Athletic Trainer Salary in Golden, CO: $63,218 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Golden, CO earns a median $63,218/year (≈ $30.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Golden's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $60,208 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.0% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Golden, CO, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $63,218, which is slightly below the national average of $65,415. The salary range for this role varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $52,452 and experienced trainers reaching up to $85,456. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026 and incorporate regional cost adjustments, reflecting the local market dynamics. Athletic trainers working in school settings may find themselves tied to a school-year contract, while those in industrial settings often enjoy year-round employment with higher compensation rates. This delineation can fundamentally shape career decisions and outcomes in this community.
About the Golden Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,452 | $25.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,513 | $27.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,218 | $30.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,251 | $35.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,456 | $41.09 |
Median Salary Position
3.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Golden
In Golden, CO, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,004 (2026 est.). At $63,218, the local median is 3.36% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Golden: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Golden Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Golden median: $63,218/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Golden Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $68,716 | -8.00% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -3.36% less |
Athletic Trainers in Golden, CO earn a median of $63,218 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.36% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 8.00% below the Colorado state average of $68,716.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Golden has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Golden, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,218 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,208 — a 4.76% reduction.
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
$46,814
2025 BLS Actual
$60,421
2026 Current Est.
$63,218
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Golden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,814 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,186 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,794 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,032 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,985 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,053 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,421 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,218 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,146 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Golden metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $46,814 (2019) to $60,421 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,146 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,332 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Golden 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) | $52,452 – $57,513 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,513 – $63,218 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,218 – $74,251 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,251 – $85,456 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Golden
The job market for athletic trainers in Golden is relatively small, with only six professionals currently employed in the area. With a cost of living index of 105, professionals should consider how their salaries translate into purchasing power in the local economy. Among the various employment settings, industrial and occupational health positions tend to offer higher salaries compared to roles in secondary schools or collegiate programs. Factors influencing the pay disparity include the nature of employment contracts, whether trainers work in head or assistant roles, and specialized certifications such as CSCS or OCS-AT. To maximize compensation, aspiring athletic trainers should seek opportunities in settings that value year-round roles and additional certifications, ensuring they align their career paths with employers that recognize and reward their specialized skill sets.
More salary data for Golden, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Golden, CO in 2026?
Is Golden, CO a good place to work as a athletic trainer?
Can athletic trainers make $100K in Golden?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Golden?
How much does a athletic trainer make per hour in Golden?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 $60,421 for athletic trainersin the Golden 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 Golden 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