Athletic Trainer Salary in Muskegon, MI: $59,419 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Muskegon, MI earns a median $59,419/year (≈ $28.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Muskegon's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $63,754 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Muskegon, Michigan, the projected median annual salary for athletic trainers in 2026 is $59,419, which is notably lower than the national figure of $65,415. The salary range illustrates the diversity in this field, with entry-level positions starting at around $45,446, while the highest earners can expect around $80,255. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and include regional cost adjustments reflective of Muskegon’s relatively low cost-of-living index at 93.2. The local job market reflects a unique split, with industrial athletic trainers in settings like manufacturing potentially earning more compared to their peers in traditional high school and collegiate sports.
About the Muskegon Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,446 | $21.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,448 | $24.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,419 | $28.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,157 | $33.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,255 | $38.59 |
Median Salary Position
9.17% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Muskegon
In Muskegon, MI, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,809 (2026 est.). At $59,419, the local median is 9.17% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Muskegon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Muskegon Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Muskegon median: $59,419/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Muskegon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $60,943 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -9.17% less |
Athletic Trainers in Muskegon, MI earn a median of $59,419 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.17% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.50% below the Michigan state average of $60,943.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Muskegon 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.
Muskegon, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $59,419 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,754 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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
$44,000
2025 BLS Actual
$56,790
2026 Current Est.
$59,419
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Muskegon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,000 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,982 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,906 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,621 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,867 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,790 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,419 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,170 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Muskegon metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $44,000 (2019) to $56,790 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,170 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,170 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muskegon 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) | $45,446 – $51,448 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,448 – $59,419 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,419 – $69,157 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,157 – $80,255 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Muskegon
Currently, there are seven athletic trainers employed in Muskegon, a number that may seem small but reflects the specific demand for these professionals. The relatively low cost of living, at 93.2, contributes positively to the purchasing power of athletic trainers, making salaries more competitive when adjusted against living expenses. Employers that traditionally pay more include industrial or occupational health settings, such as those associated with major corporations like Toyota and Boeing, compared to public schools or NCAA institutions. Factors influencing the disparity in salaries include the nature of the employment setting, contracts (year-round versus academic-year), and potential obligations for evening or weekend events, which can often come with additional stipends. Athletic trainers looking to maximize their pay in Muskegon should consider pursuing certifications from organizations like the NATA and gaining experience in higher-paying industrial environments, thus enhancing their marketability.
More salary data for Muskegon, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Muskegon, MI in 2026?
Is Muskegon, MI a good place to work as a athletic trainer?
Can athletic trainers make $100K in Muskegon?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Muskegon?
How much does a athletic trainer make per hour in Muskegon?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Michigan
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 $56,790 for athletic trainersin the Muskegon 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 Muskegon 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