Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Menomonie, WI: $46,223 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Menomonie, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,223 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Menomonie's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,489 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($57,977) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the athletic training field in Menomonie, Wisconsin, the financial outlook in 2026 reflects both the potential and challenges of starting in this profession. An entry-level athletic trainer salary in Menomonie is projected to start at around $46,223, which is below the city median of $57,977. This gap highlights the realistic expectations for recent graduates, as they typically see a gradual increase in earnings over their first few years—transitioning from the P10 level to approximately $51,333 at the P25 level. Given the growth rate of 4.63%, it is clear that Menomonie can provide a viable job market for entry-level athletic trainers, offering promising opportunities for those who are willing to adapt and grow within their roles.
About the Menomonie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Menomonie
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 Menomonie
Entry-level athletic trainers in Menomonie, WI typically start between $46,223 and $51,333 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,176 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $57,977 — 11.37% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Wisconsin of $55,000 represents just 118.99% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($46,223/year) in Menomonie. 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 Menomonie
- 1Research the Menomonie market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $46,223 to $51,333, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Menomonie, 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 Menomonie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Menomonie's below-average 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 Menomonie is $30,176 ( 65.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,223, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,399.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,700
2025 BLS Actual
$44,178
2026 Current Est.
$46,223
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Menomonie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,700 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,241 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,890 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,375 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,593 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,269 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,178 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,223 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,364 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Menomonie, WI grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,700 in 2019 to $44,178 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,364. New graduates entering the Menomonie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Menomonie 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 Menomonie
In Menomonie, employers typically hiring new graduates include local high schools, where athletic training positions are often outsourced to hospital sports medicine programs. Additionally, industrial settings like factories may recruit entry-level athletic trainers through specialty staffing firms, offering a pay premium of 30-50% over traditional roles in schools. With the transition to requiring a master's degree since 2022, holding a degree from a CAATE-accredited program along with credentials such as the BOC certification (ATC) and state licensure is essential for new grads. Continuing education and optional specialty certifications, like the CSCS1, can further enhance earning potential. As new athletic trainers navigate their first three years in the field, they can expect a steady salary growth trajectory, particularly if they consider opportunities in the industrial sector, marking a promising start in their careers in WI.
More salary data for Menomonie, WI:
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 Menomonie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Menomonie 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