Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Payson, UT: $46,982 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Payson, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,982 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Payson's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,892 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,266) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field, the starting athletic trainer salary in Payson, UT, is projected to be around $46,982 in 2026. While this figure is significantly lower than the area's median salary of $60,266, it reflects typical expectations for entry-level positions. In the early years of a career, new athletic trainers can see salary growth from entry-level wages, with opportunities to advance to approximately $56,313 within a few years. As Payson continues to develop its sports programs and athletic facilities, the local job market is becoming more appealing for recent graduates seeking their first role in athletic training.
About the Payson Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Payson
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 Payson
Entry-level athletic trainers in Payson, UT typically start between $46,982 and $56,313 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,255 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,266 — 7.87% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Utah of $48,000 represents just 102.17% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($46,982/year) in Payson. 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 Payson
- 1Research the Payson market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $46,982 to $56,313, 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 Payson, 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 Payson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Payson'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 Payson is $31,255 ( 66.53%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,982, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,237.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,171
2025 BLS Actual
$44,903
2026 Current Est.
$46,982
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Payson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,171 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,737 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,446 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,972 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,243 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,459 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,903 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,982 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,157 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Payson, UT grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,171 in 2019 to $44,903 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,157. New graduates entering the Payson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Payson 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 Payson
To find success in Payson, recent graduates should target specific employers that tend to hire new athletic trainers, such as local high schools and educational programs, which often contract services to hospital sports medicine departments. It's also worth considering industrial settings, where athletic trainers may earn higher wages compared to traditional school roles. Those entering the profession will benefit from holding relevant credentials, including a master's degree from an accredited program and the ATC credential from the BOC. Since the field now requires a master's degree, aspiring trainers should strategically pursue positions in industrial or occupational health, which can offer pay increases of 30-50% compared to typical school roles. As the profession trends upward, solid growth over the first few years in Payson is likely, providing a strong foundation for professional development.
More salary data for Payson, 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 Payson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Payson 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