Athletic Trainer Salary in Ridgeland, MS: $45,507 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Ridgeland, MS earns a median $45,507/year (≈ $21.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Ridgeland's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $53,100 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
As of 2026, the projected earnings for athletic trainers in Ridgeland, MS, stand at a median annual salary of $45,507. When contextualized against the national median of $65,415, it becomes evident that local compensation lags by nearly 30.43%. The salary range for this profession in the area extends from $37,155 at the 10th percentile to $59,310 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a diverse income potential based on experience and setting. These figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differences, reflect the realities of a small market with opportunities influenced predominantly by local demand and the ongoing impact of the master's degree requirement that transitioned in 2022.
About the Ridgeland Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,155 | $17.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,752 | $20.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,507 | $21.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,084 | $25.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,310 | $28.51 |
Median Salary Position
30.43% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ridgeland
In Ridgeland, MS, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,155 (2026 est.). At $45,507, the local median is 30.43% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ridgeland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ridgeland Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Ridgeland median: $45,507/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ridgeland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $47,403 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -30.43% less |
Athletic Trainers in Ridgeland, MS earn a median of $45,507 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.43% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.00% below the Mississippi state average of $47,403.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ridgeland 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.
Ridgeland, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $45,507 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,100 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,698
2025 BLS Actual
$43,493
2026 Current Est.
$45,507
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Ridgeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,698 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,686 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,684 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,455 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,495 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,493 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,507 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,614 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ridgeland metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $33,698 (2019) to $43,493 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,614 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,916 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ridgeland 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) | $37,155 – $42,752 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,752 – $45,507 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,507 – $52,084 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,084 – $59,310 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Ridgeland
The athletic training job market in Ridgeland features a compact cohort of just five professionals, but it mirrors the economic landscape of the region, which has a cost-of-living index of 85.7—below the national average. This lower cost of living means that while salaries may appear modest, the take-home purchasing power can be relatively favorable. Among local employers, secondary schools tend to offer entry-level positions, while industrial or occupational health roles—often tied to companies like Toyota or FedEx—can provide significantly higher salaries. Factors affecting salary variances include the nature of the employment setting, with positions in professional sports generally commanding higher pay compared to high school athletic trainers. To enhance compensation in Ridgeland, aspiring athletic trainers can focus on obtaining certifications, such as the CSCS or OCS-AT, and pursuing roles that may include evening and weekend stipends, as these can substantially enhance overall income.
More salary data for Ridgeland, 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 $43,493 for athletic trainersin the Ridgeland 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 Ridgeland 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