Athletic Trainer Salary in Topeka, KS: $60,036 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Topeka, KS earns a median $60,036/year (≈ $28.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Topeka's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $66,046 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the athletic trainer salary in Topeka is projected to reach a median of $60,036, reflecting the significant changes in the field due to the transition to a master's-degree requirement in 2022. This figure is slightly below the national median of $65,415, with local salaries ranging from $43,185 at the 10th percentile to as high as $88,530 for those in the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations, indicating the ongoing evolution of compensation in Topeka's athletic training landscape. Employers in this market are adapting to the newly qualified workforce, impacting starting salaries and the overall job market dynamics for athletic trainers.
About the Topeka Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,185 | $20.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,893 | $25.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,036 | $28.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,592 | $35.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,530 | $42.56 |
Median Salary Position
8.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Topeka
In Topeka, KS, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,345 (2026 est.). At $60,036, the local median is 8.22% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Topeka: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Topeka Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Topeka median: $60,036/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Topeka Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $59,441 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | -8.22% less |
Athletic Trainers in Topeka, KS earn a median of $60,036 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.22% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.00% above the Kansas state average of $59,441.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Topeka has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Topeka, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $60,036 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,046 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,457
2025 BLS Actual
$57,379
2026 Current Est.
$60,036
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,457 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,760 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,438 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,413 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,166 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,723 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,379 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,036 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,815 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Topeka metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $44,457 (2019) to $57,379 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,815 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,358 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Topeka 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) | $43,185 – $53,893 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,893 – $60,036 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,036 – $73,592 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,592 – $88,530 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Topeka
Despite the lower median than the national average, the athletic trainer pay in Topeka, KS, reflects the unique job market, with 21 professionals currently employed in this field. The local cost-of-living index is pegged at 90.9, suggesting that purchasing power may be relatively strong for those in this profession. Pay tends to differ significantly based on the setting; those working with professional sports teams typically command higher salaries than those in high school athletic training roles. The variation often stems from the type of contract, whether year-round or school-year, as well as responsibilities like leading training programs versus supporting roles. To maximize earnings, athletic trainers in Topeka should consider seeking positions in industrial or occupational health environments, such as those at Toyota or FedEx, where compensation can be 30-50% higher than in educational settings. Gaining additional certifications, such as Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), can also enhance marketability and potentially lead to increased pay.
More salary data for Topeka, KS:
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 $57,379 for athletic trainersin the Topeka 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 Topeka 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