Athletic Trainer Salary in Skokie, IL: $62,095 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Skokie, IL earns a median $62,095/year (≈ $29.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Skokie's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $63,950 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The transition to a master's degree requirement for athletic trainers in 2022 has significantly influenced compensation in the field. In Skokie, Illinois, the projected median annual salary for athletic trainers in 2026 stands at $62,095, which is approximately 8% below the national median of $65,415. Salaries span a range from $49,256 at the 10th percentile to $88,062 at the 90th percentile. These figures derive from 2025 BLS estimates, adjusted for local cost considerations. With a workforce of only 12 athletic trainers currently employed, Skokie presents a unique job market where competition for positions may remain limited, further shaping salary dynamics in the area.
About the Skokie Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,256 | $23.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,031 | $25.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,095 | $29.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,483 | $35.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,062 | $42.33 |
Median Salary Position
5.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Skokie
In Skokie, IL, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,806 (2026 est.). At $62,095, the local median is 5.08% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Skokie: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Skokie Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Skokie median: $62,095/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Skokie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $63,492 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -5.08% less |
Athletic Trainers in Skokie, IL earn a median of $62,095 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.08% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.20% below the Illinois state average of $63,492.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Skokie 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.
Skokie, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $62,095 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,950 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,982
2025 BLS Actual
$59,347
2026 Current Est.
$62,095
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Skokie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,982 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,330 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,963 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,108 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,990 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,057 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,347 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,095 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,970 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Skokie metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $45,982 (2019) to $59,347 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,970 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,988 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Skokie 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) | $49,256 – $54,031 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,031 – $62,095 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,095 – $74,483 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,483 – $88,062 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Skokie
The local job market offers various settings for athletic trainers, each with differing compensation levels and job expectations. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, professionals in Skokie find that their earnings allow for reasonable purchasing power, though the discrepancies in pay can be significant. High school athletic trainers typically earn less than their counterparts in collegiate or professional settings, where salaries can reflect the demands of year-round contracts and additional responsibilities. Those working in industrial or occupational health environments can command higher pay, often 30-50% above traditional school roles. To maximize earning potential, aspiring athletic trainers should seek certifications that enhance their marketability and consider positions that offer stipends for evening and weekend responsibilities. Integrating into robust networks through organizations like NATA or holding advanced credentials can further elevate athletic trainer pay in Skokie, IL.
More salary data for Skokie, 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 $59,347 for athletic trainersin the Skokie 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 Skokie 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