Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Lakewood, WA: $50,753 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Lakewood, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,753 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lakewood's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,256 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,416) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For aspiring athletic trainers entering the workforce in 2026, Lakewood, WA presents a realistic starting salary scenario. The entry-level pay begins at approximately $50,753, which is a modest figure when compared to the annual median for all athletic trainers in the city, $69,416. This signals a significant gap that new graduates must consider as they embark on their careers. However, the journey offers potential growth, as those in entry positions can expect to see their salaries rise towards the $62,800 mark within a few years of experience. With a 4.63% annual growth trajectory projected over the next five years, Lakewood is shaping up to be a viable market offering reasonable compensation for new athletic trainers, allowing them to gradually build their professional earnings.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lakewood
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 Lakewood
Entry-level athletic trainers in Lakewood, WA typically start between $50,753 and $62,800 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,380 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,416 — 6.12% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Washington of $65,000 represents just 128.07% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($50,753/year) in Lakewood. 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 Lakewood
- 1Research the Lakewood market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $50,753 to $62,800, 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 Lakewood, 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 Lakewood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lakewood'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 Lakewood is $49,380 ( 97.29%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,753, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,133.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,512
2025 BLS Actual
$48,507
2026 Current Est.
$50,753
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,512 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,204 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,211 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,939 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,473 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,471 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,507 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,753 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,103 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Lakewood, WA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,512 in 2019 to $48,507 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,103. New graduates entering the Lakewood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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 Lakewood
In Lakewood, several employers actively recruit newly minted athletic trainers, primarily high school athletic training services that often work in tandem with local hospital sports medicine programs. These entry-level roles typically provide essential experience, but graduates should remain open to other settings, including industrial sectors which can offer salaries that are 30-50% higher than traditional school-based positions. To enhance starting pay in Washington, new grads should focus on obtaining their Master’s degrees from CAATE-accredited programs and passing the BOC national exam to earn their ATC credential, along with securing state licensure. Additional certifications such as CSCS or OCS-AT can further set them apart in a competitive job market. With diligent career planning and the commitment to continuing education, recent graduates can realistically expect steady salary growth during the first three years of their professional journey, ultimately positioning themselves for more lucrative opportunities within this evolving field.
More salary data for Lakewood, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Lakewood in 2026?
How fast do athletic trainer salaries grow in Lakewood?
Is athletic training school worth it in Lakewood?
What do new athletic trainers make right out of school in Lakewood?
How do I become a athletic trainer in Washington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Lakewood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lakewood 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