Athletic Trainer Salary in Clearwater, FL: $63,672 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Clearwater, FL earns a median $63,672/year (≈ $30.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Clearwater's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $63,167 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Clearwater, Florida, earn a median annual salary of $63,672, reflecting a market that offers a wide range due to varying settings and employments. The salary span extends from $46,503 at the 10th percentile to $94,805 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the significant differences in pay based on expertise, environment, and responsibilities. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional price parity, indicate that Clearwater's compensation slightly lags behind the national median of $65,415, showing a difference of 2.66%. This competitive environment highlights the broader structural divide between industrial and traditional sports roles, which can influence overall pay scales for athletic trainers in the area.
About the Clearwater Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,503 | $22.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,906 | $25.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,672 | $30.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,591 | $37.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,805 | $45.58 |
Median Salary Position
2.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clearwater
In Clearwater, FL, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,302 (2026 est.). At $63,672, the local median is 2.66% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clearwater: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clearwater Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Clearwater median: $63,672/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clearwater Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $63,481 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | -2.66% less |
Athletic Trainers in Clearwater, FL earn a median of $63,672 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.66% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.30% above the Florida state average of $63,481.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clearwater has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clearwater, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,672 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,167 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,149
2025 BLS Actual
$60,854
2026 Current Est.
$63,672
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Clearwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,149 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,531 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,130 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,405 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,386 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,393 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,854 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,672 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,620 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clearwater metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $47,149 (2019) to $60,854 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,620 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,471 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clearwater 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) | $46,503 – $53,906 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,906 – $63,672 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,672 – $78,591 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,591 – $94,805 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Clearwater
With only 19 athletic trainers currently employed in Clearwater, the job market for this profession is relatively contained. The cost-of-living index of 100.8 suggests that while salaries may not be as high as the national average, they still offer a decent standard of living. Among different employment settings, industrial health positions typically present the best pay, driven by demand in factories and major companies like Toyota and Boeing. Conversely, high school athletic trainers generally see lower salaries. Factors such as role seniority, contract type, and applicable certifications can lead to a wide pay disparity. To maximize earnings, athletic trainers in Clearwater could focus on obtaining additional certifications (like CSCS), seek out year-round positions, and leverage opportunities for supplemental income through coaching or special events.
More salary data for Clearwater, FL:
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 $60,854 for athletic trainersin the Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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