Athletic Trainer Salary in Carbondale, IL: $59,494 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Carbondale, IL earns a median $59,494/year (≈ $28.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Carbondale's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $61,271 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for athletic trainers in Carbondale, Illinois, is projected at $59,494, which is approximately 9.05% lower than the national median of $65,415. This salary range showcases substantial variability, with earnings distributed from $51,112 at the 10th percentile to as high as $80,349 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect localized estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost indices, suggesting that professionals in Carbondale may need to strategically evaluate their employment settings for optimal pay. Those working in industrial environments or outpatient clinics tend to see better compensation compared to their peers in secondary education settings, indicating a competitive job market for athletic trainers in the area.
About the Carbondale Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,112 | $24.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,409 | $26.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,494 | $28.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,831 | $33.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,349 | $38.63 |
Median Salary Position
9.05% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carbondale
In Carbondale, IL, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,237 (2026 est.). At $59,494, the local median is 9.05% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carbondale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carbondale Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Carbondale median: $59,494/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carbondale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $63,494 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -9.05% less |
Athletic Trainers in Carbondale, IL earn a median of $59,494 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.05% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 6.30% below the Illinois state average of $63,494.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carbondale has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carbondale, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $59,494 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,271 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,055
2025 BLS Actual
$56,861
2026 Current Est.
$59,494
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Carbondale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,055 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,347 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,037 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,967 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,686 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,750 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,861 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,494 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,248 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carbondale metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $44,055 (2019) to $56,861 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,248 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,193 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carbondale 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) | $51,112 – $55,409 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,409 – $59,494 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,494 – $69,831 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,831 – $80,349 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Carbondale
Carbondale’s job market for athletic trainers is relatively modest, with only five employed in the local area. The cost of living index being 97.1 underscores the practicality of salaries in relation to living expenses, allowing for slightly enhanced purchasing power despite the lower-than-national pay scale. The most lucrative positions are typically found in high-performance settings such as professional sports or industrial environments, where athletic trainers earn significantly more compared to those in schools or colleges. Factors influencing compensation variances include the nature of the employment—full-time versus part-time, as well as additional responsibilities like evening or weekend events. Aiming for positions that offer head athletic trainer roles, or obtaining specialized certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT, can provide the edge needed in this competitive market.
More salary data for Carbondale, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Carbondale, IL in 2026?
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in Carbondale?
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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 $56,861 for athletic trainersin the Carbondale 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 Carbondale 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