Athletic Trainer Salary in Dearborn Heights, MI: $60,920 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Dearborn Heights, MI earns a median $60,920/year (≈ $29.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Dearborn Heights's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $65,365 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Dearborn Heights, MI, can expect a median annual salary of $60,920, which falls short of the national median of $65,415 by approximately 6.87%. This region clearly illustrates the income disparity between those employed in industrial athletic training roles versus their counterparts in traditional sports settings. The salary range for athletic trainers in Dearborn Heights spans from $45,641 at the lower end (P10) to $89,251 at the higher end (P90). These figures are derived from the 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, considering local economic factors. This market reflects how different settings can influence compensation levels, particularly as the demand for athletic trainers continues to grow.
About the Dearborn Heights Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,641 | $21.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,284 | $25.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,920 | $29.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,991 | $34.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,251 | $42.91 |
Median Salary Position
6.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dearborn Heights
In Dearborn Heights, MI, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,610 (2026 est.). At $60,920, the local median is 6.87% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dearborn Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dearborn Heights Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Dearborn Heights median: $60,920/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dearborn Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $60,981 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -6.87% less |
Athletic Trainers in Dearborn Heights, MI earn a median of $60,920 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.87% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.10% below the Michigan state average of $60,981.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dearborn Heights has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dearborn Heights, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $60,920 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,365 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,111
2025 BLS Actual
$58,224
2026 Current Est.
$60,920
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Dearborn Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,111 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,434 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,093 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,140 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,949 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,152 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,224 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,920 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,740 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dearborn Heights metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $45,111 (2019) to $58,224 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,740 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,629 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dearborn Heights 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) | $45,641 – $52,284 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,284 – $60,920 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,920 – $70,991 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,991 – $89,251 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Dearborn Heights
In Dearborn Heights, 13 athletic trainers are currently employed, highlighting a tight job market. With a cost of living index of 93.2, salaries may feel more favorable, offering better purchasing power compared to more expensive areas. Most lucrative opportunities for athletic trainers are typically found in industrial settings like factories (e.g., Toyota and Boeing) and outpatient clinics, where pay can often exceed what's offered in schools or NCAA programs. The variance in pay can be attributed to the employment setting, from professional sports to high school athletics, and whether trainers work year-round or on a school-year contract. Additional factors such as certifications—like those from the BOC or the NATA—can further elevate salaries, particularly for head athletic trainers compared to their assistant counterparts. To maximize earning potential in Dearborn Heights, individuals should consider pursuing advanced certifications and seeking roles in settings that traditionally offer higher compensation.
More salary data for Dearborn Heights, MI:
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 $58,224 for athletic trainersin the Dearborn Heights 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 Dearborn Heights 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