Athletic Trainer Salary in Hawaii: $79,414 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Hawaii's 10 metropolitan areas, the average median athletic trainer pay sits at $79,414/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-9091. Because Hawaii sits at BEA RPP 119.3 (19% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $66,567 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Honolulu ($79,365), Urban Honolulu ($75,540), Kaneohe ($74,117).
In 2026, athletic trainers in Hawaii can expect an average median salary of $79,414, significantly higher than the national median of $65,415, marking a 21.4% increase over the national figure. The highest salaries are found in Honolulu, where trainers earn $83,040, while Hilo offers the lowest at $74,054. This salary differential is influenced by factors such as the concentration of athletic programs and healthcare facilities in urban areas compared to more rural regions. Hawaii has specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that mandate athletic trainers to maintain certification and adhere to state regulations, which can influence hiring trends and salary levels. Demand for athletic trainers is driven by the increasing need for sports health professionals in schools, colleges, and rehabilitation centers, contributing to a projected annual growth rate of 4.63%. The total employment figure stands at 285 athletic trainers across the state, with other notable cities including Urban Honolulu, Kaneohe, Mililani Town, and Kailua, with average salaries ranging from $77,360 to $79,038. Overall, the job market for athletic trainers in Hawaii is expected to remain strong, supported by ongoing growth in the healthcare and sports sectors.
Hawaii Athletic Trainer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Hawaii: $57,092 (lowest entry-level) to $119,733 (highest top earner)
Hawaii vs National Average
Hawaii athletic trainers earn 21.40% more than the national median (+$13,999/year difference).
Hawaii Athletic Trainer Salary Distribution (2026)
Athletic Trainer salaries in Hawaii range from $59,130 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $99,105 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $79,414. The Hawaii median is $13,999 above the US national median of $65,415. The average hourly rate is $38.18/hr. Approximately 285 athletic trainers are employed across 10 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,590
2025 BLS Actual
$75,900
2026 Current Est.
$79,414
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Hawaii (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,590 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,940 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,060 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,230 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,271 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,900 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,414 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,091 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hawaii metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 23.2% from $61,590 (2019) to $75,900 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,091 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,501 (34.91%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hawaii 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Hawaii
Lowest Paying Cities in Hawaii
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Hilo | $74,054 |
| Kahului | $74,169 |
| Pearl City | $75,744 |
| Waipahu | $76,470 |
| East Honolulu | $76,500 |
Best Value Cities for Athletic Trainers in Hawaii
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Hawaii cities offer the most purchasing power for athletic trainers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu | $79,038 | 110.961 | $71,230 |
| Honolulu | $83,040 | 119.3 | $69,606 |
| Kaneohe | $77,549 | 119.3 | $65,003 |
| Mililani Town | $77,408 | 119.3 | $64,885 |
| Kailua | $77,360 | 119.3 | $64,845 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Hawaii
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $59,130 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $79,414 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $99,105 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Hawaii metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 10 Cities in Hawaii
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honolulu | $83,040 |
| 2 | Urban Honolulu | $79,038 |
| 3 | Kaneohe | $77,549 |
| 4 | Mililani Town | $77,408 |
| 5 | Kailua | $77,360 |
| 6 | East Honolulu | $76,500 |
| 7 | Waipahu | $76,470 |
| 8 | Pearl City | $75,744 |
| 9 | Kahului | $74,169 |
| 10 | Hilo | $74,054 |
More Hawaii Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore athletic trainer hourly pay in Hawaii cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced athletic trainers.
Explore More Athletic Trainer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Hawaii in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for athletic trainers in Hawaii?
How does Hawaii athletic trainer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level athletic trainer salary in Hawaii?
How many athletic trainers are employed in Hawaii?
Which Hawaii city offers the best value for athletic trainers?
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
Statewide 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. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 athletic trainer compensation across Hawaii. State averages are employment-weighted across 10 metro areas — larger metro areas with more athletic trainerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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