Athletic Trainer Salary in Galesburg, IL: $60,254 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Galesburg, IL earns a median $60,254/year (≈ $28.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Galesburg's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $62,054 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainer salaries in Galesburg, Illinois, reflect a median annual compensation of $60,254, which is notably lower than the projected national median of $65,415 for the same year. Salary estimates showcase a range from $48,391 at the 10th percentile to $84,094 at the 90th, highlighting the pay disparity that exists in this profession. These figures, derived from state-level BLS data and adjusted for local cost realities, demonstrate the critical transition in the industry following the 2022 requirement of a master’s degree for entry-level positions. Consequently, while the local athletic trainer pay in Galesburg is below national averages, it still offers viable options for those entering the workforce in this changing landscape.
About the Galesburg Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,391 | $23.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,874 | $25.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,254 | $28.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,781 | $34.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,094 | $40.43 |
Median Salary Position
7.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Galesburg
In Galesburg, IL, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,703 (2026 est.). At $60,254, the local median is 7.89% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Galesburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Galesburg Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Galesburg median: $60,254/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Galesburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $63,492 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -7.89% less |
Athletic Trainers in Galesburg, IL earn a median of $60,254 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.89% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 5.10% below the Illinois state average of $63,492.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Galesburg 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.
Galesburg, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $60,254 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,054 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,619
2025 BLS Actual
$57,588
2026 Current Est.
$60,254
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Galesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,619 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,927 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,593 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,360 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,424 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,588 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,254 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,044 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Galesburg metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $44,619 (2019) to $57,588 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,044 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,425 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Galesburg 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) | $48,391 – $53,874 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,874 – $60,254 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,254 – $71,781 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,781 – $84,094 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Galesburg
Examining the local job market reveals that there are currently just four athletic trainers employed in Galesburg, which suggests a focused yet competitive environment. The cost of living index stands at 97.1, indicating that the financial landscape is slightly below the national average, a factor that could positively influence purchasing power for residents. Among potential employers, those in secondary schools and outpatient clinics tend to pay less, while colleges and universities that participate in NCAA events generally offer better compensation. The gap between lower and higher salaries can be attributed to various factors, such as the working environment—athletic trainers in professional sports often earn more than their counterparts in educational settings. Maximizing salary potential in Galesburg may involve pursuing certifications, seeking positions that require evening or weekend commitments, and exploring roles in industrial settings, which often provide higher pay than traditional athletic training roles.
More salary data for Galesburg, IL:
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 $57,588 for athletic trainersin the Galesburg 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 Galesburg 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