Athletic Trainer Salary in Waipahu, HI: $76,470 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Waipahu, HI earns a median $76,470/year (≈ $36.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Waipahu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $64,099 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the projected median annual salary for an athletic trainer in Waipahu, Hawaii, is set at $76,470, which reflects a compelling 16.90% increase compared to the national median of $65,415. Salaries in the region vary significantly, ranging from $59,173 at the 10th percentile to $108,803 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data along with regional price adjustments. Athletic trainers in Waipahu often must consider the trade-off between school-year contracts that typically align with academic calendars and year-round positions that encompass more diverse job settings. The local market is limited, with only nine athletic trainers currently employed, which can affect competition for roles and pay adjustments in this niche field.
About the Waipahu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,173 | $28.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,718 | $32.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,470 | $36.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,845 | $42.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,803 | $52.30 |
Median Salary Position
16.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waipahu
In Waipahu, HI, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,630 (2026 est.). At $76,470, the local median is 16.9% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waipahu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waipahu Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Waipahu median: $76,470/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waipahu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $78,030 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +16.90% more |
Athletic Trainers in Waipahu, HI earn a median of $76,470 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.90% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $78,030.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waipahu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waipahu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,470 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,099 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,626
2025 BLS Actual
$73,086
2026 Current Est.
$76,470
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Waipahu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,626 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,286 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,603 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,939 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,720 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,479 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,086 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,470 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,010 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waipahu metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $56,626 (2019) to $73,086 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,010 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,384 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waipahu 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) | $59,173 – $66,718 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,718 – $76,470 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,470 – $87,845 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,845 – $108,803 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Waipahu
Navigating salary expectations in Waipahu highlights the implications of the local cost of living, indexed at 119.3, suggesting that take-home pay must be evaluated against rising living expenses. Employers offering better pay include high schools for athletic training roles as well as nearby colleges and universities. Industrial settings, such as those offered by companies like Toyota and Boeing, present lucrative opportunities that often yield higher salaries due to the nature of their year-round contracts. Factors influencing the disparity between lower and higher salaries include professional settings, the distinction between head and assistant athletic trainers, and additional stipends for special events. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Waipahu, obtaining advanced certifications and seeking year-round positions in the industrial health sector can significantly enhance potential pay outcomes.
More salary data for Waipahu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in Waipahu?
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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 $73,086 for athletic trainersin the Waipahu 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 Waipahu 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