Athletic Trainer Salary in Murray, KY: $54,636 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Murray, KY earns a median $54,636/year (≈ $26.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Murray's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $61,183 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the athletic trainer salary in Murray, KY is projected to be $54,636, which reflects a significant gap compared to the national median of $65,415. Local salaries range from $46,864 at the 10th percentile to $73,771 at the 90th percentile, showcasing variances across different employment settings. These figures are estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost of living. Athletic trainers in Murray often face the choice between school-year contracts typical in high school settings and year-round positions in industrial environments, where salaries can be considerably higher. Such dynamics create a unique job market for athletic trainers in this small yet vibrant college town.
About the Murray Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,864 | $22.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,776 | $24.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,636 | $26.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,997 | $30.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,771 | $35.47 |
Median Salary Position
16.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Murray
In Murray, KY, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,907 (2026 est.). At $54,636, the local median is 16.48% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Murray: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Murray Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Murray median: $54,636/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Murray Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $58,434 | -6.50% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -16.48% less |
Athletic Trainers in Murray, KY earn a median of $54,636 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.48% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 6.50% below the Kentucky state average of $58,434.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Murray 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.
Murray, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $54,636 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,183 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,458
2025 BLS Actual
$52,218
2026 Current Est.
$54,636
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,458 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,644 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,441 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,968 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,384 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,432 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,218 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,636 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,165 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Murray metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $40,458 (2019) to $52,218 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,165 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,707 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murray 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) | $46,864 – $50,776 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,776 – $54,636 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,636 – $63,997 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,997 – $73,771 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Murray
There are currently four athletic trainers employed in Murray, highlighting a niche job market in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 89.3, take-home pay may stretch further than in regions with higher living costs, offering practical benefits despite lower salaries compared to the national average. In terms of potential employers, secondary schools and local colleges typically pay less, while industrial settings like Toyota and Boeing could offer better compensation due to the year-round nature of their contracts. The difference in pay often depends on various factors such as job setting, the role level held (head versus assistant), and any additional certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT. To maximize earning potential, athletic trainers should consider pursuing opportunities in industrial and occupational health, seeking positions that align with their skills while embracing certifications that can enhance their qualifications.
More salary data for Murray, KY:
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 $52,218 for athletic trainersin the Murray 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 Murray 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