Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Bremerton, WA: $53,532 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Bremerton, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,532 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bremerton's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,844 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,765) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bremerton, Washington, the anticipated starting athletic trainer salary in 2026 is around $53,532, which sets a practical benchmark for new graduates entering the field. This entry-level figure is notably lower than the city’s median salary of $66,765, highlighting a significant initial gap that aspiring athletic trainers should consider. Over the first few years, earnings are likely to increase, with estimates suggesting that new professionals can expect to earn $58,355 by the 25th percentile and eventually reach the median as they gain experience. Given the projected 4.63% growth in the profession, Bremerton presents a viable market for newcomers, balancing the cost of living—slightly above the national average—against the potential for upward mobility in salary.
About the Bremerton Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bremerton
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 Bremerton
Entry-level athletic trainers in Bremerton, WA typically start between $53,532 and $58,355 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,515 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,765 — 2.06% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Washington of $65,000 represents just 121.42% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($53,532/year) in Bremerton. 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 Bremerton
- 1Research the Bremerton market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $53,532 to $58,355, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bremerton, 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 Bremerton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bremerton'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 Bremerton is $37,515 ( 70.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,532, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,047.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,238
2025 BLS Actual
$51,163
2026 Current Est.
$53,532
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Bremerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,238 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,022 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,248 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,126 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,853 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,200 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,163 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,532 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,010 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Bremerton, WA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,238 in 2019 to $51,163 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,010. New graduates entering the Bremerton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bremerton 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 Bremerton
Several local employers in Bremerton actively seek to hire entry-level athletic trainers, particularly in high school athletic training services, which are often outsourced to hospital sports medicine programs. Industrial sectors also represent promising opportunities, with roles available through specialty staffing firms; these positions can offer significant pay advantages over traditional school-based settings, usually compensating 30-50% more. Essential credentials for elevating a new graduate's starting pay in Washington include a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam for the ATC credential, and obtaining a state AT license or registration. As recent changes in 2022 have made master's degrees mandatory, new entrants should consider pursuing specialty certifications to further stand out in this competitive field. Realistic salary growth in the first couple of years can lead to improved opportunities, making Bremerton a strategic place for new graduations to lay down their career groundwork.
More salary data for Bremerton, WA:
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 Bremerton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bremerton 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