Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Edmonds, WA: $51,541 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Edmonds, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,541 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Edmonds's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,990 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,128) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, newly graduated athletic trainers in Edmonds, Washington, can expect to start their careers with a salary around $51,541, which reflects the lower end of the pay spectrum for this profession. While this figure may seem lower compared to the city’s median annual salary of $68,128, it's important for new grads to understand that salaries can rise significantly with experience and additional credentials. Over the first three to five years, as entry-level trainers develop their skills and gain exposure, they can realistically expect to move toward the 25th percentile income level of $62,720 or even aspire to reach the median. Given the area's consistent growth rate of 4.63% annually, Edmonds presents a favorable market for those entering the field, especially for graduates with a master’s degree.
About the Edmonds Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Edmonds
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 Edmonds
Entry-level athletic trainers in Edmonds, WA typically start between $51,541 and $62,720 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,007 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,128 — 4.15% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Washington of $65,000 represents just 126.11% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($51,541/year) in Edmonds. 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 Edmonds
- 1Research the Edmonds market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $51,541 to $62,720, 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 Edmonds, 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 Edmonds for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Edmonds'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 Edmonds is $44,007 ( 85.38%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,541, experienced hygienists can earn up to $95,548.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,002
2025 BLS Actual
$49,260
2026 Current Est.
$51,541
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Edmonds (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,002 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,719 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,788 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,559 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,148 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,228 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,260 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,541 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,927 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Edmonds, WA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,002 in 2019 to $49,260 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,927. New graduates entering the Edmonds job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edmonds 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 Edmonds
Several key employers in Edmonds actively seek new athletic trainers, particularly in high school athletic programs, where services may be outsourced to hospital sports medicine entities. Many early-career ATs find jobs in industrial settings, which tend to offer higher starting salaries, often between 30%-50% more than traditional school roles. To enhance their starting athletic trainer salary in Edmonds, new graduates should prioritize obtaining credentials such as the Master’s degree from CAATE-accredited programs and passing the BOC national exam for the ATC credential. In the first few years, establishing a professional network through the NATA and pursuing additional certifications can significantly impact salary growth trajectories. As they build their expertise and integrate into local healthcare teams, new grad athletic trainers in Edmonds have realistic opportunities to see their earnings increase substantially beyond entry-level figures.
More salary data for Edmonds, 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 Edmonds. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Edmonds 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