Athletic Trainer Salary in Smyrna, DE: $54,282 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Smyrna, DE earns a median $54,282/year (≈ $26.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Smyrna's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $53,375 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.4% below the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For athletic trainers in Smyrna, Delaware, the projected median annual salary in 2026 stands at $54,282, reflecting the nuanced balance between traditional school-year contracts and year-round settings like industrial health. With a salary range extending from $45,688 at the 10th percentile to $72,200 at the 90th percentile, these figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, augmented by regional price adjustments. Compared to the national average, which is significantly higher at $65,415, the local figures represent a notable discrepancy, indicative of the local job market dynamics. Understanding this context is vital for prospective athletic trainers considering Smyrna's unique employment landscape.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,688 | $21.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,813 | $23.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,282 | $26.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,068 | $30.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,200 | $34.72 |
Median Salary Position
17.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Smyrna
In Smyrna, DE, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,512 (2026 est.). At $54,282, the local median is 17.02% below the national median of $65,415.
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At 40 hours/week in Smyrna: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Smyrna Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Smyrna median: $54,282/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Smyrna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $58,620 | -7.40% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -17.02% less |
Athletic Trainers in Smyrna, DE earn a median of $54,282 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.02% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 7.40% below the Delaware state average of $58,620.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Smyrna has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Smyrna, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $54,282 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,375 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,196
2025 BLS Actual
$51,880
2026 Current Est.
$54,282
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,196 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,375 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,677 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,071 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,531 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,880 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,282 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,795 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Smyrna metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $40,196 (2019) to $51,880 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,795 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,599 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Smyrna 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) | $45,688 – $49,813 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,813 – $54,282 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,282 – $63,068 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,068 – $72,200 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Smyrna
Analytically, Smyrna's job market supports just five athletic trainers, limiting competition but also presenting challenges in terms of salary growth. The cost of living in Smyrna, with a cost-of-living index of 101.7, slightly exceeds the national average, which can affect take-home pay and overall purchasing power. Employers that typically offer higher salaries include outpatient clinics and industrial settings, such as those related to major companies like Toyota and Boeing, which often pay more compared to traditional high school athletic training roles. Factors influencing salaries include the nature of the employment setting—professional sports generally pay more than schools or industrial positions—as well as contract types. Head athletic trainers tend to earn more than assistants, and additional certifications can enhance earning potential. For those seeking to maximize their athletic trainer pay in Smyrna, pursuing industrial roles or gaining multiple certifications can provide a competitive advantage to leverage when negotiating salary.
More salary data for Smyrna, DE:
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 $51,880 for athletic trainersin the Smyrna 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 Smyrna 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