Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Cedar City, UT: $49,721 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Cedar City, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,721 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cedar City's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,684 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,315) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cedar City, Utah, a new graduate entering the athletic training field can expect an entry-level salary starting around $49,721 in 2026. Compared to the overall median annual salary for athletic trainers in the city, which is $63,315, there is a noticeable gap that highlights the earnings potential as one gains experience. Over the course of the first few years, entry-level athletic trainers may see growth in their compensation, moving toward the 25th percentile salary of $58,228 within three to five years. This trajectory points to a healthy employment market for recent graduates, suggesting that Cedar City offers a viable opportunity for new athletic trainers to launch their careers while benefiting from a lower-than-average cost of living index of 98.1.
About the Cedar City Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cedar City
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 Cedar City
Entry-level athletic trainers in Cedar City, UT typically start between $49,721 and $58,228 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,077 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,315 — 3.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Utah of $48,000 represents just 96.54% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($49,721/year) in Cedar City. 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 Cedar City
- 1Research the Cedar City market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $49,721 to $58,228, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cedar City, 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 Cedar City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cedar City'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 Cedar City is $35,077 ( 70.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,721, experienced hygienists can earn up to $84,798.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,872
2025 BLS Actual
$47,521
2026 Current Est.
$49,721
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Cedar City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,872 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,529 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,454 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,127 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,589 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,620 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,521 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,721 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,023 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Cedar City, UT grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,872 in 2019 to $47,521 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,023. New graduates entering the Cedar City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar City 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 Cedar City
Hiring trends in Cedar City indicate that new graduates can find employment primarily in high school athletic training services, often supplied through local hospital sports medicine programs. Industrial settings, such as factories and distribution centers, also offer opportunities and generally provide higher starting salaries, typically ranging 30-50% more than those in educational institutions. To enhance starting pay, new athletic trainers should focus on obtaining credentials such as a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam for ATC certification, and securing a state license. Continuing education or specialty certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT can further set candidates apart. In the initial years, it's realistic for new professionals to experience steady salary growth as they build their expertise in a field that has transitioned to require higher educational qualifications since 2022. Joining organizations like NATA can also be beneficial for networking and professional development as they embark on their careers in this rewarding field.
More salary data for Cedar City, UT:
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 Cedar City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cedar City 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