Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Jackson, WY: $40,536 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Jackson, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $40,536 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,313 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($49,350) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field as athletic trainers in Jackson, Wyoming, the starting pay for 2026 is projected to be around $40,536 annually. This amount is lower than the city's median salary of $49,350, indicating a gap that many entry-level professionals will need to navigate as they begin their careers. However, there is potential for salary growth as new graduates can expect to see their earnings increase from the initial range at P10 through P25, with many likely moving closer to the median within the first three to five years. This makes Jackson a viable market for entry-level athletic trainers despite its lower-than-average starting salary, as the area's growth rate of 4.63% annually suggests opportunities for advancement over time.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level athletic trainers in Jackson, WY typically start between $40,536 and $43,601 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,353 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $49,350 — 24.56% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Wyoming of $45,000 represents just 111.01% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($40,536/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $40,536 to $43,601, 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 Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson'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 Jackson is $24,353 ( 60.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $40,536, experienced hygienists can earn up to $64,889.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$25,169
2025 BLS Actual
$38,742
2026 Current Est.
$40,536
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,169 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,720 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,899 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,721 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,111 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,742 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,536 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,413 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, WY grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,169 in 2019 to $38,742 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,413. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
In Jackson, employers often looking to hire new athletic trainers include high school athletic departments, which frequently contract their services through hospital-affiliated sports medicine programs. Entry-level positions in industrial or occupational settings—such as factories or distribution centers—may provide better pay, often exceeding the traditional school roles. To boost starting salaries, candidates should focus on obtaining their Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, achieving BOC certification, and securing a state license or registration. Additionally, pursuing optional specialty credentials can enhance earning potential. Given the recent shift to a master's requirement effective 2022, new grads may find themselves competing for roles in a landscape where continued education and experience are crucial. A realistic expectation for salary growth in the first few years would likely position new professionals to reach beyond their starting figures, reinforcing Jackson's viability for those embarking on their careers in athletic training.
More salary data for Jackson, WY:
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 Jackson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jackson 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