Athletic Trainer Salary in Laurel, MS: $43,836 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Laurel, MS earns a median $43,836/year (≈ $21.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Laurel's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $51,151 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
As of 2026, the projected annual salary for athletic trainers in Laurel, MS, stands at $43,836, reflecting the increasing demand and evolving educational requirements in this field following the 2022 transition to a master’s degree for entry-level positions. Salaries range from $36,770 at the 10th percentile to $58,167 at the 90th percentile, showcasing significant variability based on experience and setting. These figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price levels, indicate a local compensation structure that is notably lower than the national median salary of $65,415. With only six athletic trainers currently employed in Laurel, the job market remains competitive, making it essential for aspiring professionals to explore opportunities in diverse settings for better compensation outcomes.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,770 | $17.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,136 | $19.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,836 | $21.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,845 | $24.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58,167 | $27.97 |
Median Salary Position
32.99% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laurel
In Laurel, MS, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,397 (2026 est.). At $43,836, the local median is 32.99% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laurel: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Laurel Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Laurel median: $43,836/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laurel Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $47,390 | -7.50% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -32.99% less |
Athletic Trainers in Laurel, MS earn a median of $43,836 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.99% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 7.50% below the Mississippi state average of $47,390.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laurel has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Laurel, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $43,836 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,151 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,461
2025 BLS Actual
$41,896
2026 Current Est.
$43,836
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,461 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,412 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,447 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,079 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,045 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,896 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,836 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,865 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laurel metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $32,461 (2019) to $41,896 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,865 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,404 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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) | $36,770 – $40,136 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,136 – $43,836 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,836 – $50,845 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,845 – $58,167 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Laurel
From a market perspective, athletic trainer pay in Laurel is influenced by the local cost of living index, which stands at 85.7—indicating a more affordable living environment compared to the national average. This lower cost can enhance the purchasing power of athletic trainers, despite the salaries being below the national average. While secondary schools often employ athletic trainers, opportunities exist at higher-paying venues such as collegiate athletics and industrial settings, where employers like Toyota and Boeing typically offer better compensation packages. Several factors contribute to the salary divide; head athletic trainers earn significantly more than assistants, and year-round positions in industrial settings tend to offer higher salaries than seasonal roles in schools. To maximize earnings in Laurel, potential trainers should seek additional certifications, such as the CSCS or OCS-AT, and consider strategic shifts into industrial health roles, which provide greater financial incentives.
More salary data for Laurel, MS:
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 $41,896 for athletic trainersin the Laurel 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 Laurel 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