Athletic Trainer Salary in Cambridge, MA: $73,413 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Cambridge, MA earns a median $73,413/year (≈ $35.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Cambridge's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $67,662 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, earning an annual salary of $73,413 as an athletic trainer in Cambridge, Massachusetts, reflects a significant advantage over the national median of $65,415. The salary range for this profession spans from $53,756 at the 10th percentile to $104,734 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the varied opportunities within the field. These estimates are derived from state-level wage data and regional cost adjustments, emphasizing the higher earnings potential that comes with specialties in industrial settings compared to traditional sports environments. This dynamic creates a notable pay gap, influencing both recruitment and retention strategies among local employers, and distinguishes Cambridge’s job market for athletic trainers.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,756 | $25.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,259 | $29.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,413 | $35.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,895 | $42.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,734 | $50.35 |
Median Salary Position
12.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cambridge
In Cambridge, MA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,978 (2026 est.). At $73,413, the local median is 12.23% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cambridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cambridge Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Cambridge median: $73,413/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cambridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $70,999 | +3.40% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +12.23% more |
Athletic Trainers in Cambridge, MA earn a median of $73,413 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.23% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 3.40% above the Massachusetts state average of $70,999.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cambridge has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cambridge, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $73,413 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,662 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,363
2025 BLS Actual
$70,164
2026 Current Est.
$73,413
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,363 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,956 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,423 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,013 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,738 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,164 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,413 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,812 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cambridge metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $54,363 (2019) to $70,164 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,812 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,449 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge 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) | $53,756 – $62,259 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,259 – $73,413 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,413 – $87,895 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,895 – $104,734 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Cambridge
The job market for athletic trainers in Cambridge consists of approximately 22 professionals, showcasing a stable demand for these specialists. With a cost-of-living index of 108.5, those in this role face higher living expenses that directly impact take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, colleges and universities often provide competitive salaries, particularly for NCAA-associated positions, while industrial health settings generally offer the best compensation. The disparity between lower and higher salaries can stem from the type of employment: professional sports typically pay more than high school roles, and factors like the nature of contracts and added responsibilities for head athletic trainers contribute to wage variability. To maximize earnings in this market, athletic trainers are encouraged to pursue advanced certifications and seek out opportunities that offer stipends for additional responsibilities, ensuring they are well-positioned within this evolving field.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Cambridge, MA in 2026?
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in Cambridge?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Cambridge?
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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 $70,164 for athletic trainersin the Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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