Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Williamsburg, VA: $50,742 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Williamsburg, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,742 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Williamsburg's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,169 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,928) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Navigating the starting athletic trainer salary in Williamsburg, Virginia, can set expectations for new graduates entering the field in 2026. With an entry-level salary at the 10th percentile sitting at $50,742, there's a notable gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $63,928. This means early-career professionals can anticipate a realistic trajectory as they advance—moving toward the 25th percentile of $56,436 within the first few years. With an overall growth rate of 4.63% projected annually, Williamsburg presents an encouraging market for recent graduates, particularly given its relatively high living costs and the demand for athletic trainers in both traditional and industrial settings.
About the Williamsburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Williamsburg
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 Williamsburg
Entry-level athletic trainers in Williamsburg, VA typically start between $50,742 and $56,436 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,913 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,928 — 2.27% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Virginia of $60,000 represents just 118.25% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($50,742/year) in Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg
- 1Research the Williamsburg market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $50,742 to $56,436, 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 Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Williamsburg'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 Williamsburg is $36,913 ( 72.75%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,742, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,655.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,506
2025 BLS Actual
$48,497
2026 Current Est.
$50,742
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Williamsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,506 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,197 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,203 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,931 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,464 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,423 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,497 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,742 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,092 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Williamsburg, VA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,506 in 2019 to $48,497 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,092. New graduates entering the Williamsburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg
Employers in Williamsburg hiring new athletic trainers primarily include local high school athletic departments, which often utilize outsourced sports medicine services, as well as hospital systems partnering with those schools. Additionally, industrial environments, such as factories and distribution centers, provide opportunities that typically offer higher pay—30-50% more than roles in traditional sports medicine. Candidates can enhance their marketability through relevant credentials, including a master's degree from CAATE-accredited programs, BOC certification, and state licensure in VA. Continuing education and optional specialty certifications like the CSCS can also drive starting pay higher. In the first few years in this profession, it’s realistic for new grads to experience salary growth as they gain experience and explore various athletic training settings, ultimately building a rewarding career in Williamsburg's healthcare community.
More salary data for Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Williamsburg 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