Athletic Trainer Salary in Fairfield, CT: $69,404 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Fairfield, CT earns a median $69,404/year (≈ $33.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Fairfield's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $64,323 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Fairfield, CT, can expect a median annual salary of $69,404 in 2026, reflecting the significant shifts brought on by the master's degree requirement established in 2022. This salary falls within a range from $55,692 at the 10th percentile to $101,804 at the 90th percentile, indicating a substantial disparity in compensation based on experience and setting. These figures are locally estimated from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variances, highlighting how athletic trainer pay in Fairfield compares favorably to the national median of $65,415.
About the Fairfield Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,692 | $26.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,390 | $30.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,404 | $33.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,112 | $39.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,804 | $48.95 |
Median Salary Position
6.10% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfield
In Fairfield, CT, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,112 (2026 est.). At $69,404, the local median is 6.1% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairfield Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Fairfield median: $69,404/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $70,604 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +6.10% more |
Athletic Trainers in Fairfield, CT earn a median of $69,404 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.10% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.70% below the Connecticut state average of $70,604.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfield has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfield, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,404 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,323 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,394
2025 BLS Actual
$66,333
2026 Current Est.
$69,404
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,394 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,901 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,373 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,124 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,463 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,025 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,333 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,404 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,618 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfield metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $51,394 (2019) to $66,333 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,618 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,224 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfield 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) | $55,692 – $62,390 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,390 – $69,404 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,404 – $81,112 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,112 – $101,804 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Fairfield
The local job market for athletic trainers in Fairfield remains relatively small, with only nine professionals currently employed in the area. The cost-of-living index stands at 107.9, which means that while salaries are competitive, the increased expenses can impact overall purchasing power. Employers in the region that tend to offer higher salaries include colleges and universities involved in NCAA competition as well as professional sports teams, which generally offer better compensation compared to high school athletic training positions. Variabilities in pay often arise from the type of employment setting, responsibilities, and additional stipends for special events. For athletic trainers aiming to increase their earnings in Fairfield, focusing on year-round contracts and gaining relevant certifications can lead to more lucrative opportunities in this evolving market.
More salary data for Fairfield, 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 $66,333 for athletic trainersin the Fairfield 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 Fairfield 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