Athletic Trainer Salary in Connecticut: $72,117 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Connecticut's 29 metropolitan areas, the average median athletic trainer pay sits at $72,117/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-9091. Because Connecticut sits at BEA RPP 107.9 (8% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $66,837 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Shelton ($74,306), Waterbury ($72,800), Hartford ($72,360).
Salaries for athletic trainers in Connecticut are projected to be higher than the national average in 2026, with an average median salary of $72,117 compared to the national median of $65,415, reflecting a difference of +10.2%. The highest-paying city, Shelton, offers an average salary of $77,746, while Cheshire ranks as the lowest at $67,389, indicating a salary gap of $10,357. This disparity can be attributed to factors such as the local cost of living, demand for athletic trainers, and the presence of professional sports teams and universities in higher-paying areas. Connecticut has specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that influence the job market for athletic trainers. These regulations ensure that trainers are adequately trained and certified, which can enhance job prospects and potential earnings. The state projects a growth rate of 4.63% in the field, driven by increasing awareness of the importance of sports medicine and rehabilitation. Strong demand exists in key metro areas such as Waterbury ($76,171), Hartford ($75,710), Bridgeport ($74,434), and East Hartford ($74,411), which all provide substantial opportunities for employment. As the field evolves, staying informed about licensing and educational requirements will be essential for those seeking to enter or advance in this profession.
Connecticut Athletic Trainer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Connecticut: $51,407 (lowest entry-level) to $130,578 (highest top earner)
Connecticut vs National Average
Connecticut athletic trainers earn 10.25% more than the national median (+$6,702/year difference).
Connecticut Athletic Trainer Salary Distribution (2026)
Athletic Trainer salaries in Connecticut range from $54,448 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $107,140 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $72,117. The Connecticut median is $6,702 above the US national median of $65,415. The average hourly rate is $34.67/hr. Approximately 508 athletic trainers are employed across 29 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,755
2025 BLS Actual
$68,926
2026 Current Est.
$72,117
2019–2027 Growth
+33.0%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Connecticut (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,755 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,307 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,339 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,312 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,592 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,574 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,926 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,117 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,456 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Connecticut metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 21.4% from $56,755 (2019) to $68,926 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,456 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,701 (32.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Connecticut 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Connecticut
Lowest Paying Cities in Connecticut
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Cheshire | $67,389 |
| Enfield | $67,540 |
| Naugatuck | $67,635 |
| New London | $67,980 |
| Glastonbury | $68,117 |
Best Value Cities for Athletic Trainers in Connecticut
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Connecticut cities offer the most purchasing power for athletic trainers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterbury | $76,171 | 99.778 | $76,340 |
| Hartford | $75,710 | 102.746 | $73,687 |
| Shelton | $77,746 | 107.9 | $72,054 |
| Bridgeport | $74,434 | 106.864 | $69,653 |
| East Hartford | $74,411 | 107.9 | $68,963 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Connecticut
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $54,448 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $72,117 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $107,140 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Connecticut metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 29 Cities in Connecticut
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shelton | $77,746 |
| 2 | Waterbury | $76,171 |
| 3 | Hartford | $75,710 |
| 4 | Bridgeport | $74,434 |
| 5 | East Hartford | $74,411 |
| 6 | West Hartford | $73,890 |
| 7 | Stamford | $73,437 |
| 8 | Danbury | $72,877 |
| 9 | Manchester | $71,182 |
| 10 | New Haven | $70,761 |
| 11 | Norwalk | $70,242 |
| 12 | Bristol | $70,019 |
| 13 | Stratford | $69,918 |
| 14 | Middletown | $69,831 |
| 15 | Meriden | $69,684 |
| 16 | Hamden | $69,454 |
| 17 | Fairfield | $69,404 |
| 18 | New Britain | $69,326 |
| 19 | Milford | $69,013 |
| 20 | West Haven | $68,985 |
| 21 | Torrington | $68,649 |
| 22 | Groton | $68,419 |
| 23 | Norwich | $68,407 |
| 24 | Vernon | $68,139 |
| 25 | Glastonbury | $68,117 |
| 26 | New London | $67,980 |
| 27 | Naugatuck | $67,635 |
| 28 | Enfield | $67,540 |
| 29 | Cheshire | $67,389 |
More Connecticut Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore athletic trainer hourly pay in Connecticut cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced athletic trainers.
Explore More Athletic Trainer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Connecticut in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for athletic trainers in Connecticut?
How does Connecticut athletic trainer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level athletic trainer salary in Connecticut?
How many athletic trainers are employed in Connecticut?
Which Connecticut city offers the best value for athletic trainers?
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
Statewide 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. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 athletic trainer compensation across Connecticut. State averages are employment-weighted across 29 metro areas — larger metro areas with more athletic trainerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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