Athletic Trainer Salary in Bristol, CT: $70,019 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Bristol, CT earns a median $70,019/year (≈ $33.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $64,892 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Connecticut, the athletic trainer salary is set against a backdrop of diverse employment environments, with the local median forecasted at $70,019 for 2026. This figure reflects a healthy job market, offering a salary range from $51,642 at the lower end (P10) to $101,384 at the high end (P90). These salaries are estimated based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, revealing a compensation structure that highlights the differences in work settings. Athletic trainers in Bristol must weigh opportunities in school-year contracts associated with educational institutions against year-round roles in industrial settings, where salaries can be significantly higher.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,642 | $24.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,682 | $30.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,019 | $33.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,292 | $41.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,384 | $48.75 |
Median Salary Position
7.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, CT, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,742 (2026 est.). At $70,019, the local median is 7.04% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Bristol median: $70,019/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $70,584 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +7.04% more |
Athletic Trainers in Bristol, CT earn a median of $70,019 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.04% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.80% below the Connecticut state average of $70,584.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,019 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,892 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,850
2025 BLS Actual
$66,921
2026 Current Est.
$70,019
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,850 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,370 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,828 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,630 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,008 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,646 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,921 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,019 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,261 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $51,850 (2019) to $66,921 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,261 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,411 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $51,642 – $63,682 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,682 – $70,019 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,019 – $85,292 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,292 – $101,384 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Bristol
With only 13 athletic trainers currently employed in the Bristol area, the local job market showcases a competitive landscape, particularly given the cost of living index of 107.9, indicating that living expenses surpass the national average. This economic reality affects purchasing power, emphasizing the importance of job setting when it comes to salary. Athletes’ trainers in secondary schools tend to earn less than their counterparts in collegiate and professional sports environments. Industrial and occupational health roles frequently offer the best compensation, especially in organizations like FedEx and Boeing, providing options for those looking to maximize their pay. Factors such as experience level, type of employer, and additional certifications can distinctly influence salaries, making strategic career choices essential for those navigating the athletic trainer pay in Bristol CT.
More salary data for Bristol, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $66,921 for athletic trainersin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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