Athletic Trainer Salary in Groton, CT: $68,419 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Groton, CT earns a median $68,419/year (≈ $32.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Groton's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $63,410 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Athletic trainer salaries in Groton, Connecticut reflect the unique dynamics of the local job market, particularly distinguishing between industrial and traditional sports environments. With a projected median annual salary of $68,419 in 2026, Groton's athletic trainers earn slightly more than the national median of $65,415, marking a 4.59% difference. Salaries in the area range from $51,643 at the lower end to $95,733 for the highest earners, showcasing a broad spectrum of compensation opportunities rooted in varying job settings. These estimates, sourced from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional factors, highlight the competitive pay available in Groton, influenced by the demand for athletic trainers in diverse sectors.
About the Groton Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,643 | $24.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,955 | $30.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,419 | $32.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,811 | $39.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,733 | $46.03 |
Median Salary Position
4.59% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Groton
In Groton, CT, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,090 (2026 est.). At $68,419, the local median is 4.59% above the national median of $65,415.
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At 40 hours/week in Groton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Groton Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Groton median: $68,419/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Groton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $70,607 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +4.59% more |
Athletic Trainers in Groton, CT earn a median of $68,419 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.59% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 3.10% below the Connecticut state average of $70,607.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Groton has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Groton, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,419 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,410 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,664
2025 BLS Actual
$65,391
2026 Current Est.
$68,419
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Groton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,664 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,150 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,644 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,312 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,590 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,031 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,391 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,419 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,586 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Groton metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $50,664 (2019) to $65,391 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,586 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,922 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Groton 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) | $51,643 – $62,955 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,955 – $68,419 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,419 – $81,811 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,811 – $95,733 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Groton
The job market in Groton comprises a small but focused cohort, with only six athletic trainers currently employed in the area. This limited workforce exists within a cost-of-living index of 107.9, indicating that while salaries may seem competitive, the purchasing power is somewhat constrained. Employers such as secondary schools, colleges, and industrial health settings can offer varying pay, with professional sports teams generally providing the highest salaries. Factors contributing to salary discrepancies include the differences between year-round contracts versus school-year positions, the nature of the role as a head trainer versus assistant trainer, and additional stipends for specific events. To maximize earnings in Groton, athletic trainers should seek opportunities to enhance their certifications or skills, engage in specialized roles, and consider employment settings that align with higher pay scales.
More salary data for Groton, 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 $65,391 for athletic trainersin the Groton 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 Groton 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