Athletic Trainer Salary in Boston, MA: $75,208 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Boston, MA earns a median $75,208/year (≈ $36.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Boston's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 108.3), that paycheck buys what $69,466 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% above the Massachusetts state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Athletic trainers in Boston, Massachusetts, can expect to see a median annual salary of $75,208 in 2026, putting them significantly above the national median for the profession, which is projected at $65,415. The salary range reflects a diverse market, with figures spanning from $52,901 at the 10th percentile to a high of $113,314 at the 90th percentile. This data, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2025 OEWS surveys and projected to 2026, highlights the impact of the 2022 transition to a master's degree requirement for entry-level positions, which has reshaped the compensation framework for athletic trainers in Boston. As local demand continues to rise, the job market is poised for growth within the region’s educational and athletic sectors.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,901 | $25.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,741 | $30.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,208 | $36.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,520 | $44.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,314 | $54.48 |
Median Salary Position
14.97% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boston
In Boston, MA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,413 (2026 est.). At $75,208, the local median is 14.97% above the national median of $65,415.
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At 40 hours/week in Boston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Boston Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Boston median: $75,208/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Boston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $70,951 | +6.00% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +14.97% more |
Athletic Trainers in Boston, MA earn a median of $75,208 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.97% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 6.00% above the Massachusetts state average of $70,951.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Boston has a cost of living 8.27% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Boston, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.266 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $75,208 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $69,466 — a 7.63% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,680
2025 BLS Actual
$71,880
2026 Current Est.
$75,208
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Boston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,680 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,500 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,240 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,410 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,880 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,208 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,690 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Boston metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 22.5% from $58,680 (2019) to $71,880 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,690 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,010 (34.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boston 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) | $52,901 – $63,741 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,741 – $75,208 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,208 – $91,520 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,520 – $113,314 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Boston
With approximately 490 athletic trainers employed in the Boston area, the job market is robust and competitive. However, the cost of living in Boston stands above the national average, reflected in the city's 108.266 cost-of-living index. This elevated index can exert pressure on take-home pay, so professionals often seek high-paying roles within collegiate athletics, professional sports teams, or industrial health settings. Positions at the professional level, like those affiliated with the NFL or NBA, tend to offer the highest compensation for athletic trainers. Factors that contribute to the pay variation include the level of experience, type of institution, and whether a trainer is in a head position or an assistant role, as well as additional stipends for special events. To maximize earning potential in Boston, trainers should focus on securing roles in high-paying sectors and consider obtaining additional certifications, such as the CSCS or OCS-AT, which can enhance their marketability in this competitive landscape.
More salary data for Boston, MA:
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 $71,880 for athletic trainersin the Boston 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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