by the 25th percentile. This incremental growth reflects a rise in responsibilities and experience, making Kingsport a viable market for emerging professionals aiming to establish themselves in the field. Overall, the local healthcare and educational institutions serve as essential avenues for employment, helping new grads find opportunities to gain valuable experience alongside their continued education.
About the Kingsport Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kingsport
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 Kingsport
Entry-level athletic trainers in Kingsport, TN typically start between $47,199 and $53,134 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,484 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,695 — 8.74% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Tennessee of $50,000 represents just 105.93% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($47,199/year) in Kingsport. 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 Kingsport
- 1Research the Kingsport market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $47,199 to $53,134, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kingsport, 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 Kingsport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kingsport'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 Kingsport is $39,484 ( 83.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,199, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,683.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,306
2025 BLS Actual
$45,110
2026 Current Est.
$47,199
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Kingsport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,306 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,879 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,605 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,142 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,429 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,692 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,199 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,384 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Kingsport, TN grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,306 in 2019 to $45,110 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,384. New graduates entering the Kingsport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingsport 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 Kingsport
In Kingsport, high schools and local hospitals often provide the primary employment opportunities for new athletic trainers. Many of these positions are typically filled through partnerships with athletic training services or sports medicine programs. However, collegiate roles often require additional credentials such as a graduate assistantship or internship experience, making initial opportunities somewhat competitive. To enhance their starting pay in Tennessee, newly-licensed athletic trainers must prioritize obtaining key certifications, including a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the Board of Certification exam for the ATC credential, and acquiring any necessary state licenses. These early years are crucial for professional development, making it beneficial for graduates to explore industrial or occupational athletic training roles in factories, which tend to offer 30-50% higher salaries than traditional school athletic trainer positions. Therefore, with realistic expectations of salary growth, early-career professionals in Kingsport can optimize their earnings while shaping their careers within this dynamic industry.
More salary data for Kingsport, TN:
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 Kingsport. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kingsport 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