Athletic Trainer Salary in Atlanta, GA: $69,202 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Atlanta, GA earns a median $69,202/year (≈ $33.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Atlanta's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 100.1), that paycheck buys what $69,162 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.9% above the Georgia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for athletic trainers in Atlanta, Georgia, is projected to be $69,202, reflecting a strong market positioning compared to the national median of $65,415. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, from $52,639 at the 10th percentile to as high as $126,236 at the 90th percentile, indicating diverse opportunities within the field. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, highlights an active job market for athletic trainers in Atlanta, especially given the region’s mix of educational institutions, professional sports teams, and industrial environments. As athletic trainers increasingly navigate options outside of traditional sports settings, their potential for higher compensation in industrial roles becomes evident, which is a compelling factor in the city's job landscape.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,639 | $25.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,451 | $28.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,202 | $33.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,787 | $43.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,236 | $60.69 |
Median Salary Position
5.79% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Atlanta
In Atlanta, GA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $73,597 (2026 est.). At $69,202, the local median is 5.79% above the national median of $65,415.
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At 40 hours/week in Atlanta: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Atlanta Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Atlanta median: $69,202/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Atlanta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $62,401 | +10.90% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +5.79% more |
Athletic Trainers in Atlanta, GA earn a median of $69,202 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.79% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 10.90% above the Georgia state average of $62,401.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Atlanta has a cost of living 0.06% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Atlanta, GA has a cost-of-living index of 100.058 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,202 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $69,162 — a 0.06% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,120
2025 BLS Actual
$66,140
2026 Current Est.
$69,202
2019–2027 Growth
+44.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Atlanta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,660 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,320 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,860 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,400 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,170 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,140 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,202 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,406 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Atlanta metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 32.0% from $50,120 (2019) to $66,140 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,406 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,286 (44.47%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Atlanta 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) | $52,639 – $59,451 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,451 – $69,202 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,202 – $90,787 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,787 – $126,236 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Atlanta
The local job market currently supports approximately 360 athletic trainers, a number that speaks to the demand for these roles across various settings in Atlanta. The cost of living index sits at 100.058, slightly above the national average, affecting the purchasing power of these salaries. Among the highest-paying employers in the area are professional sports franchises and reputed colleges and universities, often providing more substantial salaries compared to high school athletic training positions. Factors driving the disparity in pay include the nature of the employment setting, the certification level of athletic trainers, and the responsibilities associated with different roles. Those working in professional sports tiers and holding advanced certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT can negotiate higher compensation, positioning themselves advantageously in a competitive market. Navigating contracts wisely, whether for year-round positions or securing stipends for extracurricular events, can also significantly enhance overall pay in this vibrant city.
More salary data for Atlanta, GA:
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 $66,140 for athletic trainersin the Atlanta 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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