Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Manassas, VA: $53,381 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Manassas, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,381 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manassas's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,726 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,638) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of athletic training in Manassas, Virginia, the entry-level athletic trainer salary is projected to start at around $53,381 in 2026. This figure represents the beginning of a promising career, though it is notably lower than the city's median salary of $65,638. New graduates can expect to see their earnings rise as they gain experience; moving from starting positions typically leads to salaries around $59,180 after a few years, providing a clear pathway for financial growth toward the median as practitioners hone their skills and expand their roles. With a projected 4.63% annual growth rate for athletic training positions, Manassas appears to be a viable market for newcomers ready to embark on their careers.
About the Manassas Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manassas
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 Manassas
Entry-level athletic trainers in Manassas, VA typically start between $53,381 and $59,180 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,011 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,638 — 0.34% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Virginia of $60,000 represents just 112.40% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($53,381/year) in Manassas. 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 Manassas
- 1Research the Manassas market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $53,381 to $59,180, 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 VA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Manassas, 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 Manassas for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manassas'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 Manassas is $39,011 ( 73.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,381, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,392.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,144
2025 BLS Actual
$51,019
2026 Current Est.
$53,381
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Manassas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,144 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,923 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,138 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,008 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,724 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,688 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,019 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,381 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,853 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Manassas, VA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,144 in 2019 to $51,019 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,853. New graduates entering the Manassas job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manassas 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 Manassas
Employers in Manassas actively recruit entry-level athletic trainers primarily from high schools, often via outsourced services connected to local sports medicine programs. For those looking to break into this field, having the appropriate credentials is essential. Candidates must obtain a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program and pass the BOC national exam, earning the ATC credential, before obtaining a state license. While traditional positions in educational settings generally offer lower starting pay, industrial roles in factories or distribution centers frequently provide salaries 30-50% higher, highlighting the importance of researching varied employment opportunities. New grads should expect realistic salary growth as they transition into their first three years of work, aligning with the expectation for entry-level pay in this competitive market.
More salary data for Manassas, VA:
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 Manassas. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manassas 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