Athletic Trainer Salary in Little Rock, AR: $59,367 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Little Rock, AR earns a median $59,367/year (≈ $28.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Little Rock's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.4), that paycheck buys what $66,433 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% above the Arkansas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Little Rock, Arkansas, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $59,367, which reflects a notable difference compared to the national median of $65,415, indicating a pay gap that is somewhat typical when assessing urban markets against national trends. The salary range for athletic trainers in this area spans from $48,988 at the 10th percentile to $73,408 at the 90th, highlighting the variations in earnings based on experience, setting, and specialization. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that Little Rock may offer lucrative opportunities primarily in the industrial and occupational health sectors, where salaries can surpass traditional sports roles, pointing to a strategic choice for individuals entering the athletic training field in this region.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,988 | $23.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,958 | $25.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,367 | $28.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,962 | $29.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,408 | $35.29 |
Median Salary Position
9.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Little Rock
In Little Rock, AR, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,420 (2026 est.). At $59,367, the local median is 9.25% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Little Rock: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Little Rock Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Little Rock median: $59,367/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Little Rock Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $56,865 | +4.40% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | -9.25% less |
Athletic Trainers in Little Rock, AR earn a median of $59,367 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.25% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.40% above the Arkansas state average of $56,865.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Little Rock has a cost of living 10.64% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Little Rock, AR has a cost-of-living index of 89.364 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $59,367 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,433 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.9% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$45,510
2025 BLS Actual
$56,740
2026 Current Est.
$59,367
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,510 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,100 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,300 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,740 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,740 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,367 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,116 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Little Rock metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 24.7% from $45,510 (2019) to $56,740 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,116 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,606 (36.49%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Little Rock 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) | $48,988 – $53,958 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,958 – $59,367 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,367 – $61,962 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,962 – $73,408 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Little Rock
Examining the local job market, Little Rock employs about 90 athletic trainers, giving a glimpse of potential employment opportunities in the area. With a relatively low cost-of-living index of 89.364, those working in this field may find their salary stretches further compared to many urban environments. Major employers such as colleges and universities, professional sports teams, and industrial organizations like Toyota and Boeing tend to offer the highest pay. Factors contributing to the salary spread include the type of employment setting, with professional sports providing the highest compensation, followed by industrial positions, while high school roles typically yield lower salaries. Contract types, responsibilities, and additional certifications can also greatly influence earnings. For aspiring athletic trainers in Little Rock, seeking positions in industrial health or pursuing advanced certifications can be effective strategies to enhance their earning potential in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Little Rock, AR in 2026?
Is Little Rock, AR a good place to work as a athletic trainer?
Can athletic trainers make $100K in Little Rock?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Little Rock?
How much does a athletic trainer make per hour in Little Rock?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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 $56,740 for athletic trainersin the Little Rock 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