Athletic Trainer Salary in Worcester, MA: $63,845 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Worcester, MA earns a median $63,845/year (≈ $30.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Worcester's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.5), that paycheck buys what $62,274 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.0% below the Massachusetts state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Worcester, Massachusetts, the projected median annual salary for athletic trainers in 2026 is $63,845, which trails the national average of $65,415 by approximately 2.40%. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $51,760, while experienced trainers can command up to $94,554. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected to 2026, reflects the ongoing evolution of the athletic training field, especially in settings like industrial health, which often pays considerably more than traditional sports environments. Worcester’s job market for athletic trainers is influenced by various factors, including the dominance of high schools and outpatient clinics.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,760 | $24.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,185 | $27.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,845 | $30.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,268 | $38.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,554 | $45.46 |
Median Salary Position
2.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Worcester
In Worcester, MA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,794 (2026 est.). At $63,845, the local median is 2.4% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Worcester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Worcester Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Worcester median: $63,845/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Worcester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $70,939 | -10.00% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -2.40% less |
Athletic Trainers in Worcester, MA earn a median of $63,845 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.40% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 10.00% below the Massachusetts state average of $70,939.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Worcester has a cost of living 2.52% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Worcester, MA has a cost-of-living index of 102.523 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,845 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,274 — a 2.46% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$48,560
2025 BLS Actual
$61,020
2026 Current Est.
$63,845
2019–2027 Growth
+37.6%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Worcester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,560 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,840 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,350 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,510 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,790 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,020 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,845 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,801 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Worcester metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 25.7% from $48,560 (2019) to $61,020 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,801 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,241 (37.56%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Worcester 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) | $51,760 – $58,185 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,185 – $63,845 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,845 – $79,268 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,268 – $94,554 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Worcester
Examining the local job market reveals that there are currently 60 athletic trainers employed in Worcester, MA. The cost of living index in the area stands at 102.523, suggesting that while salaries may seem competitive, take-home purchasing power could be impacted by higher living expenses. Among local employers, secondary schools typically offer lower pay compared to positions in colleges, universities, and particularly industrial settings, which are known for offering salaries substantially higher than many athletic trainer roles in academic environments. The disparity in pay can often be traced to factors such as contract length and specific employer needs. Athletic trainers focused on maximizing their earnings in the Worcester market should seek opportunities in year-round roles, pursue additional certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT, and consider positions with a wider scope of responsibilities, such as head athletic trainer roles or those requiring availability for evening and weekend events.
More salary data for Worcester, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Worcester, MA in 2026?
Is Worcester, MA a good place to work as a athletic trainer?
Can athletic trainers make $100K in Worcester?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Worcester?
How much does a athletic trainer make per hour in Worcester?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 $61,020 for athletic trainersin the Worcester 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