Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Lynnwood, WA: $56,534 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Lynnwood, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,534 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lynnwood's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,639 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,905) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the athletic training profession in Lynnwood, Washington, can expect a starting salary around $56,534. Compared to the city’s median annual salary for athletic trainers of $67,905, this entry-level pay presents a noticeable gap. Nevertheless, there is a promising trajectory for salary growth, moving from this entry point through to the 25th percentile at $62,243 and toward the median over the first few years. For recent graduates, Lynnwood offers a favorable market, with demand growing for athletic trainers, particularly in educational and healthcare settings, providing a solid foundation for early-career professionals looking to establish themselves in the field.
About the Lynnwood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lynnwood
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 Lynnwood
Entry-level athletic trainers in Lynnwood, WA typically start between $56,534 and $62,243 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,101 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,905 — 3.81% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Washington of $65,000 represents just 114.98% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($56,534/year) in Lynnwood. 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 Lynnwood
- 1Research the Lynnwood market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $56,534 to $62,243, 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 Lynnwood, 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 Lynnwood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lynnwood'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 Lynnwood is $38,101 ( 67.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,534, experienced hygienists can earn up to $94,635.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,102
2025 BLS Actual
$54,032
2026 Current Est.
$56,534
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lynnwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,102 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,986 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,449 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,488 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,425 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,117 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,032 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,534 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,151 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Lynnwood, WA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,102 in 2019 to $54,032 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,151. New graduates entering the Lynnwood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lynnwood 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 Lynnwood
Employers in Lynnwood typically seek new athletic trainers for roles primarily in high school athletic services, which are often managed by hospital sports medicine programs. These positions present the best opportunities for entry-level trainers. Candidates aiming to enhance their starting pay should focus on obtaining the necessary credentials, including a Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam to earn the ATC credential, and acquiring a Washington state license. Industrial programs are increasingly significant players in the field, offering starting athletic trainer salaries that can be 30-50% higher than traditional school environments. New graduates should strategically seek internships or volunteer opportunities to bolster their resumes, as many collegiate positions demand prior experience. Within the first three years, early-career athletic trainers in Lynnwood can realistically expect their salaries to increase moderately, supported by the ongoing need for athletic training professionals in diverse settings.
More salary data for Lynnwood, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Lynnwood in 2026?
How fast do athletic trainer salaries grow in Lynnwood?
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What do new athletic trainers make right out of school in Lynnwood?
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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 Lynnwood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lynnwood 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