Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Riverton, UT: $46,855 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Riverton, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,855 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Riverton's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,762 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,790) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those looking to break into the athletic training profession in Riverton, Utah, starting salaries can vary significantly, with entry-level positions typically offering around $46,855. This figure falls below the city's median annual salary of $60,790, indicating a gap that new graduates should be prepared for. However, there is potential for salary growth over the initial years of one's career, with entry-level positions often seeing increases to approximately $52,901 in the early stages. In a market with a 4.63% annual growth rate projected for the next five years, Riverton presents a reasonable environment for new graduates entering this field. Given the increasing demand for qualified athletic trainers and the establishment of new programs in various settings, 2026 could be a favorable year for those just starting out.
About the Riverton Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Riverton
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 Riverton
Entry-level athletic trainers in Riverton, UT typically start between $46,855 and $52,901 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,676 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,790 — 7.07% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Utah of $48,000 represents just 102.44% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($46,855/year) in Riverton. 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 Riverton
- 1Research the Riverton market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $46,855 to $52,901, 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 Riverton, 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 Riverton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Riverton'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 Riverton is $35,676 ( 76.14%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,855, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,531.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,092
2025 BLS Actual
$44,782
2026 Current Est.
$46,855
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Riverton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,092 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,654 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,353 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,872 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,135 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,378 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,782 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,855 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,025 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Riverton, UT grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,092 in 2019 to $44,782 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,025. New graduates entering the Riverton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Riverton 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 Riverton
Riverton offers several avenues for new graduates seeking employment as athletic trainers, with high schools often outsourcing these roles to hospital sports medicine programs. Many of the first positions available to recent graduates may be in educational settings, but these typically pay less than industrial jobs, which can offer 30-50% higher compensation. To enhance starting pay in Utah, it’s advisable for new athletic trainers to hold a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, achieve BOC certification as an ATC, and secure state licensure. Obtaining additional certifications, such as a CSCS, can further bolster qualifications. Early-career professionals should be ready to adapt, as positions in non-traditional settings—like factories and distribution centers—are becoming more common. With realistic expectations and a strategic career approach, new grads can work towards climbing the pay ladder effectively within the first few years in Riverton's evolving market.
More salary data for Riverton, 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 Riverton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Riverton 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