Athletic Trainer Salary in Dover, DE: $58,064 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Dover, DE earns a median $58,064/year (≈ $27.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Dover's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $57,093 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dover, Delaware, the projected median annual salary for athletic trainers in 2026 stands at $58,064, which reflects a notable variance when compared to the national median of $65,415. Local salaries range from $44,279 at the 10th percentile to $78,127 at the 90th percentile, indicating a spectrum of pay based on experience, roles, and settings. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS estimates, adjusted for the regional cost of living, which provides essential context given that Dover's cost of living index is slightly above the national average at 101.7. The athletic trainer salary in Dover suggests a competitive market, particularly for those considering employment in varied settings like schools, colleges, and industrial health environments.
About the Dover Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,279 | $21.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,716 | $25.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,064 | $27.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,575 | $32.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,127 | $37.56 |
Median Salary Position
11.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dover
In Dover, DE, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,848 (2026 est.). At $58,064, the local median is 11.24% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dover: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dover Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Dover median: $58,064/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dover Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $58,592 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -11.24% less |
Athletic Trainers in Dover, DE earn a median of $58,064 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.24% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.90% below the Delaware state average of $58,592.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dover has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dover, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $58,064 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,093 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,997
2025 BLS Actual
$55,495
2026 Current Est.
$58,064
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Dover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,997 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,258 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,979 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,790 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,421 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,470 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,495 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,064 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,753 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dover metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $42,997 (2019) to $55,495 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,753 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,756 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dover 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) | $44,279 – $53,716 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,716 – $58,064 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,064 – $67,575 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,575 – $78,127 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Dover
The job market for athletic trainers in Dover features seven professionals currently employed, which adds a layer of stability but also competition within the field. Given the cost of living, take-home pay may feel tighter despite the median salary. Among local employers, industrial and occupational health settings, such as those at Toyota or FedEx, typically offer higher pay than secondary schools or even NCAA institutions. The disparity in salaries is influenced by various factors, including year-round industrial contracts versus academic year roles, as well as the difference in responsibilities between head athletic trainers and assistive roles. For those aiming to maximize their athletic trainer pay in Dover, pursuing additional certifications and strategically seeking roles in higher-paying industrial sectors can prove beneficial, especially as the demand for athletic trainers continues to grow at an annual rate of 4.63%.
More salary data for Dover, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Dover, DE in 2026?
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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 $55,495 for athletic trainersin the Dover 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 Dover 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