Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Pasco, WA: $54,234 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Pasco, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,234 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pasco's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,497 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,548) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the athletic training field in Pasco, Washington, the starting athletic trainer salary is projected to be around $54,234 in 2026. This entry-level salary falls significantly below the city’s median of $68,548, highlighting the financial challenges that new athletic trainers may face. However, the salary trajectory can be promising as they gain experience, with potential increases to around $60,989 during the first few years. This growth path indicates that while the beginning numbers may seem modest, there's an opportunity for salary advancement as new professionals become established in their roles. For graduates seeking employment in 2026, Pasco offers a moderate market that includes various opportunities in both educational and industrial settings.
About the Pasco Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pasco
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 Pasco
Entry-level athletic trainers in Pasco, WA typically start between $54,234 and $60,989 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,761 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,548 — 4.79% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Washington of $65,000 represents just 119.85% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($54,234/year) in Pasco. 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 Pasco
- 1Research the Pasco market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $54,234 to $60,989, 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 Pasco, 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 Pasco for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pasco'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 Pasco is $42,761 ( 78.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,234, experienced hygienists can earn up to $96,995.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,674
2025 BLS Actual
$51,834
2026 Current Est.
$54,234
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Pasco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,674 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,481 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,763 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,679 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,455 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,892 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,834 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,234 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,745 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Pasco, WA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,674 in 2019 to $51,834 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,745. New graduates entering the Pasco job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasco 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 Pasco
Employers in Pasco that typically hire new athletic trainers include high schools and sports medicine programs, where many entry-level positions are available. These often partner with hospitals for outsourced athletic training services. While industrial settings, such as factories and distribution centers, are increasingly recruiting through specialty staffing firms and can offer salaries that are 30-50% higher than those in educational roles, these positions may be less accessible and often require additional credentials. Graduates should aim to acquire a Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, pass the BOC national exam to earn the ATC credential, and secure state licensure. Participating in continuing education and obtaining optional specialty certifications can further enhance starting pay. With a growth expectation of approximately 4.63% over the next five years, early-career athletic trainers in Pasco can realistically expect to see a steady increase in their salaries as they transition into their roles and gain valuable experience.
More salary data for Pasco, 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 Pasco. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pasco 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