Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Cheyenne, WY: $39,169 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Cheyenne, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,169 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cheyenne's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,886 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($53,274) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level athletic trainer salary in Cheyenne, Wyoming starts at $39,169, which is significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $53,274. New graduates entering the field can expect to work up through the pay scales in their first few years, likely moving closer to the P25 figure of $48,361 as they gain experience and establish themselves professionally. This upward trajectory suggests that while the initial pay may not be competitive compared to the national median of $65,415, Cheyenne offers a fair starting salary relative to the lower cost of living index of 95.8. For recent graduates seeking employment, this city presents opportunities within its healthcare and educational institutions, though it remains key for them to understand the financial landscape of their profession.
About the Cheyenne Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cheyenne
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 Cheyenne
Entry-level athletic trainers in Cheyenne, WY typically start between $39,169 and $48,361 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,816 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $53,274 — 18.56% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Wyoming of $45,000 represents just 114.89% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($39,169/year) in Cheyenne. 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 Cheyenne
- 1Research the Cheyenne market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $39,169 to $48,361, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cheyenne, 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 Cheyenne for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cheyenne'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 Cheyenne is $37,816 ( 96.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,169, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,985.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,320
2025 BLS Actual
$37,436
2026 Current Est.
$39,169
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Cheyenne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,320 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,626 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,718 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,824 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,551 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,784 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,436 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,169 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,983 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Cheyenne, WY grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,320 in 2019 to $37,436 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,983. New graduates entering the Cheyenne job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cheyenne 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 Cheyenne
Opportunity in Cheyenne for new grad athletic trainers is promising, especially with various facilities that routinely hire fresh talent. High school athletic training services, often aligned with local hospitals for sports medicine, are among the primary employers. Industrial settings also recruit through staffing firms, providing pathways that can offer higher pay—up to 30-50% more than traditional school-based roles. It’s imperative for new trainers to have the required Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program and to pass the BOC national exam for the ATC credential, as these prerequisites shifted with the 2022 education requirement. Building additional qualifications through specialty certifications, such as CSCS and OCS-AT, can further elevate starting salaries. Realistic expectations for salary growth in the first few years hinge on strategic positioning within the local market—employment in industrial environments could yield substantially better pay.
More salary data for Cheyenne, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Cheyenne in 2026?
How fast do athletic trainer salaries grow in Cheyenne?
Is athletic training school worth it in Cheyenne?
What do new athletic trainers make right out of school in Cheyenne?
How do I become a athletic trainer in Wyoming?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wyoming
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 Cheyenne. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cheyenne 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