Athletic Trainer Salary in Columbus, GA: $62,985 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Columbus, GA earns a median $62,985/year (≈ $30.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $67,653 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, GA, the compensation for athletic trainers reflects a nuanced balance between traditional school-year contracts and year-round positions in industrial settings. The 2026 median annual salary sits at $62,985, slightly below the national median of $65,415. Local data suggests a salary range that spans from $46,930 on the lower end (P10) to $92,849 at the higher end (P90), indicating a robust earning potential for those who advance in their careers. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, take into account local cost adjustments, showcasing how the figures can vary significantly based on the setting and experience level. Columbus's athletic training job market is competitive, and the unique opportunities available may influence overall compensation.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,930 | $22.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,281 | $26.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,985 | $30.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,328 | $37.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,849 | $44.64 |
Median Salary Position
3.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, GA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,919 (2026 est.). At $62,985, the local median is 3.71% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbus Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Columbus median: $62,985/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $62,423 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | -3.71% less |
Athletic Trainers in Columbus, GA earn a median of $62,985 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.71% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.90% above the Georgia state average of $62,423.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 6.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $62,985 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,653 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,641
2025 BLS Actual
$60,198
2026 Current Est.
$62,985
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,641 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,008 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,310 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,778 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,749 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,198 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,985 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,901 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $46,641 (2019) to $60,198 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,901 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,260 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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) | $46,930 – $54,281 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,281 – $62,985 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,985 – $78,328 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,328 – $92,849 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Columbus
As of now, there are 29 athletic trainers employed within Columbus, contributing to a varied job market landscape. With a cost-of-living index of 93.1, salaries stretch further in this region compared to higher-cost areas, enhancing take-home purchasing power for athletic trainers. Among local employers, positions in industrial or occupational health settings, such as those with Toyota or FedEx, generally offer the highest salaries. The disparity in pay often arises from factors like the level of responsibility, whether the role is year-round or tied to a school calendar, and the specific certifications an athletic trainer may hold. To maximize earning potential in this Columbus market, those entering the field should consider pursuing additional certifications, seeking positions with evening or weekend stipends, and exploring roles with higher salary ceilings in industrial health settings, as these paths can significantly influence overall compensation in a city where athletic trainer salaries are competitive but still variable.
More salary data for Columbus, 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 $60,198 for athletic trainersin the Columbus 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 Columbus 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