Athletic Trainer Salary in Alaska: $61,736 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Alaska's 5 metropolitan areas, the average median athletic trainer pay sits at $61,736/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-9091. Because Alaska sits at BEA RPP 106.1 (6% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $58,187 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Anchorage ($60,079), Fairbanks ($57,329), Juneau ($57,140).
In 2026, athletic trainers in Alaska are projected to earn an average median salary of $61,736, which is 5.6% lower than the national median of $65,415. Anchorage offers the highest pay for athletic trainers at $62,861, while Sitka provides the lowest compensation at $55,872, creating a salary gap of $6,989 between these two cities. This difference can be attributed to factors such as the cost of living, regional demand for healthcare services, and local funding for sports and rehabilitation programs. Alaska has specific state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that ensure athletic trainers are well-prepared for their roles, which may contribute to the demand for these professionals. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.63%, the job market for athletic trainers in the state appears promising, indicating ongoing demand for skilled practitioners across various settings, including schools, sports teams, and healthcare facilities. The top cities for athletic trainers in Alaska, besides Anchorage, include Fairbanks at $59,983, Juneau at $59,786, Wasilla at $55,908, and Sitka at $55,872. These figures suggest clear regional disparities that can influence career opportunities and salary expectations for those entering the field in Alaska.
Alaska Athletic Trainer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Alaska: $44,837 (lowest entry-level) to $96,678 (highest top earner)
Alaska vs National Average
Alaska athletic trainers earn 5.62% less than the national median ($-3,679/year difference).
Alaska Athletic Trainer Salary Distribution (2026)
Athletic Trainer salaries in Alaska range from $45,226 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $92,336 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $61,736. The Alaska median is $3,679 below the US national median of $65,415. The average hourly rate is $29.68/hr. Approximately 85 athletic trainers are employed across 5 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,716
2025 BLS Actual
$59,004
2026 Current Est.
$61,736
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Alaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,716 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,056 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,697 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,812 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,177 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,004 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,736 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,594 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alaska metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $45,716 (2019) to $59,004 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,594 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,878 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alaska 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Alaska
Best Value Cities for Athletic Trainers in Alaska
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Alaska cities offer the most purchasing power for athletic trainers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | $62,861 | 106.1 | $59,247 |
| Fairbanks | $59,983 | 106.1 | $56,534 |
| Juneau | $59,786 | 106.1 | $56,349 |
| Wasilla | $55,908 | 106.1 | $52,694 |
| Sitka | $55,872 | 106.1 | $52,660 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Alaska
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $45,226 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $61,736 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $92,336 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Alaska metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 5 Cities in Alaska
More Alaska Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced athletic trainers.
Explore More Athletic Trainer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Alaska in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for athletic trainers in Alaska?
How does Alaska athletic trainer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level athletic trainer salary in Alaska?
How many athletic trainers are employed in Alaska?
Which Alaska city offers the best value for athletic trainers?
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
Statewide 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. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 athletic trainer compensation across Alaska. State averages are employment-weighted across 5 metro areas — larger metro areas with more athletic trainerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-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