Athletic Trainer Salary in Needham, MA: $69,735 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Needham, MA earns a median $69,735/year (≈ $33.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Needham's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $64,272 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projection for athletic trainer salaries in Needham, Massachusetts, stands at a median of $69,735, reflecting a notable increase compared to the national median of $65,415. This salary reveals a competitive range with entry-level positions starting around $54,201 while seasoned professionals can earn up to $95,075. These figures, drawn from 2025 BLS data, are adjusted for local cost-of-living variables and take into account the master's degree requirement instituted in 2022 for new entrants into the profession. As a result, this shift continues to shape the compensation landscape for athletic trainers in Needham, who are experiencing significant demand driven by the community's investment in health and wellness.
About the Needham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,201 | $26.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,073 | $29.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,735 | $33.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,863 | $39.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,075 | $45.71 |
Median Salary Position
6.60% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Needham
In Needham, MA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,874 (2026 est.). At $69,735, the local median is 6.6% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Needham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Needham Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Needham median: $69,735/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Needham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $70,941 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +6.60% more |
Athletic Trainers in Needham, MA earn a median of $69,735 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.60% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $70,941.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Needham has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Needham, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,735 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,272 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,639
2025 BLS Actual
$66,649
2026 Current Est.
$69,735
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Needham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,639 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,153 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,618 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,396 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,756 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,491 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,649 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,735 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,964 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Needham metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $51,639 (2019) to $66,649 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,964 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,325 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Needham 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) | $54,201 – $61,073 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,073 – $69,735 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,735 – $81,863 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,863 – $95,075 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Needham
The job market for athletic trainers in Needham features six current professionals, indicating a specialized yet limited employment landscape. The area's cost of living index, which is at 108.5, suggests that while salaries appear robust, actual purchasing power may be diminished compared to national averages. This environment spurs competition among employers, especially in varying sectors such as secondary schools, colleges, and occupational health settings like Toyota and FedEx, where compensation can vary substantially. Generally, roles in professional sports settings command higher salaries than those traditionally found in educational institutions. Factors influencing salary disparity include the nature of the contract (year-round versus school-year), the distinction between head and assistant trainers, plus additional stipends for events outside regular hours. To maximize earnings, aspiring athletic trainers in Needham should consider pursuing diverse experience and additional certifications, as specialized credentials often attract higher pay offers in both sports and industrial occupational health environments.
More salary data for Needham, 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 $66,649 for athletic trainersin the Needham 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 Needham 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