Athletic Trainer Salary in Richmond, KY: $57,517 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Richmond, KY earns a median $57,517/year (≈ $27.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Richmond's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $64,409 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Richmond, KY, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $57,517. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $65,415, reflecting a difference of approximately 12.07%. Salaries for athletic trainers in the area range from $44,728 at the 10th percentile to $76,802 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse job market with varying compensation levels. These estimates are drawn from BLS state-level data and account for regional cost adjustments. The transition to a master’s degree requirement for entry into the profession, effective in 2022, has further influenced salary expectations, as new graduates possess advanced credentials that are reshaping compensation dynamics in Richmond.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,728 | $21.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,524 | $24.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,517 | $27.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,645 | $32.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,802 | $36.92 |
Median Salary Position
12.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richmond
In Richmond, KY, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,074 (2026 est.). At $57,517, the local median is 12.07% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Richmond: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Richmond Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Richmond median: $57,517/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richmond Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $58,393 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -12.07% less |
Athletic Trainers in Richmond, KY earn a median of $57,517 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.07% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.50% below the Kentucky state average of $58,393.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richmond 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.
Richmond, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $57,517 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,409 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,592
2025 BLS Actual
$54,972
2026 Current Est.
$57,517
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,592 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,840 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,574 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,340 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,936 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,722 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,972 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,517 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,180 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richmond metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $42,592 (2019) to $54,972 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,180 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,588 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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) | $44,728 – $50,524 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,524 – $57,517 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,517 – $67,645 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,645 – $76,802 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Richmond
The local athletic training job market in Richmond is relatively small, with only five athletic trainers currently employed. The cost-of-living index in Richmond stands at 89.3, which suggests that while salaries may be lower compared to national averages, the purchasing power for residents can remain quite manageable. Employers that typically offer the most competitive compensation include colleges and universities, along with potential opportunities in industrial settings, such as factories that may pay significantly more than roles in secondary schools. The disparity in pay can often be attributed to factors such as the type of institution, the nature of employment contracts, and additional responsibilities like evening events or specialized certifications. To maximize salary potential, athletic trainers in Richmond should actively seek positions in industrial health settings or pursue advanced certifications, as these paths can lead to better compensation opportunities while fulfilling the rigorous requirements set forth by the NATA and BOC.
More salary data for Richmond, 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 $54,972 for athletic trainersin the Richmond 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 Richmond 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