Athletic Trainer Salary in New Bedford, MA: $71,504 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in New Bedford, MA earns a median $71,504/year (≈ $34.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in New Bedford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $65,902 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Bedford, Massachusetts, the projected athletic trainer salary in 2026 reflects a competitive landscape, with a median annual income of $71,504, surpassing the national average of $65,415 by 9.31%. The salary range extends from $56,800 at the lower end (P10) to $100,494 at the upper tier (P90), indicating significant potential for growth within this profession. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, reflecting the unique economic and employment conditions in New Bedford. With the local job market supporting 24 athletic trainers, professionals in this field have a solid foothold, particularly when considering the varying settings in which they work.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,800 | $27.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,004 | $30.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,504 | $34.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,709 | $40.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,494 | $48.32 |
Median Salary Position
9.31% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Bedford
In New Bedford, MA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,694 (2026 est.). At $71,504, the local median is 9.31% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in New Bedford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How New Bedford Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
New Bedford median: $71,504/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Bedford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $71,007 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +9.31% more |
Athletic Trainers in New Bedford, MA earn a median of $71,504 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.31% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $71,007.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Bedford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
New Bedford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,504 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,902 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,949
2025 BLS Actual
$68,340
2026 Current Est.
$71,504
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,949 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,501 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,927 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,852 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,323 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,330 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,340 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,504 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,815 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Bedford metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $52,949 (2019) to $68,340 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,815 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,866 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bedford 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) | $56,800 – $64,004 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,004 – $71,504 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,504 – $84,709 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,709 – $100,494 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in New Bedford
The cost-of-living index in New Bedford, sitting at 108.5, signifies that while pay is relatively strong, local purchasing power is somewhat diminished compared to national averages. Among the potential employers, secondary schools often provide the lowest compensation, while collegiate athletic programs and industrial health environments, like those with large corporations such as Toyota and Boeing, may offer higher pay. The variation in athletic trainer pay in New Bedford, MA, arises from factors such as the setting—where professional sports generally command the highest salaries, followed by industrial roles—alongside the distinction between school-year contract work and year-round positions. Additionally, roles can vary significantly in terms of responsibility; head athletic trainers typically earn more than assistants. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing certifications, seeking positions with evening or weekend stipends, and targeting job opportunities in higher-paying sectors can enhance overall pay in this vibrant market.
More salary data for New Bedford, 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 $68,340 for athletic trainersin the New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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