Athletic Trainer Salary in Valdosta, GA: $61,582 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Valdosta, GA earns a median $61,582/year (≈ $29.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Valdosta's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $66,146 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With the transition to a master's degree requirement for athletic trainers in 2022, the salary landscape in Valdosta, Georgia has evolved significantly. In 2026, the projected median annual compensation stands at $61,582, which reflects a modest decline compared to the national median of $65,415. Within the local job market, salaries range from $49,842 at the lower end (P10) to $88,537 for those at the higher end (P90). These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations. This adjusted salary structure highlights that while the pay for athletic trainers in Valdosta may be slightly below the national average, there are still opportunities for competitive earnings in this growing field.
About the Valdosta Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,842 | $23.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,630 | $26.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,582 | $29.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,637 | $35.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,537 | $42.56 |
Median Salary Position
5.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Valdosta
In Valdosta, GA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,695 (2026 est.). At $61,582, the local median is 5.86% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Valdosta: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Valdosta Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Valdosta median: $61,582/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Valdosta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $62,393 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -5.86% less |
Athletic Trainers in Valdosta, GA earn a median of $61,582 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.86% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.30% below the Georgia state average of $62,393.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Valdosta 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.
Valdosta, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $61,582 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,146 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,602
2025 BLS Actual
$58,857
2026 Current Est.
$61,582
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Valdosta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,602 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,939 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,583 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,686 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,536 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,618 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,857 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,582 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,433 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Valdosta metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $45,602 (2019) to $58,857 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,433 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,831 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Valdosta 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) | $49,842 – $55,630 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,630 – $61,582 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,582 – $74,637 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,637 – $88,537 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Valdosta
The local job market for athletic trainers in Valdosta is fairly stable, with about 10 professionals employed in the area. Given the cost of living index of 93.1, which is below the national average, take-home pay can stretch further than in higher-cost regions. Among potential employers, high schools and outpatient clinics typically offer salaries on the lower end of the scale, while colleges and universities, especially NCAA institutions, tend to pay more competitively. The higher salaries often seen in industrial and occupational settings, such as those provided by companies like Toyota and FedEx, can be 30-50% greater than school roles. Factors that contribute to salary differences include the nature of the setting, whether positions are year-round or seasonal, and additional responsibilities like coaching or specialized certifications. To maximize pay, aspiring athletic trainers in Valdosta should consider obtaining relevant certifications beyond the basic credential, such as the CSCS or OCS-AT, and seek positions in higher-paying industrial environments that value advanced educational credentials.
More salary data for Valdosta, 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 $58,857 for athletic trainersin the Valdosta 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 Valdosta 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