Athletic Trainer Salary in Dalton, GA: $60,222 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Dalton, GA earns a median $60,222/year (≈ $28.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Dalton's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $64,685 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dalton, Georgia, athletic trainers earn a median annual salary of $60,222, which is approximately 7.94% lower than the national median of $65,415 for this profession in 2026. The salary range for athletic trainers in the region spans from $50,057 at the lower end (P10) to $80,199 at the higher end (P90), indicating a diverse array of opportunities based on factors such as setting and experience. These figures are local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price disparities. Considering the options available, athletic trainers in Dalton may face choices between school-year contracts typical of high school roles or year-round positions often found in industrial settings, impacting their overall earning potential in this competitive job market.
About the Dalton Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,057 | $24.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,095 | $26.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,222 | $28.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,397 | $33.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,199 | $38.56 |
Median Salary Position
7.94% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dalton
In Dalton, GA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,142 (2026 est.). At $60,222, the local median is 7.94% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dalton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dalton Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Dalton median: $60,222/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dalton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $62,406 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -7.94% less |
Athletic Trainers in Dalton, GA earn a median of $60,222 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.94% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.50% below the Georgia state average of $62,406.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dalton 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.
Dalton, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $60,222 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,685 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,595
2025 BLS Actual
$57,557
2026 Current Est.
$60,222
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Dalton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,595 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,902 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,576 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,566 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,331 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,522 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,557 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,222 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,010 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dalton metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $44,595 (2019) to $57,557 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,010 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,415 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dalton 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) | $50,057 – $55,095 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,095 – $60,222 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,222 – $69,397 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,397 – $80,199 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Dalton
With only seven athletic trainers currently employed in the Dalton area, the local market is somewhat limited, yet it presents unique opportunities for savvy professionals. The cost-of-living index for Dalton stands at 93.1, which is below the national average, suggesting that take-home pay may stretch further than in more expensive regions. Employers in the area include secondary schools, outpatient clinics, and industrial health settings such as Toyota and FedEx, with industrial roles typically offering higher compensation compared to traditional sports roles. The pay disparity often arises from factors like the nature of employment contracts and the specific responsibilities of the athletic trainer position, such as head versus assistant roles. To maximize their salary in Dalton, athletic trainers should consider gaining additional certifications, seeking industry settings that align with their expertise, and negotiating stipends for evening or weekend events.
More salary data for Dalton, 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 $57,557 for athletic trainersin the Dalton 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 Dalton 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