Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in South Burlington, VT: $53,036 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the South Burlington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,036 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out South Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,243 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,524) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected starting athletic trainer salary in South Burlington of $53,036 in 2026, new graduates may find initial pay lower than the city's median of $67,524. However, this entry-level position provides a strong foundation for growth. Early-career athletic trainers can look forward to salary increases as they gain experience, with many moving toward the 25th percentile salary of $59,417 within their first few years. South Burlington’s job market appears favorable for new grads in 2026, providing a reasonable starting point that, when considering the projected annual growth rate of 4.63%, presents a realistic pathway to more substantial earnings as they advance in their careers.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in South Burlington
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 South Burlington
Entry-level athletic trainers in South Burlington, VT typically start between $53,036 and $59,417 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,417 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,524 — 3.22% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Vermont of $70,000 represents just 131.99% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($53,036/year) in South Burlington. 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 South Burlington
- 1Research the South Burlington market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $53,036 to $59,417, 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 VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in South Burlington, 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 South Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5South Burlington'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 South Burlington is $39,417 ( 74.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,036, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,453.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,930
2025 BLS Actual
$50,689
2026 Current Est.
$53,036
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,930 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,697 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,885 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,736 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,429 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,494 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,689 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,036 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,491 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in South Burlington, VT grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,930 in 2019 to $50,689 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,491. New graduates entering the South Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Burlington 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 South Burlington
Graduates entering the athletic training field in South Burlington should focus on specific employers that typically hire new talent. Local high schools often utilize outsourced athletic trainer services associated with regional hospital sports medicine programs, which are a significant source of jobs for newcomers. Also, opportunities exist in industrial settings, where occupational athletic trainers can command salaries 30-50% higher; however, these positions may require experience or contacts at staffing firms. To enhance starting pay in VT, obtaining a Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program and passing the BOC exam to earn the ATC credential is essential. An understanding that industrial roles often offer better compensation compared to traditional school settings will guide new entrants in strategic job searches. By aligning education and credentials with market demand, they can achieve meaningful salary growth during the critical first years of their career.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in South Burlington in 2026?
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Is athletic training school worth it in South Burlington?
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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 South Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Burlington 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