Athletic Trainer Salary in Hastings, NE: $58,396 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Hastings, NE earns a median $58,396/year (≈ $28.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Hastings's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $63,821 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The athletic trainer salary in Hastings, NE, is projected to be $58,396 in 2026, reflecting the impact of the master's degree requirement for entry into the profession established in 2022. With salaries ranging from $44,764 at the 10th percentile to $78,990 at the 90th percentile, these figures illustrate the varied compensation levels based on experience, qualifications, and job settings. Local estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, which stands at 91.5, suggesting affordability below the national average. For aspiring athletic trainers, this presents a unique opportunity in Hastings's job market, indicating a strong workforce potential and the evolving economic landscape within the field.
About the Hastings Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,764 | $21.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,636 | $24.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,396 | $28.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,038 | $32.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,990 | $37.98 |
Median Salary Position
10.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hastings
In Hastings, NE, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,226 (2026 est.). At $58,396, the local median is 10.73% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hastings: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hastings Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Hastings median: $58,396/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hastings Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $59,832 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -10.73% less |
Athletic Trainers in Hastings, NE earn a median of $58,396 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.73% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.40% below the Nebraska state average of $59,832.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hastings has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hastings, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $58,396 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,821 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$43,243
2025 BLS Actual
$55,812
2026 Current Est.
$58,396
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Hastings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,243 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,225 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,063 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,714 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,420 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,812 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,396 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,100 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hastings metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $43,243 (2019) to $55,812 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,100 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,857 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hastings 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) | $44,764 – $50,636 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,636 – $58,396 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,396 – $68,038 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,038 – $78,990 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Hastings
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are currently five athletic trainers employed in Hastings, indicating a niche yet stable demand for professionals in various settings. With a cost of living index at 91.5, take-home pay offers better purchasing power compared to more expensive areas. Among local employers, secondary schools typically provide lower pay, while colleges, universities, and occupational health settings such as Toyota or FedEx may offer higher salaries due to the need for specialized skills and year-round contracts. Factors driving income variation include the contract type, ranging from part-time school roles to full-time positions in industrial health, as well as certifications like CSCS that can enhance marketability. To maximize pay, potential trainers in Hastings should focus on gaining additional credentials, considering roles in high-paying industries, and being open to flexible work arrangements that can often lead to better financial opportunities.
More salary data for Hastings, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Hastings, NE in 2026?
Is Hastings, NE a good place to work as a athletic trainer?
Can athletic trainers make $100K in Hastings?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Hastings?
How much does a athletic trainer make per hour in Hastings?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Nebraska
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 $55,812 for athletic trainersin the Hastings 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 Hastings 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