Athletic Trainer Salary in Jefferson City, MO: $59,706 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Jefferson City, MO earns a median $59,706/year (≈ $28.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Jefferson City's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $66,636 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, athletic trainers in Jefferson City, Missouri, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $59,706, which falls below the national median of $65,415. Local salaries range significantly from $48,108 at the 10th percentile to $83,812 at the 90th percentile, reflecting varying roles, settings, and experience levels. These figures represent estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments. The choice between school-year contracts typically found in educational institutions and year-round positions, often in industrial settings, plays a significant role in financial outcomes for athletic trainers in this city.
About the Jefferson City Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,108 | $23.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,687 | $25.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,706 | $28.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,421 | $34.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,812 | $40.29 |
Median Salary Position
8.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jefferson City
In Jefferson City, MO, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,704 (2026 est.). At $59,706, the local median is 8.73% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jefferson City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Jefferson City Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Jefferson City median: $59,706/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jefferson City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $62,651 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -8.73% less |
Athletic Trainers in Jefferson City, MO earn a median of $59,706 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.73% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.70% below the Missouri state average of $62,651.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jefferson City has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jefferson City, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $59,706 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,636 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,213
2025 BLS Actual
$57,064
2026 Current Est.
$59,706
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Jefferson City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,213 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,509 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,194 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,141 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,875 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,386 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,064 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,706 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,470 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jefferson City metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $44,213 (2019) to $57,064 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,470 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,257 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jefferson City 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) | $48,108 – $53,687 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,687 – $59,706 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,706 – $71,421 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,421 – $83,812 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Jefferson City
Currently, there are eight athletic trainers employed in Jefferson City, indicating a niche but growing local job market. The cost of living index stands at 89.6, which suggests that while salaries may trail national averages, purchasing power remains relatively stable for residents. Among employers, those in industrial or occupational health settings, such as major companies like Toyota and FedEx, tend to offer the highest pay, with salaries notably above typical educational institutions. Factors driving the disparity in athletic trainer pay in Jefferson City include the nature of the employment setting—professional sports usually command higher salaries compared to high school positions—roles such as head versus assistant trainer, and additional responsibilities like weekend event coverage. For those looking to maximize their athletic trainer pay in Jefferson City, pursuing specialized certifications and leveraging the unique advantages of industrial roles are practical strategies for enhancing earning potential in this competitive environment.
More salary data for Jefferson City, MO:
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 $57,064 for athletic trainersin the Jefferson City 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 Jefferson City 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