Athletic Trainer Salary in Kentwood, MI: $61,121 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Kentwood, MI earns a median $61,121/year (≈ $29.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Kentwood's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $65,580 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the athletic trainer salary in Kentwood, MI, is projected to be $61,121, which is slightly below the national median of $65,415. The salary range for athletic trainers in the area spans from $48,037 at the 10th percentile to $86,084 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differences, highlight the competitive yet diverse nature of athletic trainer pay in Kentwood. The market is influenced by the presence of both industrial and traditional sports settings, creating a noticeable pay gap. In particular, athletic trainers working in industrial health settings tend to earn more than those in secondary school environments, signaling distinct pathways for professionals in this field.
About the Kentwood Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,037 | $23.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,140 | $26.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,121 | $29.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,003 | $35.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,084 | $41.39 |
Median Salary Position
6.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kentwood
In Kentwood, MI, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,047 (2026 est.). At $61,121, the local median is 6.56% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kentwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kentwood Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Kentwood median: $61,121/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kentwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $60,938 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | -6.56% less |
Athletic Trainers in Kentwood, MI earn a median of $61,121 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.56% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.30% above the Michigan state average of $60,938.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kentwood 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.
Kentwood, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $61,121 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,580 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,260
2025 BLS Actual
$58,416
2026 Current Est.
$61,121
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Kentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,260 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,587 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,242 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,306 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,127 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,754 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,416 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,121 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,951 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kentwood metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $45,260 (2019) to $58,416 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,951 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,691 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kentwood 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) | $48,037 – $54,140 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,140 – $61,121 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,121 – $73,003 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,003 – $86,084 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Kentwood
The job market for athletic trainers in Kentwood is relatively limited, with only seven professionals currently employed. However, the cost-of-living index stands at 93.2, indicating that expenses are lower than the national average, which can enhance overall purchasing power for residents. Among local employers, industrial positions, particularly with companies like Toyota and FedEx, typically offer the highest compensation, often eclipsing those available within educational institutions. Factors influencing the disparity in salaries include contractual agreements, such as the differences between school-year-only versus year-round roles, and additional responsibilities tied to evening or weekend events. To maximize pay in Kentwood, athletic trainers should pursue continuing education and certifications that increase marketability, such as Sports Certified Specialist (SCS) or creating relationships with local industries that value occupational health expertise.
More salary data for Kentwood, 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 $58,416 for athletic trainersin the Kentwood 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 Kentwood 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