Athletic Trainer Salary in Birmingham, AL: $48,423 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Birmingham, AL earns a median $48,423/year (≈ $23.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Birmingham's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.6), that paycheck buys what $52,838 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Alabama state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Birmingham, Alabama can expect a median annual salary of $48,423, which is notably lower than the national median of $65,415. These figures, derived from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, reflect a salary range where entry-level positions earn around $42,605, while seasoned professionals can command upwards of $66,764. The disparity in pay within Birmingham largely arises from the presence of industrial athletic trainers versus those working in traditional school and sports settings. With the city's economy accommodating both educational institutions and industrial sectors, this duality influences the compensation landscape for athletic trainers, highlighting the potential for growth and specialization in Birmingham's job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,605 | $20.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,877 | $20.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,423 | $23.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,987 | $30.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,764 | $32.10 |
Median Salary Position
25.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Birmingham
In Birmingham, AL, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,159 (2026 est.). At $48,423, the local median is 25.98% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Birmingham: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Birmingham Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Birmingham median: $48,423/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Birmingham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $52,406 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -25.98% less |
Athletic Trainers in Birmingham, AL earn a median of $48,423 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.98% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 7.60% below the Alabama state average of $52,406.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Birmingham has a cost of living 8.36% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Birmingham, AL has a cost-of-living index of 91.644 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $48,423 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,838 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.12% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,330
2025 BLS Actual
$46,280
2026 Current Est.
$48,423
2019–2027 Growth
+32.2%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Birmingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,330 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,680 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,650 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,100 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,260 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,270 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,280 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,423 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,665 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Birmingham metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 20.7% from $38,330 (2019) to $46,280 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,665 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,335 (32.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Birmingham 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $42,605 – $42,877 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,877 – $48,423 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,423 – $62,987 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,987 – $66,764 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Birmingham
Examining the local job market, Birmingham employs approximately 400 athletic trainers, indicating a stable demand for these professionals. The cost of living index for the area stands at 91.644, which is below the national average and suggests that take-home earnings may stretch further than in high-cost regions. Notably, athletic trainers working in prominent settings like professional sports teams, college athletics, or industrial health positions tend to receive higher compensation compared to those in secondary schools. Factors such as the type of employment—school-year vs. year-round contracts—impact earnings substantially, as do roles designated as head athletic trainers versus assistant trainers. Additionally, obtaining certifications such as CSCS or OCS-AT can enhance earning potential significantly. For those looking to maximize their athletic trainer pay in Birmingham, targeting industrial or occupational health settings, or pursuing positions with professional athletic organizations can offer greater financial rewards.
More salary data for Birmingham, AL:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $46,280 for athletic trainersin the Birmingham metropolitan area. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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