Athletic Trainer Salary in Aurora, CO: $66,086 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Aurora, CO earns a median $66,086/year (≈ $31.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Aurora's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $62,939 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Aurora, Colorado can expect a median annual salary of $66,086, slightly above the national median of $65,415. The pay scale varies significantly, ranging from $49,039 at the 10th percentile to $97,321 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjustments for regional cost of living, which is slightly above the national average. Athletic trainers here often find themselves weighing the benefits of school-year contracts typically associated with secondary schools against the year-round positions found in industrial settings. This choice not only influences salary expectations but also impacts job stability and work-life balance in Aurora’s job market.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,039 | $23.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,799 | $27.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,086 | $31.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,435 | $38.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,321 | $46.79 |
Median Salary Position
1.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aurora
In Aurora, CO, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,282 (2026 est.). At $66,086, the local median is 1.03% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aurora: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aurora Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Aurora median: $66,086/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aurora Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $68,697 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +1.03% more |
Athletic Trainers in Aurora, CO earn a median of $66,086 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.03% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 3.80% below the Colorado state average of $68,697.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aurora has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aurora, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,086 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,939 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,937
2025 BLS Actual
$63,162
2026 Current Est.
$66,086
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,937 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,372 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,917 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,393 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,525 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,541 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,162 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,086 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,146 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aurora metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $48,937 (2019) to $63,162 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,146 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,209 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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) | $49,039 – $56,799 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,799 – $66,086 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,086 – $80,435 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,435 – $97,321 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Aurora
With 54 athletic trainers currently employed in the area, the local job market shows a mix of opportunities across various sectors. The cost of living index in Aurora stands at 105, meaning that while salaries may appear higher, the purchasing power can be affected by local expenses. Employers that typically offer the most competitive compensation include colleges and universities, professional sports teams, and industrial health settings like Toyota or Boeing. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to differing employment contexts, such as the lucrative nature of professional sports roles compared to those in educational environments. To maximize pay, athletic trainers in Aurora CO should aim for certifications and consider roles with added responsibilities, like head athletic trainer positions or those offering stipends for evening events, all while keeping in mind the transition to a master’s degree requirement for entry into the profession.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Aurora, CO in 2026?
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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 $63,162 for athletic trainersin the Aurora 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 Aurora 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