Athletic Trainer Salary in Ashland, KY: $68,151 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Ashland, KY earns a median $68,151/year (≈ $32.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Ashland's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $76,317 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 16.7% above the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the context of Ashland, KY, athletic trainers command a median annual salary of $68,151, reflecting a competitive edge over the national average, which stands at $65,415. This local compensation is influenced significantly by the prevalence of industrial athletic training roles, which tend to offer higher pay compared to traditional sports settings. Within the projected salary range of $54,335 at the lower end and $90,134 at the higher end, these figures represent estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted to reflect regional cost considerations. Such dynamics highlight the distinct job market in Ashland, setting it apart from areas with a more typical concentration of athletic training strictly within schools and colleges.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,335 | $26.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,557 | $29.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,151 | $32.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,661 | $37.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,134 | $43.34 |
Median Salary Position
4.18% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ashland
In Ashland, KY, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,799 (2026 est.). At $68,151, the local median is 4.18% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ashland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ashland Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Ashland median: $68,151/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ashland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $58,398 | +16.70% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +4.18% more |
Athletic Trainers in Ashland, KY earn a median of $68,151 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.18% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 16.70% above the Kentucky state average of $58,398.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ashland has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ashland, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $68,151 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $76,317 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$50,466
2025 BLS Actual
$65,135
2026 Current Est.
$68,151
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Ashland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,466 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,945 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,445 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,092 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,353 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,175 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,135 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,151 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,306 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ashland metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $50,466 (2019) to $65,135 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,306 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,840 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashland 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) | $54,335 – $60,557 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,557 – $68,151 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,151 – $78,661 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,661 – $90,134 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Ashland
The job market for athletic trainers in Ashland consists of a small yet vital group of four professionals currently employed in the field. With a cost of living index of 89.3, the financial landscape allows for greater purchasing power than many other regions, making the compensation more appealing. Employers like Toyota and FedEx, as well as outpatient clinics, often provide some of the highest salaries, given the nature of their operations requiring specialized health services. The disparity in earning potential arises from various factors, including the type of employment setting — industrial roles generally offer more stable and lucrative contracts than high school positions. Additionally, trainers who hold certifications and take on evening or weekend responsibilities can command higher stipends. For those seeking to maximize their pay within this specific market, developing both specialized skills and diversifying work experience can be essential strategic moves.
More salary data for Ashland, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Ashland, KY in 2026?
Is Ashland, KY a good place to work as a athletic trainer?
Can athletic trainers make $100K in Ashland?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Ashland?
How much does a athletic trainer make per hour in Ashland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 $65,135 for athletic trainersin the Ashland 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 Ashland 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