Athletic Trainer Salary

Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Murray, UT: $51,370 (2026)

Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Murray, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,370 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Murray's local price level (BEA RPP 98.12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,365 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,325) within a few years of clinical practice.

$51,370
Starting Salary
$24.69/hr
Starting Hourly
$51,370
Entry Level
$69,325
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Athletic Trainer Entry Level Salary in Murray, UT — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Murray, UT athletic trainer entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For new graduates entering the field of athletic training, the starting athletic trainer salary in Murray, UT, provides a promising pathway. In 2026, entry-level positions are projected to start at around $51,370, with the middle marker for salaries in the region resting at $69,325. This means that beginners will generally earn about 26% less than the median. However, there is substantial growth potential as new professionals advance; salaries can rise to $59,071 at the 25th percentile and, ultimately, close to the median salary within a few years. Given the expected annual growth rate of 4.63%, Murray presents a favorable market for aspiring athletic trainers looking to establish their careers.

About the Murray Market

Salary estimated from Utah average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Murray

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$51,370/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$59,071/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$69,325/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$84,520/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Murray

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for athletic trainers in Murray. The median salary is $69,325, compared to the national median of $65,415.$46.2K$61.1K$76.1K$91.0K$105.9K$51.4K10th Pctl$59.1K25th Pctl$69.3KMedian$84.5K75th Pctl$100.9K90th PctlUS Median$65.4K

Entry-level athletic trainers in Murray, UT typically start between $51,370 and $59,071 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,485 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,3255.98% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of athletic trainer pay in the Murray metro area.

Return on Investment

$48,000
Avg UT Program Cost
$51,370
Starting Salary
93.44%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average athletic training program cost in Utah of $48,000 represents just 93.44% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($51,370/year) in Murray. 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 Murray

  • 1Research the Murray market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $51,370 to $59,071, 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 Murray, 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 Murray for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Murray'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 Murray is $49,485 ( 96.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,370, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,855.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$31,896

2025 BLS Actual

$49,097

2026 Current Est.

$51,370

2019–2027 Growth

+68.5%

Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Murray (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for athletic trainers in Murray. Baseline $31,896 in 2025, projected to $53,749 by 2027.$27.5K$35.2K$42.8K$50.5K$58.1K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$31.9K$33.6K$37.7K$40.4K$44.0K$36.7K$49.1K$51.4K$53.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$31,896Actual
2020$33,608Actual
2021$37,663Actual
2022$40,425Actual
2023$44,002Actual
2024$36,695Actual
2025$49,097Actual
2026(current)$51,370Estimated
2027$53,749Projected

Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Murray, UT grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,896 in 2019 to $49,097 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,749. New graduates entering the Murray job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murray metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Murray

Several employers in Murray recruit new graduates, particularly within high school athletic training services often managed through partnerships with local hospitals. While opportunities in industrial settings also exist, these locations are typically accessed through specialized staffing firms. New grads should focus on acquiring multiple credentials to enhance their employability, including a Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, BOC national certification, and a state license. Additionally, obtaining certifications such as CSCS or OCS-AT can be beneficial. The strategic approach for the first few years in this profession hinges on recognizing that industrial environments often offer 30-50% higher salaries compared to traditional school settings. With a realistic expectation of growth, new grads can anticipate salary increases of about 5-10% annually as they gain experience and build their professional reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Murray in 2026?

Entry-level athletic trainers in Murray start at approximately $51,370/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.63% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $24.70/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do athletic trainer salaries grow in Murray?

Most athletic trainers in Murray progress from the entry-level salary of $51,370 to the area median of $69,325 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $100,855 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is athletic training school worth it in Murray?

With a starting salary of $51,370/year in Murray and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new athletic trainers recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new athletic trainers make right out of school in Murray?

New athletic training graduates in Murray typically start near the 10th percentile at $51,370/year, or approximately $24.70/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a athletic trainer in Utah?

To become a licensed athletic trainer in Utah, you typically need master's degree in athletic training from a caate-accredited program (transitioning from bachelor's to master's-level entry by 2023), passing the boc certification exam (atc credential), and state licensure or registration., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Utah, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some athletic trainers pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Utah

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gomez, MS, ATCData verified by David Kim, BS, ATC

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 Murray. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Murray is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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