Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Richmond, VA: $52,503 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Richmond, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,503 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richmond's local price level (BEA RPP 97.9 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,652 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,165) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For recent graduates entering the athletic training field in Richmond, Virginia, the starting athletic trainer salary is projected at approximately $52,503 in 2026. This initial pay level may vary significantly depending on location and specific job opportunities, leaving a gap between entry-level earnings and the city's overall median salary of $63,165. Over the first three to five years, new grads can expect their salaries to increase as they gain experience, with potential earnings progressing through the 25th percentile at $62,642. This growth reflects a positive market for entry-level positions, making Richmond an appealing location for aspiring athletic trainers who are ready to embark on their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richmond
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 Richmond
Entry-level athletic trainers in Richmond, VA typically start between $52,503 and $62,642 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,291 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,165 — 3.44% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Virginia of $60,000 represents just 114.28% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($52,503/year) in Richmond. 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 Richmond
- 1Research the Richmond market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $52,503 to $62,642, 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 Richmond, 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 Richmond for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richmond'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 Richmond is $30,291 ( 57.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,503, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,794.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,820
2025 BLS Actual
$50,180
2026 Current Est.
$52,503
2019–2027 Growth
+90.6%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,820 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,230 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,940 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,510 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,380 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,180 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,503 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,934 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Richmond, VA grew 74.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,820 in 2019 to $50,180 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,934. New graduates entering the Richmond job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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 Richmond
With a master's degree now required for athletic trainers as of 2022, new graduates equipped with the proper credentials can enhance their prospects and salary expectations. Major employers in Richmond often include local high schools, which frequently outsource athletic training services to hospital sports medicine programs. Industrial settings, such as factories and distribution centers, are also notable for hiring new ATs and typically offer salaries that are 30-50% higher than school-based roles. Additionally, credentials like the Board of Certification (BOC) national exam, state license, and certifications like the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) can further boost a candidate's earning potential. For new grads, the strategic approach during the first few years should focus on gaining diverse experiences and potentially seeking positions in industrial settings to maximize financial growth while establishing a solid foundation in their athletic training careers in VA.
More salary data for Richmond, 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 Richmond. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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