Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Redmond, WA: $52,567 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Redmond, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,567 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Redmond's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,945 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($70,189) 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 Redmond, WA, can expect an entry-level athletic trainer salary starting around $52,567, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $70,189. This initial pay reflects realistic expectations for early-career professionals, leaving a notable gap of over $17,600 when compared to the median. However, the salary trajectory suggests potential for growth, with advancement likely taking trainers through earnings of approximately $60,225 within their first few years of practice, ultimately working towards the median as they gain experience and expertise. For new grads, the Redmond market remains promising, given the steady demand for athletic trainers and a 4.63% annual growth rate indicating a positive trend in job opportunities and compensation.
About the Redmond Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Redmond
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 Redmond
Entry-level athletic trainers in Redmond, WA typically start between $52,567 and $60,225 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,242 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $70,189 — 7.3% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Washington of $65,000 represents just 123.65% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($52,567/year) in Redmond. 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 Redmond
- 1Research the Redmond market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $52,567 to $60,225, 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 Redmond, 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 Redmond for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Redmond'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 Redmond is $50,242 ( 95.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,567, experienced hygienists can earn up to $102,809.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,639
2025 BLS Actual
$50,241
2026 Current Est.
$52,567
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Redmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,639 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,391 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,541 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,367 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,027 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,234 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,241 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,567 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,001 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Redmond, WA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,639 in 2019 to $50,241 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,001. New graduates entering the Redmond job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Redmond 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 Redmond
As you consider employment opportunities in Redmond, it’s crucial to understand which employers are seeking new graduates in athletic training. High schools often outsource athletic training services to hospital sports medicine programs, making them one of the primary recruiters of new talent. Industrial settings, including factories and distribution centers, typically engage specialty staffing firms for their athletic trainer needs and usually offer compensation that can be 30-50% higher than traditional educational roles. To enhance starting athletic trainer pay in WA, candidates should focus on obtaining a master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, achieving BOC certification, and acquiring a state AT license. Developing further credentials through specialty certifications can further bolster one's marketability. In the first few years, it's common to experience gradual increases in salary as you accumulate hands-on experience and professional relationships within the industry, leading to long-term career growth in this evolving field.
More salary data for Redmond, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Redmond in 2026?
How fast do athletic trainer salaries grow in Redmond?
Is athletic training school worth it in Redmond?
What do new athletic trainers make right out of school in Redmond?
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 Redmond. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Redmond 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