Athletic Trainer Salary in Missoula, MT: $50,342 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Missoula, MT earns a median $50,342/year (≈ $24.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Missoula's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $52,331 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the athletic trainer salary in Missoula, MT, is projected to reach a median of $50,342. This figure reflects the regional market conditions, where compensation ranges from $40,009 at the 10th percentile to $71,587 at the 90th percentile. While some professionals may earn higher salaries, particularly in industrial settings or Division I sports, overall athletic trainer pay in Missoula lags approximately 23% behind the national median of $65,415. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, indicate that while Missoula has a secure market for employment, the local compensation may not fully reflect the advanced qualifications required by the field, especially since a master's degree is now mandatory for entry-level positions as of 2022.
About the Missoula Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,009 | $19.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,925 | $21.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,342 | $24.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,385 | $29.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,587 | $34.41 |
Median Salary Position
23.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Missoula
In Missoula, MT, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,578 (2026 est.). At $50,342, the local median is 23.04% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Missoula: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Missoula Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Missoula median: $50,342/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Missoula Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $51,474 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -23.04% less |
Athletic Trainers in Missoula, MT earn a median of $50,342 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.04% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.20% below the Montana state average of $51,474.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Missoula has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Missoula, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $50,342 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,331 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,278
2025 BLS Actual
$48,114
2026 Current Est.
$50,342
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Missoula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,278 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,371 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,263 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,434 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,582 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,920 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,114 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,342 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,672 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Missoula metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $37,278 (2019) to $48,114 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,672 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,394 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Missoula 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) | $40,009 – $44,925 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,925 – $50,342 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,342 – $60,385 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,385 – $71,587 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Missoula
Across Missoula, 16 athletic trainers contribute to the local athletic scene, serving various educational institutions and clinics. The cost of living index in Missoula currently sits at 96.2, indicating that while expenses are slightly lower than the national average, earning potential remains a factor for prospective trainers. To maximize earnings, professionals should consider opportunities in colleges and universities or industrial health, where salaries tend to be higher due to the demand for specialized training. Factors influencing the pay disparity include the employment setting—athletic trainers in professional sports generally earn more than those in secondary schools—and the nature of their roles, with head trainers often commanding higher salaries than assistants. Obtaining additional certifications and seeking year-round contracts could also enhance earning potential and better position trainers in Missoula's competitive job market.
More salary data for Missoula, MT:
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 $48,114 for athletic trainersin the Missoula 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 Missoula 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