Athletic Trainer Salary in Manchester, CT: $71,182 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Manchester, CT earns a median $71,182/year (≈ $34.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Manchester's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $65,970 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manchester, Connecticut, the projected median salary for athletic trainers in 2026 sits at $71,182, representing a notable increase compared to the national median of $65,415. With salaries ranging from $54,103 at the low end (10th percentile) to $101,098 at the high end (90th percentile), this compensation indicates a relatively strong market position for the profession within the region. The estimates are informed by BLS state-level data and adjustments for local cost of living conditions, which, while on the higher side due to a cost-of-living index of 107.9, reflects the diverse settings where athletic trainers operate. As Manchester hosts a small number of athletic trainers, the market's dynamics could impact career opportunities, making specialization and setting choice critical for potential earnings.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,103 | $26.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,890 | $29.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,182 | $34.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,308 | $41.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,098 | $48.60 |
Median Salary Position
8.82% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
In Manchester, CT, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,995 (2026 est.). At $71,182, the local median is 8.82% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manchester Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Manchester median: $71,182/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $70,617 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +8.82% more |
Athletic Trainers in Manchester, CT earn a median of $71,182 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.82% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.80% above the Connecticut state average of $70,617.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manchester has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manchester, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,182 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,970 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,711
2025 BLS Actual
$68,032
2026 Current Est.
$71,182
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,711 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,256 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,689 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,587 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,037 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,819 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,032 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,182 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,478 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manchester metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $52,711 (2019) to $68,032 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,478 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,767 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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) | $54,103 – $61,890 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,890 – $71,182 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,182 – $85,308 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,308 – $101,098 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Manchester
Analysis of the Manchester job market reveals 11 athletic trainers currently employed, with significant pay disparities influenced by specific work settings. Professional sports settings typically yield higher compensation, followed by industrial health positions, colleges, and secondary schools, while outpatient clinics may offer varied pay depending on the clientele. The higher salaries in industrial or corporate settings, such as those involving firms like Toyota and FedEx, can be 30-50% more than school-based roles due to the demand for year-round contracts compared to seasonal positions in educational institutions. To maximize earnings, athletic trainers can pursue advanced certifications endorsed by BOC and NATA, like the Certified Sports Clinical Specialist (CSCS), which can further enhance their marketability. Understanding these dynamics in the Manchester CT area can help those considering how much athletic trainers make in Manchester strategically navigate their career paths for optimal pay in this evolving field.
More salary data for Manchester, 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 $68,032 for athletic trainersin the Manchester 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 Manchester 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