Athletic Trainer Salary in Oak Lawn, IL: $61,894 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Oak Lawn, IL earns a median $61,894/year (≈ $29.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Oak Lawn's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $63,743 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Oak Lawn, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $61,894. With a salary range spanning from $48,589 at the lower end (P10) to $87,578 at the upper end (P90), the compensation reflects local market conditions. These figures are estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted to account for regional price parities. The decision between a school-year contract and a year-round industrial position often influences earnings potential; typically, the latter offers higher compensation due to ongoing demand in settings such as occupational health. This dynamic presents unique opportunities for athletic trainers seeking to maximize their earning potential in the Oak Lawn area.
About the Oak Lawn Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,589 | $23.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,619 | $25.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,894 | $29.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,981 | $35.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,578 | $42.10 |
Median Salary Position
5.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Lawn
In Oak Lawn, IL, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,989 (2026 est.). At $61,894, the local median is 5.38% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oak Lawn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oak Lawn Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Oak Lawn median: $61,894/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oak Lawn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $63,546 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -5.38% less |
Athletic Trainers in Oak Lawn, IL earn a median of $61,894 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.38% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.60% below the Illinois state average of $63,546.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oak Lawn 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.
Oak Lawn, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $61,894 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,743 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,833
2025 BLS Actual
$59,155
2026 Current Est.
$61,894
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Oak Lawn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,833 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,176 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,814 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,942 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,812 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,878 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,155 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,894 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,760 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oak Lawn metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $45,833 (2019) to $59,155 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,760 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,927 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Lawn 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) | $48,589 – $53,619 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,619 – $61,894 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,894 – $73,981 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,981 – $87,578 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Oak Lawn
With only 14 athletic trainers currently employed in Oak Lawn, the local job market remains relatively specialized. The cost-of-living index at 97.1 indicates that Oak Lawn is more affordable than many areas, enhancing take-home purchasing power despite lower overall salaries compared to national averages. Among local employers, those involved in industrial health care, such as factories or distribution centers, tend to offer the highest pay, significantly impacting the earnings landscape. Factors contributing to the wide salary range include the distinction between high school and collegiate roles, different contract types, and any additional certifications like the CSCS or OCS-AT. To maximize compensation, aspiring athletic trainers in Oak Lawn should consider diversifying their skill set, pursuing advanced certifications, and exploring opportunities beyond traditional school settings—essential steps to elevate their athletic trainer salary in Oak Lawn.
More salary data for Oak Lawn, 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 $59,155 for athletic trainersin the Oak Lawn 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 Oak Lawn 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