Athletic Trainer Salary in Phoenix, AZ: $64,567 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Phoenix, AZ earns a median $64,567/year (≈ $31.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Phoenix's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.3), that paycheck buys what $62,495 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the Arizona state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Phoenix, Arizona are projected to earn a median annual salary of $64,567, which is slightly below the national median of $65,415. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning as little as $51,248 and experienced trainers potentially making up to $108,836. This data is derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, reflecting the recent changes in educational requirements for entry-level athletic trainers brought about by the 2022 master's transition. As the Phoenix market demands more qualified professionals, job seekers should keep an eye on how these shifts influence compensation trends in this competitive landscape.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,248 | $24.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,968 | $25.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,567 | $31.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,517 | $39.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,836 | $52.33 |
Median Salary Position
1.3% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Phoenix
In Phoenix, AZ, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,588 (2026 est.). At $64,567, the local median is 1.3% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Phoenix: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Phoenix Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Phoenix median: $64,567/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Phoenix Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $64,438 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | -1.30% less |
Athletic Trainers in Phoenix, AZ earn a median of $64,567 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.30% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.20% above the Arizona state average of $64,438.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Phoenix has a cost of living 3.32% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Phoenix, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 103.316 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,567 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,495 — a 3.21% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,730
2025 BLS Actual
$61,710
2026 Current Est.
$64,567
2019–2027 Growth
+65.9%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Phoenix (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,730 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,440 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,310 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,620 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,060 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,100 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,710 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,567 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,557 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Phoenix metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 51.5% from $40,730 (2019) to $61,710 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,557 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,827 (65.87%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Phoenix 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) | $51,248 – $53,968 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,968 – $64,567 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,567 – $81,517 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,517 – $108,836 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Phoenix
The job market for athletic trainers in Phoenix consists of about 460 employed professionals, indicating a stable demand for these roles. With a cost-of-living index of 103.316, the purchasing power for athletic trainer pay in Phoenix, AZ may be slightly constrained compared to the national average, making it essential for prospective trainers to understand their options for maximizing earnings. Employers across various sectors, including secondary schools, colleges, and professional sports teams, show a distinct pay hierarchy, with positions in professional teams generally offering the highest compensation. Factors such as contract types, role hierarchy (head versus assistant trainer), stipends for special events, and additional certifications can drive salary differences. To enhance your earning potential in Phoenix, consider diversifying your skill set with certifications recognized by the BOC, pursuing roles with year-round contracts, and seeking employment in higher-paying sectors beyond traditional school settings.
More salary data for Phoenix, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Phoenix, AZ in 2026?
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in Phoenix?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Phoenix?
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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 $61,710 for athletic trainersin the Phoenix 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