Athletic Trainer Salary in Fairbanks, AK: $59,983 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Fairbanks, AK earns a median $59,983/year (≈ $28.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Fairbanks's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 106.1), that paycheck buys what $56,534 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Alaska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairbanks, Alaska, the projected median salary for athletic trainers in 2026 is set at $59,983, which reflects the impact of the 2022 transition to a master’s degree requirement for entry-level positions in the field. With a salary range spanning from $47,635 at the 10th percentile to $83,084 at the 90th percentile, these figures indicate a diverse compensation landscape for athletic trainers. It’s essential to consider that these estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, which have been adjusted for the regional cost of living. Given Fairbanks's specific job market dynamics and the relatively small pool of athletic trainers, the potential for growth and the variation in pay can be influenced significantly by factors including experience, work setting, and certification.
About the Fairbanks Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,635 | $22.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,235 | $25.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,983 | $28.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,073 | $34.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,084 | $39.95 |
Median Salary Position
8.3% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairbanks
In Fairbanks, AK, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,449 (2026 est.). At $59,983, the local median is 8.3% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairbanks: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairbanks Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Fairbanks median: $59,983/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairbanks Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Average | $60,467 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -8.30% less |
Athletic Trainers in Fairbanks, AK earn a median of $59,983 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.30% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.80% below the Alaska state average of $60,467.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairbanks has a cost of living 6.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairbanks, AK has a cost-of-living index of 106.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,983 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,534 — a 5.75% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,418
2025 BLS Actual
$57,329
2026 Current Est.
$59,983
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Fairbanks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,418 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,720 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,400 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,370 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,120 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,246 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,329 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,983 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,761 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairbanks metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $44,418 (2019) to $57,329 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,761 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,343 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairbanks 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) | $47,635 – $53,235 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,235 – $59,983 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,983 – $71,073 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,073 – $83,084 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Fairbanks
As of 2025, Fairbanks employs only five athletic trainers, a number that reflects the challenges and opportunities in the local job market. The cost-of-living index stands at 106.1, indicating that while salaries might be lower than the national average, the purchasing power for residents also needs to take into account local living expenses. Employers paying higher wages among athletic trainers in Fairbanks include colleges and universities, especially those affiliated with NCAA programs, as well as industrial and occupational health sectors. The variation in pay often hinges on the nature of the job—athletic trainers in professional sports settings generally earn more than those at secondary schools. For aspiring athletic trainers aiming to maximize earnings, specializing in certifications such as CSCS or OCS-AT, and seeking year-round contracts rather than school-year-only positions, can significantly enhance their compensation in the Fairbanks market.
More salary data for Fairbanks, AK:
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 $57,329 for athletic trainersin the Fairbanks 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
Salary data for Fairbanks 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