Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Camas, WA: $53,294 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Camas, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,294 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Camas's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,622 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,667) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as an athletic trainer in Camas, Washington, a realistic expectation for entry-level positions in 2026 starts at around $53,294 annually. While this figure sits below the city median of $66,667, new graduates should view it as a stepping stone rather than a ceiling. Over the first few years, there's potential for salary growth as one moves towards the 25th percentile at $59,634 and eventually the city median, provided they gain experience and hone their skills. This trajectory, along with a projected annual growth rate of 4.63%, indicates that Camas is positioned as a promising market for fresh graduates looking to establish themselves in the athletic training field.
About the Camas Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Camas
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 Camas
Entry-level athletic trainers in Camas, WA typically start between $53,294 and $59,634 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,792 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,667 — 1.91% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Washington of $65,000 represents just 121.96% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($53,294/year) in Camas. 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 Camas
- 1Research the Camas market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $53,294 to $59,634, 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 Camas, 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 Camas for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Camas'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 Camas is $39,792 ( 74.67%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,294, experienced hygienists can earn up to $93,086.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,090
2025 BLS Actual
$50,936
2026 Current Est.
$53,294
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Camas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,090 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,867 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,074 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,939 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,936 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,294 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,762 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Camas, WA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,090 in 2019 to $50,936 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,762. New graduates entering the Camas job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camas 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 Camas
New graduates entering the athletic training profession in Camas will find that several employers actively seek their skills, particularly at high schools, where athletic training services are often outsourced to hospital sports medicine programs. Many roles require candidates to have a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam for certification, and obtaining state licensure. Those equipped with further credentials such as specialty certifications may see an increase in their starting offers. While traditional school athletic trainer positions tend to offer a lower salary, industrial or occupational settings can pay 30-50% more, presenting a strategic avenue for new grads. During the crucial early years of their careers, athletes can expect salary growth as they gain experience and skills, ensuring that their earning potential aligns with the evolving demands of the profession.
More salary data for Camas, 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 Camas. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Camas 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