Athletic Trainer Salary in University City, MO: $61,788 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in University City, MO earns a median $61,788/year (≈ $29.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in University City's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $68,960 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median athletic trainer salary in University City, Missouri, is $61,788, which relatively falls below the national median of $65,415. This compensation landscape demonstrates a noteworthy pay gap, particularly because athletic trainers in industrial settings often command higher wages than those in traditional sports environments. The salary range for athletic trainers in this region spans from $48,376 at the 10th percentile to $82,466 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, considering local economic factors and cost adjustments in the area. As competition among employers grows, the job market for athletic trainers in University City reflects ongoing shifts between different hiring environments and their compensation structures.
About the University City Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,376 | $23.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,372 | $26.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,788 | $29.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,785 | $34.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,466 | $39.64 |
Median Salary Position
5.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University City
In University City, MO, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,090 (2026 est.). At $61,788, the local median is 5.54% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How University City Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
University City median: $61,788/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $62,666 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -5.54% less |
Athletic Trainers in University City, MO earn a median of $61,788 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.54% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $62,666.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University 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.
University City, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $61,788 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,960 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,755
2025 BLS Actual
$59,054
2026 Current Est.
$61,788
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,755 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,096 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,736 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,855 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,718 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,934 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,054 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,788 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,649 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University City metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $45,755 (2019) to $59,054 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,649 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,894 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University 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) | $48,376 – $54,372 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,372 – $61,788 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,788 – $72,785 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,785 – $82,466 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in University City
The local job market for athletic trainers shows limited opportunities, with only six professionals currently employed in University City, indicating a smaller yet potentially competitive field. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 89.6, this means that take-home earnings might not stretch as far as in higher-cost areas. Employers in the region encompass high schools, colleges, and outpatient clinics but typically offer varying pay scales. The greatest compensation is typically seen within professional sports teams, although those positions are scarcer. Factors driving salary disparities here include workplace setting—where industrial roles can often exceed salaries from educational institutions—alongside contract terms, position level, and any additional credentials that can enhance one's earning potential. To maximize pay in this market, athletic trainers should seek certifications beyond basic qualification, consider roles that offer stipends for extra events, and pursue head positions rather than assistant roles to leverage higher compensation opportunities.
More salary data for University 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 $59,054 for athletic trainersin the University 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 University 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